innovate! Fund

We promote interdisciplinary groups of researchers who are working together to develop application-oriented solutions to existential challenges such as climate change or resource scarcity.

We are particularly looking for projects that can no longer be classified as basic research, but are also not yet sufficiently developed to be implemented directly by profit-oriented companies – because this is precisely where we believe there is great untapped potential for the emergence of transformative innovations.

Digital info session

In our info session, we will be happy to answer all your questions about the "innovate! Fund"

When: March 27, 10:00 - 11:30 a.m.

Our funding complements traditional third-party funding programs, which often focus on basic research and discipline-specific projects. Such programs usually prefer projects with a high likelihood of success and rarely take major risks.

With the "innovate! Fund", we take a different approach: our program specifically promotes interdisciplinary projects that are application-oriented and pursue a clear transfer approach. We also explicitly encourage researchers to develop high-risk and pioneering approaches of the kind that are often not considered by traditional funding programs.

We will support up to three projects with 1,000,000 euros each. These projects must take an interdisciplinary approach to research ways out of dependence on fossil raw materials.

The fund focuses on the innovative use or production of biogenic resources, particularly in areas that up to now have been heavily dependent on fossil raw materials. This includes resource-saving approaches such as the use of biogenic residual and waste materials or projects on new possibilities for coupled and cascading use. The development and testing of innovative cultivation systems, pioneering approaches to multifunctional land use and the use of new types of biomass can also be supported through the fund.

Each project is supported with up to 1,000,000 euros over a maximum period of five years. We also grant a high degree of research freedom – particularly with regard to administrative expenses and reporting.

For example, costs for personnel and materials, rental of infrastructure and travel expenses are eligible for funding. Granted funds may not be used to cover institutional administrative costs (overhead).

Teams of at least three researchers from different disciplines working at a German university or research institution (public or private non-profit organizations) are eligible to apply.

The call for applications is regionally focused on the northern federal states:

Brandenburg
Berlin
Bremen
Hamburg
Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania
Lower Saxony
North Rhine-Westphalia
Schleswig-Holstein
Saxony-Anhalt

Documents to be submitted:

Generally understandable summary of how the project contributes to a fossil-free future
Abstract of the project
Description of the scientific project
Rough schedule with milestones
Bibliography
CVs of the people involved
Cost plan
Consent of the institution to manage the project

For download:

The application window ist open from March 3rd to April 30th, 2025.

Apply now

In the selection process, particular attention will be paid to transfer and innovation-oriented criteria. Preference will be given to applications deemed to contain ideas with high potential for positive social and economic transformation that are still at an early stage of technological development.

Applications are assessed and selected in a two-stage process:

In the first step, written applications will be reviewed by a jury of technical and transfer experts to be appointed by the Joachim Herz Foundation, and this group will make a pre- selection of finalists.
Selected applicants will be invited to the Joachim Herz Foundation for a pitch event, on the basis of which the above-mentioned jury will make its recommendation for the final

Criteria

The review criteria include at least

Innovation potential: The project outline is characterised by an innovative research approach with the aim of developing cutting-edge solutions for specific societal challenges. The project is characterised by a high degree of originality.
Scientific transfer: The project outline shows a clear strategy for the use of the research results for social or economic exploitation.
Interdisciplinarity: The project described in the project outline takes an interdisciplinary approach, using the joint potential of the various disciplines.
Scientific quality: The project outline contains a clear research question derived from the current state of research. The applicants’ methods and their approach are sound and appropriate to address the research question(s).
Qualification of the applicants: Applicants demonstrate outstanding knowledge and promising development potential in their field. Their previous work and activities provide an excellent basis for their future research projects.
Societal relevance: The research project makes a societally relevant contribution to sustainable development in the field of a fossil-free future.
Sustainability: The research project supports a holistic approach to sustainability that balances economic aspects with the preservation of planetary boundaries and social issues and takes a long-term perspective.

All important dates of the call for applications at a glance:

April 30th: Application deadline
July 15th: Invitations to pitch issued
End of August: Pitche event at the Joachim Herz Foundation, selection decision
November 1st: Start of funding