Name in original language
KMU-innovativ: Informations- und Kommunikationstechnologien (KMU-i: IKT)
Initiative overview
BMFTR focuses on collaborative research projects in which SMEs collaborate with research partners on application‑relevant research questions. The funding is technology‑ and application‑agnostic within the thematic area. AI‑driven project ideas in the application context of different domains and sectors are increasingly in focus. Since the start of the funding activity in 2007, more than 800 SMEs—about 50 % of them first‑time applicants—have been supported in nearly 500 projects, most of which are organized as consortia. Funding of over €325 million has been provided for this purpose. Additional projects are launched continuously. Another central aspect of the measure is community building: for this purpose the BMFTR holds a SME forum every two years, where companies have possibilities to network and establish partnerships for further research projects.
