Joint projects between companies and research institutions for the development of new products and technologies funded
The Thuringian Ministry of Science is awarding a total of over €25 million for the development of new technologies for the Thuringian economy. The money will go to companies that form research and development networks (R&D networks) and work together on new products – often in collaboration with research institutions. The funds consist of EU and state money and are being distributed under the umbrella brand "Thuringia MOTIVation – move to innovation."
Innovation is the only way for Thuringia to remain competitive as a business location in the global economy. However, developing new products and services often involves high costs, especially for technology-intensive companies. In this case, it makes sense to join forces with other companies or research institutions to form a research and development network. This pools existing resources and creates synergy effects. As a state, we support this process with our technology and innovation funding," says Science Minister Wolfgang Tiefensee.
The funding originates from the FTI-Thuringia TECHNOLOGY guideline and was awarded through two competitive processes. In June 2023, a competition was launched with a total funding volume of €20 million from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and the state of Thuringia. Thirty-five R&D projects participated, of which 17 were selected through a rigorous selection process involving external experts and a jury. The projects were submitted from various Thuringian industries, including optics and photonics, medical technology, industrial production and manufacturing, and mechanical engineering.
In addition, a further call for proposals was issued in September 2023. This call invited submissions of projects specifically focused on "decarbonization" that contribute to increasing energy or resource efficiency. Seven consortia participated in this competition, of which four projects were selected. The planned funding amounts to over five million euros.
The jury consists of stakeholders from the Thuringian technology and innovation landscape, such as the Thuringian State Development Corporation (LEG), the Chambers of Industry and Commerce and the Thuringian Foundation for Technology, Innovation and Research (STIFT).
Today, March 1, marks the start of the next open-topic competition for joint projects is starting today, March 1—once again, €25 million in ERDF and state funding is available for this purpose.
Background:
Thuringia is a leading location for technology and innovation. The Free State has set itself the goal of further strengthening innovation. Thuringia MOTIVation, launched in May 2023, is a program unique in Germany that brings together innovation funding in the fields of business, science, and research. The package comprises a total of €850 million in funding for the period from 2021 to 2027. This includes funds from the European Union, the federal government, and the state. It offers the opportunity to receive tailored funding from the initial research idea to the finished product. This allows scientific discovery and entrepreneurial activity to go hand in hand. More information is available online at https://wirtschaft.thueringen.de/innovationsfoerderung and at
https://www.aufbaubank.de/Unternehmen/Innovationen-voranbringen