From idea to funded R&D project: With ZIM you fund your growth and competitive advantage. We support you throughout the entire application process and project reporting so that you can fully focus on your innovation.
The ZIM program of the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action is Germany’s most important funding program for small and medium-sized enterprises. It provides grants of up to €360,000 for research and development projects, covering personnel costs, external services, and project-related overheads.
Beyond financial support, companies benefit from strong cooperation networks, faster market entry of innovative products, and enhanced competitiveness. Felsaris supports you from the initial idea through the application process to successful reporting – fast, reliably, and success-oriented.
We handle the entire application process for you.
We review your project with regard to all key approval criteria.
Even if you only have a rough idea of your innovation, we help you turn it into a solid, fundable concept.
ZIM funds the direct personnel costs of employees who are directly involved in research and development activities within the project. This includes scientific staff, engineers, technicians, or other qualified specialists. Activities in administration, management, or sales are not eligible.
ZIM provides grants for third-party services that are essential for the R&D project. This includes development contracts or specialized testing services outsourced to external companies or research institutions. Pure consulting services or routine tasks are not eligible.
A flat-rate overhead allowance of up to 20% can be claimed to cover expenses such as electricity, materials, and consumables. With additional items such as building rent or machinery depreciation, up to 100% can be recognized.
Individual Project
(one company)
690,000 €
ZIM is the open-topic innovation funding program of the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action (BMWK). It supports small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) as well as other mid-sized companies in carrying out market-oriented research and development projects. Additional measures such as feasibility studies or market launch support can also be funded.
ZIM is your gateway to government-financed innovation.
Eligible applicants are SMEs with a permanent establishment in Germany. In addition, mid-sized companies with up to 500 employees and – in cooperation projects – even companies with up to 1,000 employees can participate. Non-profit research institutions are also eligible in cooperation projects.
Funding is only available for companies and partners with real R&D relevance.
Funding rates depend on company size, age, region, and project type. Examples:
The smaller the company and the more cooperative, the higher the funding rate.
Maximum eligible costs:
ZIM makes even large-scale innovation projects possible.
Eligible costs include project-related personnel, R&D contracts with scientifically qualified third parties, project-related materials, and a flat-rate overhead allowance.
Not eligible are administration, sales, travel, or routine tasks.
Only costs that directly drive innovation are funded.
In addition to R&D projects, ZIM also funds:
ZIM covers the full innovation cycle – from idea to market launch.
Typical project duration for R&D projects is 18 to 36 months. Feasibility studies may last up to 12 months.
Enough time for real development without losing sight of the market.
Applications can be submitted continuously but must always be filed before the project starts. Since 2025:
Starting early saves time – and boosts approval chances.
Yes, cooperation with foreign partners is possible. German partners benefit from higher funding rates. Foreign companies themselves are not funded under ZIM but may access their own national programs.
International cooperation pays off twice.
Depending on the project, interim reports, time records, statements of expenditure, and a final report are required. For cooperation projects, additional documents such as payment requests must be submitted.
Documentation is mandatory – we handle the paperwork for you.
Our success-based fee only becomes due once funding has actually been disbursed through the official payment requests. The share is typically between 10% and 15% of the disbursed amount. This model is highly appreciated by our clients as it ensures optimal liquidity.
You only pay once the funding really flows.
Yes. We provide a free ZIM sketch review with an assessment of eligibility. For complete applications, we offer a detailed review including specific recommendations for improvement at a flat fee of €250.
This significantly increases your chances of approval.
Early review means later approval success.
