SKZ supports companies in the realization of innovation projects

Innovative solutions for new technologies, processes and products are crucial for long-term success on the market. Companies are supported in research and development (R&D) projects by various federal, state and EU funding programs in order to drive forward their own innovation projects. However, many companies hesitate because they shy away from the potential application and administrative costs.

SKZ realizes around 100 publicly funded projects every year
The Plastics Center SKZ, based in Würzburg, offers companies its expertise and many years of experience in order to optimize the financing of their R&D projects. The research institute realizes around 100 publicly funded projects every year and has a very good overview of available funding opportunities and can help to identify the appropriate funding for each company’s specific requirements.

Reduction of economic risks
Public funding programs help to reduce the economic risks involved in developing new technologies. At the same time, companies can benefit from the advantages of public support. With the help of public funding, personnel costs can be financed directly via R&D projects and consulting and research services can be obtained from specialized partners. Furthermore, resources can be used specifically for innovation and networks can be established and long-term contacts made.

“KMU-innovativ” funding initiative
One funding opportunity, for example, is the ongoing “KMU-innovativ” funding initiative sponsored by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF). The program supports small and medium-sized enterprises with specific topics in future-oriented and diverse fields of technology such as bioeconomy, information and communication technologies (ICT), materials research, resource efficiency, climate protection or the future of value creation. Applications can be submitted twice a year in April and October. The project must be initiated and coordinated by an SME or medium-sized company. The focus is on a significant R&D effort by the SME(s) involved, meaning that a significant proportion of the funding must be allocated to them. The benefits and utilization of the project results must also lie predominantly with the participating SMEs.

Supporting competitiveness
“Our many years of experience and expertise make the SKZ a reliable partner for companies in the plastics industry that want to successfully implement research and development projects,” says Dr. Benedikte Hatz, Head of Innovation and Technology Transfer (ITT) at the SKZ. “The targeted use of public funding strengthens the innovative power of companies and thus supports their competitiveness in the long term. It can therefore be well worth looking for suitable funding and submitting a funding application.”

Comprehensive support from the SKZ
The SKZ supports companies in the assessment and eligible design of their research and development projects and offers comprehensive assistance with joint funding projects, from the evaluation of public tenders to the preparation of applications and outlines for a successful application and implementation.

Webinar on June 6, 2024
For further information on the possibilities of funding R&D projects with the SKZ and the available funding programs, the institute is offering an information webinar for interested companies on June 6, 2024 from 4 to 6 p.m.

New white paper available
In addition to the webinar, the SKZ has published a new white paper that gives companies an overview of the funding landscape at federal, state and EU level. The whitepaper describes the selection of suitable funding programs as well as the path from funding application to project start and explains how the SKZ provides successful support. The white paper is now available free of charge on the SKZ website.