Public funding by BMWK

IVLV is entitled to apply for public funding in the Industrial Collective Research program (IGF) of the German Federal Ministry of Economics and Energy. The BMWK is promoting projects which are application-oriented and pre-competitive and will furthermore improve the competitive situation of small and medium-sized enterprises on a sustained basis. Since January 01, 2024 the support of the funding programme lies with DLR Projektträger.

The Industrial Collective Research ("Industrielle Gemeinschaftsforschung", IGF) builds a connection between basic research and economic applications. New technologies are being developed for entire industries and across all sectors to maintain and strengthen the competitiveness especially of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The Federal Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate Protection (BMWK) promotes IGF with public funds.
IGF - Industrial Collective Research

CORNET is a network of ministries and funding agencies that combine their existing funding schemes to increase the competitiveness of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Participation in a CORNET project allows SMEs, SME associations or groups and research organisations to build up an international network and to benefit from know-how and resources that might not be available in their country or region.
CORNET - Collective Research Networking

Details of application for public funding

For the application for IGF funding, a research proposal must be drawn up. Guideline, guide and advisory questionnaire should be studied before the application process. The application for funding should be formulated in a comprehensible manner without special thematic expertise and answer the following questions:

  • Where is the problem that needs solution for the industry?
  • What is the scientific and technical approach for the solution? (Hypothesis)
  • What is the approach of achieving the R&D target?
  • How can the expected results be implemented for KMU and how are the results transferred?

With the commencement of a project, an accompanying committee (pgA) from industry representatives has to be compiled. It must include sufficient (at least 7) companies, of which at least 5 are SMEs. A representative from the industry will be appointed as the future industrial spokesman for the project accompanying committee. All representatives of industry in the pgA have the possibility to control the project, to advise and support the research institutes, as well as to benefit directly from the transfer of the results to the industry. The IVLV membership or the willingness to perform an IVLV grant contribution of two years’ membership is expected from all companies participating in the new project. The transfer of contributions from individual companies by an industrial association is possible.

Deadlines
Applications for funding from the BMWI in the IGF program can be submitted to the IVLV office throughout the year. These are formally checked by the office and initially assessed internally by IVLV according to the following criteria:

  • Industry relevance, especially for SMEs This must be proven by large pre-competitive industrial interests supported by a sufficient number of IVLV member companies or, in exceptional cases, sponsoring companies. It is important for the active cooperation of the companies, the early transfer of results as well as securing the IGF-related expenses of the IVLV by the economy.
  • Scientific quality
    This is initially assessed internally by members of the IVLV Advisory Board according to the IGF assessment criteria and in a circular procedure. If necessary, there is then the possibility of revision.

High-quality applications are further submitted to DLR Projektträger, where they are assessed in the thematically structured expert groups. In order to avoid delays due to the assessment process, IGF applications should be submitted in full to the IVLV office not later than 4 months before the meeting dates of the expert group.