ZIM

The Central Innovation Programme for SMEs (ZIM) of the BMWK is a programme for the promotion of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) for the development of innovative products, processes or technical services without restriction to specific technologies and sectors. Universities can only apply to this programme in association with an SME. The projects are to be carried out in a balanced partnership in which all partners provide innovative services.

The most common type of application relevant for the TU Clausthal is the so-called "R&D cooperation projects", in which at least one SME and the TU Clausthal cooperate as joint partners. The integration of further SMEs and other research institutions is possible.

The BMWK has appointed several project management agencies for the ZIM programme, which are responsible for the project in question, depending on the type of project applied for. For R&D cooperation projects, this is AiF Projekt GmbH.

Important note: The following restrictive funding conditions currently apply:

• Companies can receive a maximum of two approvals within 12 calendar months.
• According to the project sponsors, the possibility of extending the duration of projects and shifting funds is currently strictly limited in order to prevent excessive pre-commitments in subsequent years and to maintain flexibility for new projects in the long term. Please therefore plan the duration and in particular the start date of your project as realistically as possible.
• Due to the current budget situation, applications can be submitted again from January 31, 2025, but approval is subject to the availability of budget funds and will probably only be possible once a budget law (federal budget 2025) has been passed, see the last paragraph in the current ZIM information.