The funding programme ‘INSIGHT II – Interdisciplinary Perspectives on Disruptive Innovations’ by the Bundesministerium für Forschung, Technologie und Raumfahrt (BMFTR – Federal Ministry of Research, Technology and Space) aims to assess the scientific, technical, social, ethical, legal, economic and political consequences of technological and social innovations in Germany.

Funding is provided in three subject areas. Topic 1 projects should focus on the multidimensional analysis of the effects of artificial intelligence (AI). The Topic 2 funding line promotes joint research projects on the potential social, economic, health, ethical, legal and political implications of human enhancement. The Topic 3 subject area (open topic) addresses projects that include both innovation niches and niche innovations beyond the megatrends. In line with the BMFTR’s broad understanding of innovation, this explicitly includes social and technological innovations.

Applications can be submitted by institutions of higher education, non-educational research institutions, commercial companies (in particular SMEs) and civil society organisations (eg associations, federations, foundations). Thematic areas 1 and 2 only fund joint projects. In principle, all scientific fields may be addressed.

The funding period is 24 months. In the specific subject areas (subject areas 1 and 2), up to €800,000 may be granted. In the open topic area (topic area 3), funding of up to €400,000 may be awarded per individual project. Institutions of higher education and non-commercial research institutes can expect to receive full funding of project-related costs.

The closing date for the submission of outline proposals is 3 November 2025.