The Innovation Programme for Business Models and Pioneer Solutions (IGP) by Bundesministerium für Wirtschaft und Klimaschutz (BMWK – German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Protection) promotes innovation and creativity in the German economy. The programme is intended to complement BMWK’s current funding portfolio, which is mainly focused on technological innovation. In contrast, IGP is dedicated to non-technological innovation. The programme’s primary focus is on the support of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) as well as freelancers and start-up companies.

The fourth call of the initiative (Geschäftsmodelle und Pionierlösungen für die bessere Nutzung von Daten und Künstlicher Intelligenz) supports business models and pioneering solutions for the better use of data and AI. Applications are invited for projects that aim to achieve innovative improvements in the use of data and/or AI and develop market-oriented innovations that promise advantages over existing solutions. These include:

• New approaches to making data from science, business, administration or culture more usable.
• Innovative concepts for data sharing or pooling.
• Improving or creating responsible data and AI ecosystems.
• New applications and uses for AI.
• New specialist training and information offers on AI or data use.
• New solutions for challenges in the context of AI.
• Forward-looking applications and concepts for better data use.

The programme is targeted at SMEs (including non-profit SMEs and start-ups) based in Germany. However, the participation of research institutions and institutions of higher education is also possible.

Funding is provided for feasibility projects (up to €80,000 is granted for a period of 12 months) and market-readiness projects (a maximum of €330,000 is given over a period of 24 months). The maximum funding amount granted to a single enterprise cannot exceed €200,000. In the case of research institutions (including universities), the maximum grant amount is €180,000.

(This Bulletin article was the subject of a ResearchConnect news alert.)