Berlin is not only the heart of German politics and culture, but also a vibrant center for startups and innovations. In order to strengthen the competitiveness and growth of these young companies, the state of Berlin offers special funding programs. One of them is the Berlin Innovation Professionals funding program, which aims to help startups hire qualified employees and thus strengthen innovative strength and retain skilled workers in the capital region. In this article, we go into details of the program, highlight benefits and criteria, and give practical tips on how startups can use this funding effectively.
What is the Berlin Innovation Professionals funding program?
The Berlin Innovation Professionals Program is an initiative of the State of Berlin that aims to provide financial support to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) when they hire university and university graduates as innovation specialists. Grants are intended to promote the transfer of scientific knowledge to industry and accelerate innovative projects.
Benefits for startups
- Non-repayable subsidies: A major advantage of the program is the non-repayable grants, which represent a direct financial relief for startups.
- High funding rate: The grant is granted as a personnel cost subsidy through share financing and can amount to up to 50% of the innovative specialist's eligible salary, but a maximum of 20,000 EUR per year.
Criteria and Requirements
- Target group: The program is aimed at legally independent SMEs that are technology-oriented and develop their own products, processes or services.
- location: Companies must have their headquarters or at least one permanent establishment in Berlin.
- employment relationship: Innovation specialists must be graduates of universities or (technical) colleges whose degree was completed no more than 24 months ago. The employment relationship must be permanent or concluded for at least 24 months.
- Project reference: The employment relationships to be promoted must relate to innovative projects.
How can I apply for the funding program?
Applying for funding is often complex and time-consuming. To increase the chances of success and simplify the process, it is advisable to work with experienced consulting firms such as Dimler&Karcher. These help startups submit applications and meet the requirements of the program.
Project phases and maximum grants
- Application phase: Startups must prepare a detailed application that clearly sets out the project description, the qualifications of the innovation specialist and the connection to the innovation project.
- Approval phase: After submission, Investitionsbank Berlin (IBB) will review the application. If the assessment is positive, the subsidy will be approved.
- Implementation phase: After approval, the startup can hire the innovator and start implementing the project. The funding is usually paid out on a quarterly basis in accordance with the agreed conditions.
Cooperation with Dimler&Karcher: Your added value
Cooperation with Dimler&Karcher provides startups with the following benefits:
- expertise: More than 10 years of experience in advising and applying for funding programs.
- saving time: Professional support significantly reduces the time required to apply.
- Increased chances of success: The know-how of Dimler&Karcher increases the chances of funding being approved.
The Berlin Innovation Professionals funding program is an excellent opportunity for startups to reduce their financial burden when hiring new talent and at the same time push ahead with innovative projects. By taking advantage of non-repayable grants, startups in Berlin can use their resources more effectively and take an important step towards growth and success.
However, applying for funding is a challenge where professional support can be decisive. Startups who want to benefit from this program should therefore not hesitate to contact Dimler&Karcher to make the entire process smooth and successful.
