Particularly innovative R&D projects in alliances between firms and research facilities in Hessen are supported by the Hessen Agentur with funds received and originating out of the budget of the state of Hessen earmarked for “model and pilot projects”.
Since 1996 around 80 individual projects, totalling approx. €16.5 million, and supported by over €7 million in public funds, were selected from among the applications. Hessen Agentur will in the future continue to receive around €1.5 million per annum from the state budget to provide financial support to projects.
Hessen Agentur’s role is to pre-select the projects to be funded. Companies in Hessen setting up a particularly innovative project involving additional business partners, R&D establishments and/or universities can send the Hessen Agentur a short, detailed project outline. Hessen Agentur gives preliminary advice prior to completion of the application as to whether and under which basic conditions a project has a chance of receiving funding as a model or pilot project. Here the Hessen Agentur is able to help in the search for the right technology partner, a suitable research establishment or alternative financing option.
Special attention is given by the Hessen Agentur to projects that have an especially innovative component and are involved in the fields of biotechnology, environment, software, telecommunications, nanotechnology, micro systems, new materials, surface technology or optical technologies. In addition, projects with a non-profit character or which promote the economy, such as those that deal with the support of start-up entrepreneurs have an opportunity to gain financial support. Individual business projects are not eligible for funding. Project initiators cannot lodge a legal claim to funding.
A detailed project outline serves as the basis for an assessment of the project at the funding committee level. If an interest in the project by the state can be identified, Hessen Agentur makes a request for a project application. Although there is no actual application form, assistance will be provided in writing the application.
Contact: Mr. Frank Syring, Tel: +49-611-774-8615
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