InnoBonus programme goes to the next round

In September, we published on our website: Funding programme InnoBonus reports and announces that we will inform about new developments as soon as they become available.  
Now it’s so far: The Saarland Ministry of Economy, Innovation, Digital and Energy (MWIDE) has the revised Funding guideline InnoBonus on 9 October 2025 published. 
You can also find updates and backgrounds on the official Programme page of MWIDE.

The INNOBonus aims to provide targeted support to companies in Saarland to move from the idea to innovation – in particular through cooperation with universities and research institutions. The updated Directive now creates an even more attractive framework and facilitates access to funding. 

 

What is new? 

1. Funding volume and duration
   The programme has a total budget of EUR 10 million, financed by the Saarland Transformation Fund. The duration is four years – a clear signal for long-term innovation support.
   
   
2. Target group and eligibility
   Who can make a proposal: small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and Start-ups with registered office or place of business in Saarland. Particularly welcome: Micro-enterprises without previous research experience are also explicitly addressed.
   The focus is on the Technology transfer — the conversion of research results into marketable products or services.
   
   
3. Basis for support
   Two types of projects will be supported:
   –Feasibility studies/pre-analysis with project costs EUR 25.000 or more 
   –Research and development contracts with project costs up to EUR 100.000
   
   
4. Funding rate
   The support covers up to: 75% of the eligible costs of the project off— a very high proportion, compared with the federal level, of barriers to entry for small enterprises significantly reduced.
5. Submitting applications
   The application is submitted via the Saarland Funding Portal possible.
   Attention: The project must not have started at the time of submission of the application. 

 

Why the funding programme is so important
With the new InnoBonus the Saarland is a clear sign of innovation and cooperation. Businesses will now be given better opportunities to test new ideas together with scientific partners and to translate them into products ready for the market.
Due to the high funding rate and flexible project sizes, the programme is particularly well suited to companies with little experience of research projects so far.

 

What can you do? 

• Check whether your company or start-up meets the eligibility conditions. 
• Consider co-operation with a university or research organisation. 
• Use the option to start with: Feasibility on board. 
• Find out more about the application details in the official Funding Guidelines (PDF) and on the Programme page of MWIDE.
  

 

EDIH Saarland supports questions on funding and applications

In addition, we offer individual speaking hours to clarify your questions about funding and application. Take the opportunity to take your innovation projects forward with public support – let’s inform you!