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We help you

fuel your ideas.

secure funding.
scale smarter.  
fuel your ideas.

Up to €3.5M annually in R&D funding — 
100% non-dilutive.

Explore.
Explore

What is the Forschungs-
zulage?

The Forschungszulage is a German tax-based R&D funding program that supports innovation by reimbursing R&D-related expenses.
Key facts

Receive up to €3.5 million per year

Past (up to 4 years), ongoing, and future R&D projects covered

Basic, industrial research, and experimental development supported

Available for companies of all sizes taxable in Germany

Granted as a tax deduction, paid out in case of negative profits

How much can
you claim?

The grant reimburses a share of the relevant R&D expenses, with rates varying based on company size and cost category.
SME 
Up to 35%
of R&D personnel costs
Up to 35%
of project-related investments
Up to 24.5%
for external R&D service providers
€3,500,000
max. funding / year (2024+)
Large enterprise
Up to 25%
of R&D personnel costs
Up to 25%
of project-related investments
Up to 17.5%
for external R&D service providers
€2,500,000
max. funding / year (2024+)
SME
Up to 35%
of R&D personnel costs
Up to 35%
of project-related investments
Up to 24.5%
for external R&D service providers
€3,500,000
max. funding / year (2024+)
Large enterprise
Up to 25%
of R&D personnel costs
Up to 25%
of project-related investments
Up to 17.5%
for external R&D service providers
€2,500,000
max. funding / year (2024+)

Why work
with us?

More funding. Less hassle.
With deep industry expertise and a rock-solid process, we get your Forschungszulage approved – fast.
Higher approval rates. Bigger claims.
Higher approval rates. Bigger claims.

We know industrial tech and how to position it for funding.

We apply proven best practices to every application.

You innovate — we handle the rest.
You innovate — we handle the rest.

We take full ownership and deliver ready-to-submit documentation.
‍
Our lean process keeps your time input minimal.

No upfront fees. No risk. Just results.
No upfront fees. No risk. Just results.

We work on a 100% success-based model.

Your data stays secure, handled with full confidentiality.

Higher approval rates. Bigger claims.

We know industrial tech and how to position it for funding.

We apply proven best practices to every application.

You innovate — we handle the rest.

We take full ownership and deliver ready-to-submit documentation.
‍
Our lean process keeps your time input minimal.

No upfront fees. No risk. Just results.

We work on a 100% success-based model.

Your data stays secure, handled with full confidentiality.

Higher approval rates. Bigger claims.

We know industrial tech and how to position it for funding.

We apply proven best practices to every application.

You innovate — we handle the rest.

We take full ownership and deliver ready-to-submit documentation.
‍
Our lean process keeps your time input minimal.

No upfront fees. No risk. Just results.

We work on a 100% success-based model.

Your data stays secure, handled with full confidentiality.

How we work
together.

We simplify the entire application journey — from our first conversation to securing your grant, plus ongoing support whenever you need it.

1

Preliminary
discussion

2

Preparatory
workshop

3

Application
drafting

4

Submission
to BSFZ

5

Grant
retrieval

6

Ongoing
support

Who we
work with.

We partner with technology startups, scaleups, and industrial innovators tackling complex R&D challenges.
Company
size
All sizes, with
SME benefits
Industry
focus
Industrial and
B2B tech
Project
type
Innovative R&D
projects
Funding
sought
Non-dilutive
funding
Company
location
Taxable in
Germany

Ready to
start?

Curious how much funding your R&D projects could unlock? Let’s find out.
Schedule a call

Ready to
start?

Curious how much funding your R&D projects could unlock? Let’s find out.
Schedule a call

Frequently asked questions

Is your question not answered here? Get in touch — we’d be happy to help.
Can I apply for funding for several R&D projects?
Yes, several projects can be applied for, also within the same application, with a yearly maximum grant sum of 3,5 million euros.
Can I apply funding for a project that is taking place in the future?
Yes, funding can be applied for concluded, on-going, and future projects.
Can I apply for funding if my company is already receiving other grants?
Yes, funding can be applied for already supported projects. However, the no-combination rule prevents from claiming the same costs under two separate grants (section 7 FZulG).
Do I need to collaborate with external partners to qualify for the grant?
No, you may conduct in-house research, contract research, or collaborations with other companies or research institutions (§ 2 para. 4 FZulG).
What are the most important application criteria?
The project must qualify as basic research, industrial research, or experimental development, and fulfill the criteria of innovativeness, uncertainty, and follow a systematic plan.
How does the application process work?
The process has two stages: First,  BSFZ (Bescheinigungstelle Forschungszulage) conducts a technical assessment based on the application criteria, delivering a decision on eligibility. This is followed by a yearly fiscal review by the tax office for the final determination of the grant sum.
How long does it take to get an answer from the BSFZ?
The BSFZ usually takes 3 to 8 weeks to process an application, depending on the quality and completeness of the submitted documents.
What happens, if my application gets rejected?
You will receive a written decision with justification. You can appeal within one month or submit a revised application. Unfortunately, we cannot guarantee a successful application. However, in case of a rejected application, we do not claim a fee.
How should I document personnel costs?
Time sheets are mandatory. Working time must be project-related, traceable, and verifiable – for example, through digital time-tracking systems.
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