BMBF: Funding of projects on the topic "DATIpilot - Promoting and learning for innovation and transfer: An experimental space in the DATI environment".

Aim of the promotion

Knowledge and technology transfer between scientific institutions (HAW, universities, research institutions) and practice is crucial for progress and innovation in Germany.
This transfer occurs through collaboration, IP rights, personnel exchanges, and other means.
Barriers to transfer include lack of incentives, differing expectations, and legal hurdles.
Universities and research institutions play an important role in transfer and can foster innovation ecosystems.
Funding targets researchers, practitioners, and types of innovation, including technological, business, and social.
There are two funding modules: Innovation Sprints for individuals and Innovation Communities for groups.
The objectives of the funding include the use of research results for innovations, qualification of research for applications, scaling of transfer and innovation activities and the strengthening of sustainable partnerships between science and practice.
The aim is also to clarify the legal framework for the transfer of research results into applications.

Subject of the call

Module 1 – Innovation Sprints:

Individual or joint projects at universities and research institutions with a maximum of one non-scientific partner (company, association, administration, etc.).
Goal: Further development of research results and their linkage to concrete application possibilities.
Projects must address specific target groups from business, society or government and address their challenges.
Direct exchange with selected practice partners is required, although the exchange format may vary.
Funding up to Technology Readiness Level 7 (TRL 7) with broad application potential for various partners.

Module 2 – Innovation Communities:

Thematically defined innovation communities with an open number of members from different roles.
Core members in the management team, consisting of scientists and practitioners, for strategic direction and control.
Community projects include research, innovation, and transfer activities by various community members.
The structure, content and partnerships of the community projects can be customized.
Each community receives funding for a central management project and community projects.
Goal: Establish a diverse partner structure, involve HAWs or small universities, promote research and innovation activities within the community.

Period of validity

The funding guideline enters into force on the day after publication in the Federal Gazette.
The term of the funding guideline ends on June 30, 2024, based on the de minimis regulation or the AGVO.
In the event of an extension of the de minimis regulation or GBER without significant changes to its content, the funding guideline will be extended accordingly, but not beyond December 31, 2029.
If the de minimis regulation or GBER is not extended or substantially amended, a new funding guideline will be put into effect in accordance with the then applicable exemption provisions until at least December 31, 2029.