Project Themes:

• AI: Emphasis on sustainable and responsible AI, applications to improve business productivity, AI for healthcare.
• Quantum: Consortia spanning supply chain, integration of quantum tech for commercial use. Key areas include sensing/imaging, subsystem tech for communications, scalable quantum solutions, and software hardware co-design.
• Semiconductors: Semiconductor design, compound semiconductors, advanced packaging, and materials.
• Telecommunications: Topics include non-terrestrial communications, ORAN deployments, AI in network efficiency, energy efficiency, network security.
• Engineering Biology: Proposals should align with National Engineering Biology Programme themes: food systems, biomedicine, clean growth, environmental solutions.

• Green Technologies: Battery tech focus on advanced materials, innovations in manufacturing, design for modules, sustainable recycling, safety tech.

Eligibility:

• Projects must collaborate with a German SME under the German ZIM programme.
• Only UK registered partners should be listed in the application; German partners will be funded separately through ZIM.
• Must not be Quantum-focused projects outside of the four specific themes or 'second generation' quantum technologies.

• Cannot fund projects dependent on export performance or domestic inputs usage.

Project Outcomes: Proposals should showcase:

• Innovative ideas leading to new products/services.
• Strong business and financial plans.
• ROI and commercialization within 2-3 years of completion.

• Benefit of UK-German collaboration.
• IP use and sharing between participants.
• Route to market within 2-3 years.

Exclusions: Will not fund:

• Projects without collaboration with a successful German SME in ZIM.

• Quantum projects not covered by specified themes or not second-generation quantum.
• Feasibility studies or low-maturity projects.
• Market research, road mapping, or landscape studies.
• Projects dependent on export performance/domestic inputs usage.

Application Process: Submit through the Innovation Funding Service. Note that this is a competitive application process.