Deep tech innovation ecosystems

With up to 2,000,000 euros, we support two non-profit projects that create better framework conditions for deep tech startups and accelerate the transfer of research into application. Universities and research institutions can apply until 14 June 2026.

Background

Deep tech innovations have enormous potential to address current challenges such as resource efficiency or climate protection. However, the path from research to application is often difficult: technology-based startups are capital- and time-intensive and require strong networks and reliable framework conditions. This is precisely where gaps still exist in Germany—for example in the interlinking of science, industry, and capital, in support for spin-offs, or in the further development of regional innovation ecosystems. This is exactly where our funding comes in.

What is funded?

We fund two projects (not startups) with a model character that structurally improve the framework conditions for deep tech startups. The focus is on projects that:

develop and implement new programs and formats for deep tech entrepreneurship – e.g. training, qualification, or mentoring
strengthen networks and collaboration – between science, industry, capital, and other stakeholders
accelerate transfer processes
further develop and professionalize innovation ecosystems – regionally or thematically
improve access to infrastructure and resources – especially in early development phases

Who is the funding aimed at?

The funding is aimed at organizations in Germany that actively work at the interface of science, transfer, and innovation and have experience in deep tech entrepreneurship. These include:

Universities
tax-privileged research institutions
public-law corporations
non-profit organizations with a deep tech focus

What does the funding include?

We fund two projects with up to 1,000,000 euros each for up to three years. The funding is limited exclusively to structural measures and does not include direct support of individual economic activities or companies. Eligible costs include, among others, personnel and material costs as well as events and project-related measures. Pure administrative costs (overhead) are not eligible.

Documents to be submitted

Application letter including:
- Plain-language summary (approx. half a page)
- Abstract of the overall project (max. 1 page)
- Strategic concept (including vision, team, implementation plan, max. 8 pages)
- Institutional commitment and letters of intent from cooperation partners
Budget plan
Short CVs of the persons involved at management level (PDF, max. 3 pages each)
Optional: video presentation (via file sharing in the application tool)

Downloads

Please prepare the application documents according to the structure of the guidelines.

Application

The application phase runs until 14 June 2026.

Apply now

Selection process

The selection of the funded projects is carried out by an expert jury consisting of internal foundation staff and external, independent experts as follows:

Stage 1 | Written application: Interested institutions must submit an application by 14 June 2026 via the Joachim Herz Foundation’s application portal, taking into account the guidelines.
Stage 2 | Pitch of the project: If the application receives a positive review, selected finalists will be invited by 24 July 2026 to present their project in person at the end of August in Hamburg.

A decision by the jury will then be made promptly; funding agreements must be concluded by the end of 2026 at the latest.