Pro FIT (Projektfinanzierung)

Pro FIT (Projektfinanzierung) is a German funding program administered by IBB that supports R&D projects for both companies and research institutes through a combination of non-repayable grants and low-interest loans up to €400,000. The program funds industrial research, experimental development, and market preparation activities, with funding structure varying based on the project stage and business maturity.

Unlike Frühphasenfinanzierung, Projektfinanzierung is meant to fund R&D projects and includes not only companies but also research institutes.

The grant funds industrial research, experimental development, market preparation and launch projects.

As for Frühphasenfinanzierung, the grant is a mix of non-repayable grants (free money) and low-interest loans, depending on the stage the project/business is in (see chart below).

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In short, grants can be up to €400,000 and loans up to €1,000,000 per project. Yet, the grant doesn’t fund 100% of eligible expenses but 80% instead, so businesses must fund the remaining 20% themselves.