When companies collaborate across industry and disciplinary boundaries, the result is often particularly sustainable innovation. Diverse perspectives and expertise help develop new solutions with genuine market potential. It is precisely this approach that the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy (BMWE) supports with its current call for proposals as part of the Innovation Program for Business Models and Pioneering Solutions (IGP).
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An Opportunity for Bremen’s Innovation Ecosystem<\/strong><\/p>\n\n The current IGP call addresses key topics that also play an important role here at the Hub: open innovation, cross-industry collaboration, digitalization, and the development of new business models.<\/p>\n\n The challenges businesses face are becoming more complex. Topics such as artificial intelligence, automation, and smart manufacturing increasingly require interdisciplinary collaboration. Often, the greatest potential for innovation lies precisely at the intersections between industries, technologies, and business models. <\/p>\n\n The call for proposals offers companies the opportunity to further develop such collaborations in a focused manner and to provide them with financial support. So-called \u201ccross-innovations\u201d \u2013 that is, projects that bring together different areas of expertise to create new approaches to existing challenges \u2013 are particularly encouraged. Examples include collaborations between:<\/p>\n\n <\/p>\n\n What is being funded?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n Funding is provided for market-oriented innovation projects that offer clear added value compared to existing solutions. The focus is not on technological research, but rather on the development of innovative applications, business models, and services with clear market potential. <\/p>\n\n Eligible applicants include, in particular, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), startups, newly established companies, and nonprofit organizations. Research institutions may be involved in the projects as partners. <\/p>\n\n Interested companies can submit their applications via the project sponsor\u2019s digital platform. You can find all the details regarding the process, funding requirements, and the application process on the BMWE\u2019s project page<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n Important Date:<\/strong> The submission deadline is August 20, 2026, at 3:00 p.m.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n After an initial selection phase, promising projects will be invited to present to the jury. Project pitches are scheduled for January 2027. Successful participants will then have the opportunity to submit a full proposal. <\/p>\n\n Matchmaking for Innovation<\/strong><\/p>\n\n Anyone with an innovative idea often needs the right partners to turn it into a successful project. The DIGITAL HUB INDUSTRY network offers the ideal conditions for exactly that. <\/p>\n\n Whether it’s a startup, a small or medium-sized business, a research institution, or a digital talent \u2013 the Hub brings together people and organizations who want to develop and implement innovations together.<\/p>\n\n\n