IBB Funding: ProNTI Guide to €140,000 in Grants

Are you a founder of a start-up or business in Berlin looking for funding opportunities? Do you want to implement an innovative project that contributes to social sustainability? Then Berlin’s funding program for non-technical projects (ProNTI) might be exactly what you’re looking for. Don’t be discouraged by the term “non-technical”—in fact, technical projects can also be funded under certain conditions. In this guide, you’ll learn all the details about the program and how to submit a successful application.

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Which Companies Can Be Funded?

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with products and/or services that have a concrete unique selling proposition can apply for the program. A key requirement is that the project is carried out in Berlin and contributes to increasing enterprise-based or regional value creation. The company’s headquarters, a branch office, or a business facility must be located in Berlin, and the applying company must primarily pursue a business model designed to generate market income in competition with other providers. Additionally, the company must be registered in the Berlin transparency database.

Which Projects Are Funded?

The IBB Berlin particularly welcomes and funds projects that focus on developing innovative business models, novel services or products, new processes and organizational approaches, as well as innovative marketing concepts. The funds provided by the IBB Berlin serve to support groundbreaking initiatives that make a sustainable contribution to the development of industries and markets. The targeted use of these funds for such projects enables positive changes to be driven forward, strengthens competitiveness, and increases the innovation capacity of the supported companies.

The IBB Berlin is convinced that this financial support benefits not only the companies themselves but also society as a whole by opening new perspectives and promoting progress. The project must have social sustainability at its core and should fulfill at least one of the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

How Technical Projects Can Also Be Funded

Although the program is called “non-technical innovations,” technical innovations can also be funded. The requirement is that it does not involve the complete new development of software or a tool, but rather the combination of existing results for a new purpose. It is important that it fits appropriately with the state’s joint innovation strategy and increases the innovation capacity of Berlin’s economy.

Three Project Phases of ProNTI

As a company, you can apply for up to two of the three possible phases. The planned project results must align with the objectives of the phases, while being innovative and based on a plausible foundation. At the same time, you must ensure the secured financing of your company, which contributes to successful project completion.

These Expenses Are Funded for Innovations

The expense planning of the project must be carefully considered to receive funding for research and development. Mid-sized companies that are older than 5 years are funded to a significantly lower extent. For SMEs younger than 5 years, the maximum subsidy is 75% of costs; for SMEs older than 5 years, it’s 50%. Personnel costs are funded through flat rates, which depend on the seniority of the personnel and range between €25 and €55 per hour.

The Application Process and Required Documents

The application for ProNTI is submitted directly through the IBB Business Team GmbH’s electronic application system.

Documents to be submitted:

• Milestone planning
• Project description

Using these appropriate documents, you must demonstrably prove the reasonableness of the work packages. Important information includes, for example, the research and development activities being conducted and how they will be brought to market maturity. This should ideally be presented as a compelling narrative and combined with the requirements and mandatory information in the project description.

The Application Process and Required Information

The current processing time for an application is approximately two months until approval. The requirement for this is that all appropriate documents and data are comprehensibly available and positively contribute to non-technical innovation. Often, the IBB will request additional documents. A timely response helps accelerate the approval process.

Conclusion

For SMEs, it’s always worthwhile to submit an application to ProNTI and obtain funding. Another Berlin programme for young companies is the GründungsBONUS Plus. If you need help with the application process, we’re happy to assist you. We have supported numerous companies in their applications and can help you with our expertise to streamline the process.

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