As central innovation spaces, co-working spaces and digital labs offer ideal starting points for projects and ideas for digital transformation. With the “Local Innovation Spaces for Digitalization” (LIfD) funding guideline, the state of Saxony wants to offer a way to establish more of these innovation spaces in rural areas. The first call for funding has now been launched.
Since February 1, 2024, interested stakeholders, groups and future operators of local innovation spaces have had the opportunity to present their project as part of a concept outline and receive funding for the development of a local innovation space. The funding is intended to support digitalization and digital transformation across sectors and societies in the Free State of Saxony in order to sustainably promote digital change in Saxony. Funding is provided in accordance with the guideline the establishment of physical locations for digitalization, e.g. digital labs, maker and co-working spaces or digital showrooms. A comprehensive overview can be found in the FAQ–list (PDF download), which the digital agency DIAS provides on its website.
Until March 15, 2024, applications can be submitted via the funding portal of the Sächsische Aufbaubank (SAB) until March 15, 2024. A total of twelve million euros in state funding is available for projects. Local projects can be supported with up to 400,000 euros. Cross-regional projects, the so-called mobile innovation space, are funded with a maximum of EUR 3,000,000.