The availability of critical technologies is a key factor in reducing or preventing the European Union’s strategic dependencies. The EU is therefore specifically seeking to strengthen the development of expertise within Europe in the field of critical technologies. Alongside Europe-wide efforts in technology research, local and regional research projects also make an important contribution to creating a digitally sovereign Europe. Innovation funding is thus increasingly becoming a question of strategic agency: those who can develop, apply and scale key technologies reduce dependencies while also strengthening regional value creation.
Against this backdrop, the Free State of Saxony has now launched a new funding component as part of the current funding period of ERDF/JTF technology funding. The funding for research and development projects (R&D) in the field of critical technologies, known as STEP Technology Funding, is intended to support highly innovative projects in the areas of digital technologies and biotechnology. The aim is to reduce the European Union’s dependencies, particularly in critical or strategically important technologies such as the production of microprocessors, sensor technology, pharmaceuticals, artificial intelligence and 5G. The new funding area is aimed at small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Saxony, as well as large companies and research institutions from Saxony in collaborative funded projects. The funding component therefore addresses precisely the point at which technological development, economic application and European sovereignty come together.
A total of €85.6 million from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) is available for STEP Technology Funding in the Free State of Saxony. In addition to the newly introduced STEP Technology Funding, SMEs can still access the sector- and technology-neutral funding areas for R&D project funding, technology transfer funding and the InnoPrämie under ERDF/JTF Technology Funding 2021–2027. This provides companies with a broad funding framework that supports both targeted strategic technology projects and application-oriented innovation projects.
Interested companies in Saxony can find detailed information on the call, the funding requirements and conditions, and the option to submit applications digitally via the SAB funding portal on the website of the Sächsische Aufbaubank (SAB).