Research connected to people
We are actively engaged in publicly funded research programmes. Among other affiliations, we are a member of AiF and the Zuse Community. We are happy to share our research findings in the fields of footwear and orthopaedic technology as well as biotechnology. You can find individual research reports in our Researchprojects.
Research alliances
German Federation of Industrial Research (AiF)
German Federation of Industrial Research (AiF)
The aim of the German Federation of Industrial Research Associations (AiF) is to sustainably promote the innovative capacity of small and medium-sized enterprises. AiF provides a platform to efficiently connect business and science: 100 research associations, around 50,000 participating companies, and approximately 1,200 institutes across all areas of the research landscape. PFI serves as both a research association and a research institution within AiF.
Zuse Community
Zuse Community
The Zuse Community represents the interests of independent, non-profit research institutions. This technology- and industry-independent network comprises more than 70 institutes across Germany. As practical and creative sources of ideas for small and medium-sized enterprises, they translate scientific knowledge into applicable technologies, laying the groundwork for innovations that contribute to the global success of German businesses.
Project Sponsors
German Zentrum Aerospace Center – DLR
German Aerospace Center – DLR
DLR is Germany’s national research and technology centre for aerospace. It develops pioneering technologies in the fields of aviation, space travel, energy, transport, and security and defence research. Its diverse findings and innovations benefit industry, businesses, government authorities, administration, and public stakeholders. Through intensive knowledge exchange and targeted technology transfer, DLR assumes responsibility for society.
AiF Projektträger GmbH
AiF Projektträger GmbH
The core activities of AiF Projektträger GmbH include project sponsorship, expert evaluation, and mentoring within innovation-promoting programmes for small and medium-sized enterprises at both federal and state levels. It also facilitates networking between businesses and international cooperation partners and organises events on innovation-related topics. Additionally, its services include advising public clients on the development and implementation of innovation support measures and ensuring the efficient use of funding.
EuroNorm
EuroNorm
On behalf of the German government, EuroNorm supports small and medium-sized enterprises as well as research institutions in carrying out their research and development projects. EuroNorm also conducts studies and evaluations for public and private organisations.
PtJ
PtJ
Project Management Jülich (PtJ) implements research and innovation funding programmes on behalf of federal and state ministries as well as the European Commission. In addition to supervising research projects, PtJ advises its clients and works with them to further develop funding concepts. It also contributes to the dissemination of specialist information to the public and the organisation of national and international scientific exchanges.
FNR
FNR
The Agency for Renewable Resources (FNR) is the project sponsor for the Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture (BMEL), coordinating research, development, and demonstration projects in the field of renewable resources. Its main task is the technical and administrative supervision of research projects related to the use of renewable raw materials. Current specialist knowledge on the topic is collected and made available through publications to interested scientists, private individuals, politicians, business representatives, and the media.
Funding Programmes
IGF – Industrial Collective Research
IGF – Industrial Collective Research
Industrial Collective Research serves as a cooperation platform that promotes knowledge transfer for small and medium-sized enterprises. It enables industry-driven selection of project ideas and quality assessment. The results of IGF projects are publicly accessible to all companies. The scope of these projects covers all future technologies relevant to SMEs, ranging from materials research and biotechnology to Industry 4.0 and digitalisation.
FAM – AiF Research Alliance for Medical Technology
FAM – AiF Research Alliance for Medical Technology
Founded in November 2018, the AiF Research Alliance for Medical Technology (FAM) aims to harness the synergies of its research associations to drive innovation in the field of medical technology. Additionally, it seeks to increase the visibility of research funded through IGF.
ZIM – Central Innovation Programme for SMEs
ZIM – Central Innovation Programme for SMEs
The Central Innovation Programme for SMEs is a nationwide, technology- and industry-open funding programme for small and medium-sized enterprises and the industry-related research institutions that collaborate with them. ZIM is designed to strengthen the innovative capacity and competitiveness of companies, including craft businesses and self-employed professionals in entrepreneurial roles. It supports R&D individual projects, R&D cooperation projects, and cooperative networks.
IraSME
IraSME
The IraSME network supports ZIM cooperation projects with international partners. On behalf of the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy, AiF Projekt GmbH manages the IraSME network.
Cornet – Collective Research Networking
Cornet – Collective Research Networking
To promote internationalisation, the CORNET (Collective Research Networking) funding scheme supports transnational research projects that involve at least one foreign research institution. The results of these projects are made available to all companies under equal conditions. On behalf of the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy, AiF coordinates CORNET.
INNO-KOM
INNO-KOM
The technology-open INNO-KOM programme is available to non-profit research institutions in all structurally weak regions of Germany. The industrial research institutions eligible for funding under this programme have the necessary personnel and equipment to address complex technical and scientific challenges. They transfer fundamental research and development results to businesses and act as initiators and facilitators of regional and supra-regional networks. Small and medium-sized enterprises, which form the backbone of the economy in structurally weak regions, particularly benefit from these research results.
Bioeconomy International
Bioeconomy International
Global efforts for a bio-based economy. Through the "Bioeconomy International" funding initiative, the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) supports international, model research and development projects between German and non-European partners. The funded projects aim to make a significant contribution to one of the five action areas of the research strategy: ensuring global food security, making agricultural production sustainable, producing healthy and safe food, using renewable raw materials in industry, or expanding biomass-based energy sources.
Erasmus+
Erasmus+
The promotion of Europe-wide co-operation in all areas of education is an important concern of the European Union. The programme plays a key role on the path to a common European Education Area. Between 2021 and 2027, a total budget of around 26 billion euros will be available for this purpose. Erasmus+ aims to promote lifelong learning, enable sustainable growth, strengthen social cohesion and European identity and drive innovation. The programme focuses on inclusion and diversity, digitalisation, civic education and sustainability, which are closely interlinked.
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