Research Allowance (Forschungszulage) & ZIM funding
Funding for research & development — properly assessed.
We assess whether your project is eligible before you invest time and effort in an application. Expert assessment instead of blanket promises.
Free initial consultation
Know in 15 minutes whether an application is worthwhile
Many companies leave the Research Allowance and ZIM funding unused — not because they are ineligible, but because their project was never properly assessed.
Clear assessment before you apply
We evaluate your project against the actual funding criteria — not wishful thinking. If something is not eligible, we say so openly and early.
Structured application process
Applications rarely fail because of the idea — they fail because of how it is presented. We prepare the project description and cost breakdown so that no queries are left open.
No promises without a basis
We work without blanket promises of success. We commit to what is realistic — and we tell you openly what we cannot assess reliably.
Why Quantum Beyond
Specialization instead of broad funding advice
General funding advice
- Broad range of topics, little technical depth
- Generic assessment without a real project review
- Funding promises without a reliable basis
- High coordination effort for you as the applicant
Quantum Beyond
- Exclusive focus on the Research Allowance & ZIM
- Expert assessment of your specific project
- Realistic evaluation instead of sales rhetoric
- We handle structure, documentation and follow-up queries
Fundamentals
More of your projects are eligible than most people assume
The German Research Allowance Act (Forschungszulagengesetz) defines research and development far more broadly than the term is used in everyday language — what qualifies is work that aims at new knowledge, involves technical uncertainty and is carried out systematically.
- In-house developments with technical novelty
- Software projects with an R&D component
- New manufacturing or process technologies
- Product development with unresolved technical questions
Typical pitfalls
Most applications don't fail because of the idea
- Failure to distinguish eligible development work from routine work
- Technical novelty presented unclearly in the application
- Project start before submitting the application — not permitted under ZIM
- Cost statements that would not withstand an audit
How it works
From the first assessment to an approved application
Since 7 July 2026, the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy has temporarily stopped accepting new ZIM applications (including project outlines). Applications already submitted and ongoing payments are not affected; according to the ministry, the aim is to resume applications in early 2027. The application stop does not affect the Research Allowance. In the funding check we clarify which route currently makes sense for your project. Source: zim.de
01
Funding check
Free initial consultation — we assess whether your project could in principle qualify for the Research Allowance or ZIM.
02
Expert assessment
A concrete evaluation against the criteria of the certification body — not a generic estimate.
03
Preparation & application
We structure the project description, cost breakdown and all required documents.
04
Submission & support
We submit the application and support you with any queries until the decision.
Free & non-binding
Have your project assessed
A 15-minute conversation is enough to know whether your project is eligible and which program fits.
Book a call