The HAW-ForschungsSchub funding scheme is open to all disciplines and subject combinations, supporting universities of applied sciences (UAS) in developing their promising research findings through follow-up research and development activities, and translating these into practical applications. Particular attention is given to projects in the key technologies and strategic research fields of the High-Tech Agenda for Germany (HTAD), focusing on their transfer into society. This enables further research questions to be pursued, exploitation potential to be realised, and products and services based on the results to be developed. To facilitate this, the focus is on further developing methods, techniques and processes. Where appropriate and feasible, the transition to the next innovation phase should be transparently described and documented using suitable maturity models, such as the ‘Technology Readiness Level’ (TRL) or the ‘Societal Readiness Level’ (SRL). In parallel, sustainable network structures are established to specifically prepare for and support the commercial exploitation of research results, right through to market-ready products and services.

Funding is available for projects lasting up to 24 months. The maximum grant amount is 200,000 euros per project.

 Projects are selected for funding through a two-stage process. In the first stage, an expression of interest must be submitted. This must be submitted, together with the supporting documents, by 15 September 2026, 15 March 2027 or 15 September 2027 at the latest. In the second stage of the process, up to 60 eligible universities of applied sciences, selected at random, will be invited to submit a funding application. Universities of Applied Sciences (UAS) are eligible to submit applications in accordance with Section 3(1) of the Federal-State Agreement on the ‘Research at UAS’ programme. The involvement of associated partners – in particular companies and organisations that can build on the results in the future – is essential and must be clearly demonstrated in the application. Funding will be awarded exclusively to the applicant universities of applied sciences.

 Please refer to the for the detailed funding conditions. There you will also find all the documents you need to submit an application.