Pro FIT Projektfinanzerung Berlin– Up to €1.4 Million in Public R&D Funding
Grant and loan combination for startups and SMEs developing innovative products or technologies in Berlin.
Target group
Startups and SMEs
Deadline
Year-around
Location
State Berlin
Table of contents
Are you eligible?
Are a company based in Berlin
Are a startup, SME, or mid-cap (up to 500 employees)
Are planning a project with clear technological innovation
Have not started the project yet
Can demonstrate the technical and financial capacity to execute the project
Research institutions can be part of the project, but the main applicant must be a private company.
What is Pro FIT Projektfinanzierung?
Pro FIT (Program for Research, Innovation and Technology) is the leading public funding program in Berlin for research and development (R&D) projects. It supports both industrial research and experimental development through a mix of grants and loans. As such, it is part of the broader category of non-dilutive funding, providing capital without requiring founders to give up equity.
Total funding volume: Up to €1.4 million
Up to €400,000 in grants for the research phase
Up to €1,000,000 in loans for the development phase
Funding rates depend on company size, project scope and innovation level
Project duration: Typically 1–3 years
Eligible costs:
Personnel (employees, founders)
External R&D services
Equipment and materials
Prototypes
Software and licenses
Travel, patent and certification costs
Important
Pro FIT requires a mandatory loan component. You cannot apply for grant-only support.
This structure ensures scalable co-financing and risk sharing – ideal for ambitious innovation projects with growth potential.
What are the terms and conditions?
Projects must offer clear technological innovation, not just market novelty
The combination of grant + loan is mandatory
Loans are repayable
Your company must stay headquartered and operate in Berlin during the project
Double funding of the same expenses is not allowed
Financial documentation and project milestones must be submitted in detail
When is the deadline?
There is no fixed deadline – Pro FIT applications are accepted year-round.
However, annual budgets are limited, and funding is granted on a first-come, first-reviewed basis.
Important: Projects must not start before the signed application is submitted.
How does the application work?
Online application via the IBB portal
Upload all required documents
Administrative check with rounds of questions
External experts review your project description, Gantt-chart and budget
The decision is made by a Berlin funding committee
If approved, funds are paid in tranches based on submitted invoices
You need support?
Would you like to learn more about how we can increase your companies chances of success with this funding program?
FAQs
What our clients often ask before they get started.
What types of projects are funded under Pro FIT?
Pro FIT funds technology-driven innovation projects that involve measurable research and development activities. Eligible projects typically include developments in software, hardware, biotechnology, cleantech, and other technology-intensive fields.
How is Pro FIT funding structured?
Pro FIT combines non-repayable grants with repayable public loans to finance innovation projects. This hybrid structure allows companies to access non-dilutive funding without giving up equity while benefiting from favorable public financing terms.
How much funding can companies realistically receive under Pro FIT?
Under Pro FIT, most projects receive up to €500,000 in grants and up to €1,000,000 in public loans. The exact funding volume depends on project size, scope, and development phase.
Is the loan component under Pro FIT repayable?
Yes. The loan component under Pro FIT is repayable. Repayment conditions depend on the specific project and are defined individually based on project risk, duration, and expected outcomes.
Can projects be funded if they have already started?
No. Projects funded under Pro FIT must start only after official grant notification has been received. Costs incurred before approval are not eligible for funding.
Still have questions?
