Universities of Applied Sciences in the state (HAW BW) are calling for the preservation of the Central Innovation Program for Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (ZIM)

On July 7, 2026, the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy imposed a temporary freeze on new applications for the Central Innovation Program for Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (ZIM). The ministry cited the sharp increase in demand for funding since the fourth quarter of 2025 and limited budgetary resources as the reasons for this decision. The Universities of Applied Sciences in Baden-Württemberg (HAW BW), including Hochschule Offenburg, are now joining forces with their partners in industry to call for the preservation of the ZIM and the lifting of the application freeze:

“The suspension of new applications for the ZIM not only affects companies but also jeopardizes the successful collaboration between small and medium-sized enterprises and universities in research, development, and technology transfer. Universities of Applied Sciences, in particular, are key innovation partners for small and medium-sized enterprises. Many joint research and development projects—which are of central importance to the competitiveness of our business region—are made possible by the ZIM in the first place. Baden-Württemberg thrives on its innovative strength and the close collaboration between academia and industry. The short-term funding freeze therefore sends the wrong signal—especially at a time when companies and universities are working together on solutions for digital and sustainable transformation. We urge the federal government to lift the application freeze immediately and to ensure reliable, long-term funding for the ZIM. Innovation, technology transfer, and research collaborations involving small and medium-sized enterprises must not suffer as a result of short-term budgetary decisions.”

Countless ZIM projects have also been successfully implemented at Hochschule Offenburg. For example, the “SUSI - In silico MED&Health,” which is developing an AI-supported assistance system for seniors living alone; the “EchoCheck” project, which is creating a novel acoustic measurement method for the precise length measurement of underground district heating pipes; and the “CoBot-Protector” project, which focuses on a 3D force/pressure measurement system for detecting and evaluating direct and transient collisions between collaborative robots and humans. If the ZIM program were to be discontinued, it would be a setback not only for Hochschule Offenburg but also for the region.