ERDF funding

The European Regional Development Fund (ERDF)

The European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) is a funding program of the European Union. The ERDF is intended to help balance the most important regional disparities in the Union. This objective is to be achieved by promoting the development and structural adjustment of regions lag-ging behind in their development as well as structural change in declining industrial regions.

Key measures for innovation in Bremen

Department 4 Industry, Innovation, Digitalization of the Senator for Economic Affairs, Ports and Transformation is implementing the project “Key measures for innovation - framework project ‘Innovation management, clusters, networks and transfer Bremen’”. Phase A will be funded in the peri-od from 2023 to the end of 2025 via several project applications from the ERDF program “Land Bremen 2021-2027” (see below). Phase B for the years 2026 to 2028 is in preparation. The funds will be used for the key industries presented on this website: aerospace, maritime economy and logistics, automotive, renewable energy/wind energy, as well as food, luxury food, and beverage industry. Furthermore, the funds will support the development of the key technologies of digitalization and artificial intelligence (AI), autonomous systems and robotics, lightweight construction and additive manufacturing, metrology and simulation, and hydrogen technologies.

Funded projects

Projects funded by the European Regional Development Fund Bremen (ERDF) 2021-2027 with special significance for Department 4 Industry, Innovation, Digitization of the Senator for Economics, Ports and Transformation:

Key innovation measures - framework project „Innovation management, clusters, networks and transfer Bremen”

Period

Phase A in the period from 01.01.2023 to 31.12.2025

A further application for phase B in the period from 01.01.2026 to 31.12.2028 is planned in the ERDF.

Total budget

5,250,000 €

Project content

Application-oriented innovation management is implemented by the Senator for Economics, Ports and Transformation and supported by Wirtschaftsförderung Bremen GmbH (WFB) on the basis of an agency agreement. The focus of this applica-tion lies on the following three key industries:

  • Maritime economy and logistics
  • Renewable energy/wind energy
  • Food and beverage

and on the following key technologies:

  • Digitalization and Artificial Intelligence (AI)
  • Autonomous systems and robotics
  • Lightweight construction and additive manufacturing
  • Metrology and simulation
  • Biotechnology
  • Hydrogen technologies
  • New forms of work and organization

Application-oriented innovation management is implemented by the Senator for Economics, Ports and Transformation and supported by Wirtschaftsförderung Bremen GmbH (WFB) on the basis of an agency agreement. The focus of this application lies on the following three key industries: – Maritime economy and logistics, – Renewable energy/wind energy, – Food and beverage, and on the following key technologies: – Digitalization and Artificial Intelligence (AI), – Autonomous systems and robotics, – Lightweight construction and additive manufacturing, – Metrology and simulation, – Biotechnology, – Hydrogen technologies, and – New forms of work and organization

The key automotive and healthcare industries are also supported by targeted measures in relation to their interfaces with the key technologies.
Building on networking activities, innovation management aims to initiate collaborations to strengthen research, development, and innovation (RDI), which can lead to research and development (R&D) projects within the framework of federal and EU funding programs, among others. To this end, innovation management also provides targeted support for thematic tenders within the framework of the RDI directive.
In addition, events are held or supported in various formats.

Key innovation measures - framework project „Innovation management, clusters, networks and transfer Bremerhaven”

Period

Phase A in the period 01.01.2023 to 31.12.2025

A further application for Phase B in the period from 01.01.2026 to 31.12.2028 is planned in the ERDF.

Total budget

1,825,000 €

Project content

The applied innovation management for Bremerhaven aims to expand R&D capacities, strengthen innovation, encourage the introduction of advanced technologies, and support entrepreneurial competitiveness in general. The focus here lies on Bremerhaven’s key industries of the maritime economy and logistics, renewable energy/wind energy, and the food and beverage industry. Furthermore, the key technologies of digitalization and artificial intelligence (AI), autonomous systems and robotics, lightweight construction and additive manufacturing, metrology and simulation, and hydrogen technologies are promoted.

Key innovation measures - „Aerospace accompanying measures” framework project

Period

Phase A in the period 01.01.2023 to 31.12.2025

A further application for Phase B in the period from 01.01.2026 to 31.12.2028 is planned in the ERDF.

Total budget

2,100,000 €

Project content

The core of the project is the development and implementation of activities to strengthen the key industry aerospace. Current technological developments in the respective subject areas are to be analyzed and market and settlement potential identified through application-oriented innovation management. The activities are aimed at strengthening the transfer of innovation, knowledge, and technology between science and industry with an improved network. The measures serve to support the aerospace funding program of the state of Bremen.

Key Innovation Measures - Research, Development and Innovation funding program based on the RDI Directive

Period

Phase A in the period 01.01.2023 to 31.12.2025

A further application for Phase B in the period from 01.01.2026 to 31.12.2028 is planned in the ERDF.

Total budget

5,400,000 €

Project content

Individual R&D project funding is intended to support companies, especially SMEs, in the development of innovative products, services, and processes. ERDF funding will focus on cooperation projects with Bremen’s research institutions.
The aim of the funding is in particular to strengthen the innovative and competitive ability of Bremen companies and to secure and create future-proof jobs. The funding is intended to promote the development of key fields of innovation, to encourage the transfer of knowledge and technology, and to consolidate Bremen/Bremerhaven as a location for innovation as a whole.

Key measures Innovation - Aerospace research program based on the LuRaFo directive

Period

Phase A in the period 01.01.2023 to 31.12.2025

A further application for Phase B in the period from 01.01.2026 to 31.12.2028 is planned in the ERDF.

Total budget

8,700,000 €

Project content

This measure is intended in particular to support collaborative and cooperative projects in aerospace research with a focus on the areas of eco-efficient flight, lightweight construction and manufacturing processes, artificial intelligence, satellites, and downstream products. In principle, transnational projects should be possible. In particular, industrial research projects, experimental development projects, and feasibility studies are to be funded.

AI network for SMEs - transfer of knowledge in the field of AI to the SME landscape in Bremen and Bremerhaven

Period

Phase A in the period 01.01.2023 to 31.12.2026

A further application for Phase B in the period from 01.01.2026 to 31.12.2028 is planned in the ERDF.

Total budget

2,752,283 €

Project content

The Transfer Center for Artificial Intelligence BREMEN AI is an independent project within the DHI, the Digital Hub Industry. It brings together business and science to promote the transfer of knowledge and technology in the field of artificial intelligence. Through targeted networking events and practice-oriented support, it qualifies companies in the state of Bremen for the future.

ESA BIC Northern Germany

Period

Phase A in the period 01.01.2023 to 31.12.2025

A further application for Phase B in the period from 01.01.2026 to 31.12.2028 is planned in the ERDF.

Total budget

1,489,155 €

Project content

The European Space Agency ESA coordinates a Europe-wide network of so-called Business Incubation Centers (ESA BICs). The aim of the ESA BICs is to support start-ups and young companies from the space sector and space applications or to enable those from other technology sectors to enter the space sector. ESA provides the framework and a platform for exchange between the regional ESA BICs. The ESA BICs are operated and organized by regional institutions. Knowledge and technology transfer takes place through cooperation between the start-ups and scientific institutes.

Business start-up support in the state of Bremen - Starthaus for Bremen and Bremerhaven

Period

Phase A in the period 01.01.2023 to 31.12.2025

A further application for Phase B in the period from 01.01.2026 to 31.12.2028 is planned in the ERDF.

Total budget

8,122,000 €

Project content

The aim of the project is to further expand the start-up ecosystem in the state of Bremen, increase the quantity and quality of start-ups in the state of Bremen, create new high-quality jobs, and make the location known as an attractive start-up location beyond the state’s borders.

Gender Diversity in KMU

Period

Phase A in the period 01.10.2024 to 31.12.2025

A further application for Phase B in the period from 01.01.2026 to 31.12.2028 is planned in the ERDF.

Total budget

920,000 €

Project content

The measure „Diversity in KMU” supports strategies for diverse personnel structures in companies. The aim is to reduce gender gaps and to develop working environments where different talents, perspectives, and skills can come together in an interdisciplinary way.

Accompanying measures „Gender Diversity in KMU“

Period

Phase A in the period 01.10.2024 to 31.12.2025

A further application for Phase B in the period from 01.01.2026 to 31.12.2028 is planned in the ERDF.

Total budget

250,000 €

Project content

The aim of the project is to draw attention to the promotion of diversity and examples of good practice through accompanying promotional measures – with marketing/public relations and networking/events. Social networks, specialist events, innovation workshops, and other forums are used to strengthen existing networks and promote the exchange of experiences.

Logo mit dem Schriftzug "Co-funded by the European Union"