Förderung der Neueinstellung von Innovationspersonal in KMU im Saarland (IPS) Beantragung

The 'IPS' funding program supports SMEs in Saarland in the recruitment of highly qualified innovation personnel. The aim is to strengthen innovative strength and competitiveness through technology and knowledge transfer.

The IPS is a funding program to support small and medium-sized companies in Saarland. By providing financial support for the recruitment of highly qualified innovation personnel, the aim is to relieve the burden on companies and strengthen their innovative power. The aim of the funding is to support the transfer of knowledge and technology and to enable SMEs to develop new products, procedures or services and to optimize existing processes. Funding is provided for the first permanent full-time employment of a specialist whose work is clearly related to innovation. The funding is intended to encourage companies to hire highly qualified personnel and drive innovation projects forward. The financial grant is intended to reduce economic barriers to recruiting personnel and facilitate access to urgently needed expertise.

Companies that qualify as small or medium-sized enterprises according to the European Union's definition are eligible to apply. These companies must have their registered office or a permanent establishment in Saarland. In addition, the company must not have employed the staff to be recruited on a permanent basis before submitting the application. The funding is linked to specific conditions. The specialist to be hired must have a verifiable qualification that is required for the implementation of innovation processes. The eligible activity must also have a clear connection to innovation, which is set out in the application.

Funding is not provided in the form of an individual salary subsidy, but as a flat rate based on the classification in an IP performance group. The classification of the activity in the corresponding performance group determines the amount of financial support. The application must be submitted before the employment contract is concluded and must include the necessary documents. This includes proof of the company's financial situation and the qualifications of the specialist to be hired.

Once the application has been received, its content is reviewed. After positive approval, the company receives the grant for a defined period. The grant is paid out in accordance with the provisions set out in the guidelines. Detailed information on the requirements, deadlines and documents to be submitted can be found in the relevant sections of the guidelines.

• Application with project description and calculation of personnel costs on the basis of monthly flat rates
• Draft employment contract with details of the place of work and a note that the employee will only be hired for the designated project activity
• Copies of proof of qualification for classification in the relevant IP service group (in particular certificates, references, CV, etc.)
• De minimis declaration
• SME declaration
• To verify economic performance: the last two audited annual financial statements under commercial law and a current business analysis of the current financial year

• Start of employment: on the 1st of the month
• Required qualification must be available
• No replacement of existing staff at the beneficiary SME.
• Funding period: Minimum 12, maximum 24 months; maximum 36 months in 5 years per company.
• Employment contract: Permanent or at least for the duration of the funding period, probationary period possible.
• Exclusion from funding:
  • Persons who are shareholders or close relatives of shareholders.
  • Temporary workers.
  • Routine changes to existing products or processes.
  • Activities for third parties / contract research.
• Economic viability must be proven and overall financing secured.
• Start before approval: Not without approval, risk lies with the applicant.

Register on the Saarland funding portal (fmi.saarland.de) and fill in your master data.

Submit your application via the "Submit new application" portal.

Conveniently submit your application and all other formalities via the portal.

The funding agency will check your application and consult with you via the portal if necessary.

If you are granted funding, you will receive a notification of approval.

As a rule, the funding agency needs 3-6 weeks to process your application. If you want to start the project before your application has been approved, please submit an "Application for early project start" via the portal

An appeal against the decision may be lodged with the Saarland Administrative Court, Kaiser-Wilhelm-Str. 15, 66740 Saarlouis, within one month of notification.

• Objective of the program: To promote SMEs in Saarland by supporting the recruitment of highly qualified innovation personnel.
• Object of funding: Only new full-time employment relationships subject to social security contributions are funded.
• Objective: To strengthen innovative strength and competitiveness through technology and knowledge transfer.
• Funding period: Maximum of 24 months, applications can be submitted at any time.
• Eligibility to apply:
  • Private companies with a permanent establishment or branch in Saarland.
  • Companies may not be more than 24.99% publicly owned.
• Funding conditions:
  • The grant amounts to 50% of eligible direct personnel costs.
  • Calculated on the basis of monthly flat rates.
  • Funding as de minimis aid (max. EUR 300,000 within three years).
• Content requirements: The employment relationship must be assigned to a key area of the Saarland's current innovation strategy.