Public Funding

FAQ on public grants

• What startup grants are available in Hamburg?

  IFB Innovationsstarter offers four startup grant programs in Hamburg: InnoFounder, InnoRampUp, InnoFinTech, and InnoImpact.

  These programs are designed for different startup types and stages:

  InnoFounder supports founders building digital business models.

  InnoRampUp supports DeepTech startups based on scientific or technological innovation.

  InnoFinTech supports FinTech and InsureTech startups.

  InnoImpact supports startups creating measurable social or environmental impact.

  All four programs provide non-repayable funding and are among the most relevant public startup funding opportunities in Hamburg.

• Can startups apply for multiple IFB grant programs?

  No. Startups can only receive funding through one IFB Innovationsstarter program at a time.

  The four grant programs cannot be combined with one another. However, combining IFB funding with other public funding programs, including German federal funding or European Union funding schemes, may be possible depending on the individual case.

  Founders should discuss potential funding combinations with the IFB Innovationsstarter team before submitting an application.

• Which IFB grant program is right for my startup?

  The right program depends on your startup's business model, sector, and company age.

  Choose InnoFounder if:

  Your startup has a digital business model
  Your company is less than 12 months old

  You are looking for early-stage founder funding

  Choose InnoRampUp if:

  Your startup is developing DeepTech innovation

  Your business is based on scientific research or engineering excellence

  You operate in areas such as robotics, biotech, hardware, proprietary AI models, climate tech, or advanced materials

  Your company is less than two years old

  Choose InnoFinTech if:

  You are building a FinTech or InsureTech company

  Your business model is closely linked to financial services

  Your company is less than three years old

  Choose InnoImpact if:

  Your startup addresses at least one United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG)

  Social or environmental impact is central to your mission

  Your company is less than two years old

• Who is eligible for startup grants in Hamburg?

  Eligible startups must be based in Hamburg and meet the specific requirements of the chosen program.

  Across all programs, the following conditions generally apply:

  Hamburg-Based Startup

  The company must have its registered office in Hamburg. For sole proprietorships and partnerships, at least half of the founders must live in Hamburg.

  Project Location

  The funded project must be implemented primarily in Hamburg.

  Company Age

  The startup must fall within the age limit of the selected funding program, ranging from one to three years.

  SME Status

  Applicants for InnoRampUp and InnoFinTech must meet the European Union definition of a small or medium-sized enterprise (SME).

  ESG Compliance

  Activities listed on IFB Hamburg's ESG exclusion list are not eligible for funding.

• How much funding can startups receive in Hamburg?

  Startups can receive between €75,000 and €200,000 in non-repayable grants, depending on the program.

  InnoFounder

  Up to €75,000 total funding

  Up to €2,500 per founder per month

  Up to three founders

  Funding period of up to 18 months

  Funding can be used for salaries, operating expenses, and project-related costs.

  InnoRampUp

  Up to €150,000 in grant funding

  Reimbursement of eligible project expenses

  Partial advance payments may be available

  InnoFinTech

  Up to €200,000 in grant funding

  Highest funding amount among the four programs

  InnoImpact

  Up to €75,000 total funding

  Up to €2,500 per founder per month

  Up to three founders

  Funding period of up to 18 months

  Funding can be used for salaries, operating expenses, and project-related costs.

  All grants are non-repayable.

• How does the application process work?

  Step 1: Online Application

  Submit a pitch deck and project description through the relevant IFB Innovationsstarter application form.

  Step 2: Initial Assessment

  Program managers review the application and assess eligibility and funding fit.

  Step 3: Founder Meeting and Practice Pitch

  Selected teams are invited to a feedback session and introductory meeting.

  Step 4: Formal Grant Application

  The IFB team supports founders in preparing the application documents and committee presentation.

  Step 5: Funding Committee Pitch

  Applicants present their startup in a 10-minute pitch followed by a Q&A session.

  Step 6: Funding Decision

  Successful startups receive a grant approval and can begin the funded project.

  One distinguishing feature of the IFB Innovationsstarter process is that founders receive feedback and guidance throughout the application journey.

• What evaluation criteria determine whether a startup receives funding?

  Funding decisions are based on innovation, market potential, team quality, and sustainability impact.

  Innovation

  The startup must demonstrate a meaningful innovation or competitive advantage.

  For InnoRampUp, scientific validation such as patents, research publications, or academic achievements can strengthen an application significantly.

  Market Potential and Scalability

  Review committees assess whether the business model can scale and achieve significant market impact.

  Evidence such as pilot customers, letters of intent, partnerships, or early revenues can improve funding prospects.

  Founding Team

  Strong founding teams with complementary skills, relevant expertise, and execution capability are viewed positively across all programs.

  Sustainability and Impact

  Startups contributing to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are encouraged across all four programs and are central to the InnoImpact program.

• Where can founders find more information about public grants in Hamburg?

  Detailed eligibility criteria, application forms, and funding guidelines are available on the respective IFB Innovationsstarter program pages. Interested founders will also find FAQ sections to get answers on their most common questions. And if that is not enough, the programme managers are also easily accessible via e-mail or phone for questions regarding the process. The programme managers are unavailable to provide instant feedback on the specifics of your startup or its suitability for the programme. Just simply apply and submit your startup via the relevant programme’s Website.

  • check out the grants website