InnoImpact funding programme reports initial success
The InnoImpact programme launched by IFB Innovationsstarter GmbH in October 2023 filled a gap in Hamburg's funding landscape. From then on, companies and initiatives with a social or environmental focus were also eligible for financial support. To mark its second anniversary, a celebration was held to showcase some of the programme's success stories.
InnoImpact has already distributed almost 2 million euros
The teams receiving funding contribute to solutions for social challenges with innovative ideas and entrepreneurial commitment. To be eligible for support, they must contribute to at least one of the United Nations' sustainability goals. Since December 2023, 32 social startups have been funded with almost 2 million euros. The grant amounts to a flat rate of up to 2,500 euros per person per month and is awarded as a non-repayable subsidy for a maximum period of 18 months. The maximum amount per startup is 75,000 euros for at most three people.
Seven examples of impact from Hamburg
At a small anniversary celebration at betahaus in Hamburgs district Schanze, seven startups from the InnoImpact programme introduced themselves:
Gistable is building a knowledge platform that makes complex scientific findings accessible.
mutly gives socially isolated seniors access to cultural events.
myProtectify offers help with domestic violence.
Gestaltungszentrale Politik is developing a digital atlas to make political processes more transparent.
Azubi Companion supports young people during their training.
Little Ashé makes fabric dolls for children of all skin colours.
Schrott bewahre runs a second-hand store for building and craft materials.
InnoImpact is an important building block in the implementation of the social entrepreneurship strategy, which has been in place since 2023 under the leadership of the Hamburg Ministry of Economics, Labor, and Innovation. Another element is the #UpdateHamburg support programme, which is now in its fourth round. With a total budget of 1.1 million euros, this year seven socially innovative associations are being supported that are finding new ways to make living together in the city more equitable, sustainable, and livable.
