In October 2023, IFB Innovationsstarter GmbH announced the launch of its new InnoImpact funding programme. The aim was to promote innovative, charitable startups and social enterprises in all sectors. One year later, the results are positive.
InnoImpact is part of the social entrepreneurship strategy
A social entrepreneurship strategy for Hamburg was developed under the leadership of the Ministry of Economics and Innovation for the targeted promotion of social enterprises and adopted by the Senate in January 2023. One component of this strategy is the InnoImpact programme. The focus is on startups that aim to solve societal challenges, particularly in the social and ecological field, and thus contribute to at least one of the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The first awards committee met in November 2023, followed by four further meetings to date to discuss the awarding of funding.
17 startups funded so far
A total of 17 projects have benefited from the funding so far, with a grant totalling up to 75,000 euros. Among them are the following startups that are already successful on the market:
Saferspaces makes it possible to call for help in an uncomplicated way via mobile phone in threatening situations.
Invest it! brings financial education to schools.
Soberland offers digital self-help for alcohol addicts.
VOLU. is a platform for voluntary work.
Diverlyze helps companies achieve their diversity, equity and inclusion goals.
VIVO Carbon contributes to climate protection with regional reforestation programmes.
The InnoImpact funding programme will be continued in 2025. Natural persons or partnerships with legal capacity that have not yet started their business activities or have been doing so for less than two years can apply here on an ongoing basis.
