BMBF funding programme VIP+

The funding programme invites scientists from all disciplines to take the first step from the world of research towards economic value creation or social application.
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The funding programme ‘Validation of the technological and social innovation potential of scientific research - VIP+’ supports scientists in examining and demonstrating the innovation potential of research results and in developing possible areas of application.

In the natural sciences, life sciences and engineering, there are often high hurdles that must first be overcome in order to transfer research results into commercialisation. In the humanities, social sciences and cultural sciences, too, research results are produced for which there are no longer any fundamental research questions and which appear to be suitable in principle for broad application, but which nevertheless do not find their way into practice without obstacles. To overcome these hurdles, the research results must first be tested and evaluated for their practicality and feasibility. For example, in order to be transferred to application, the basic suitability and acceptance must first be demonstrated by carrying out feasibility studies, pilot applications or test series. The research result should, for example, lead to the expectation that its application in practice will result in significantly greater benefits for the user, significant savings or positive changes for users. In this way, VIP+ creates the conditions for the further development of research results into innovative products.

At the same time, the risk for third parties to invest in further development is reduced. VIP+ funding therefore goes beyond purely scientific issues. It serves to build a bridge to subsequent utilisation or application.

(Text: https://www.validierungsfoerderung.de/foerderung/vip-kompakt)