SPRIN-D

Drive Breakthrough Innovation in Europe with SPRIN-D

Support for disruptive high-impact R&D projects led by SMEs, researchers, and start-ups across the EU, UK, EFTA & Israel.

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The SPRIN-D programme (Federal Agency for Disruptive Innovation) is Germany’s initiative to fund breakthrough innovations, ideas that go beyond incremental change and can transform entire markets, technologies, or societal systems.

SPRIN-D´s primary objective is to identify, fund, and accelerate radical innovations that have the potential to create entirely new markets or ecosystems, solve major technological, societal, or environmental challenges and deliver long-term global impact far beyond existing product improvements.

Fund your innovation

Secure funding to develop your high-impact, disruptive technology.

Open to All Legal Entities

SMEs, start-ups, universities, and research institutions in the EU, EFTA, UK, and Israel.

Flexible & Continuous Calls

Submissions are open year-round with ~12-week evaluations.

Fast and Agile

Inspired by ARPA models, the process is low in bureaucracy and high in responsiveness.

€250k

initial funding

€3M

for SPRIN-D challenges

€350k

funken support

€35M

maximum investment potential

What you need
to know before
applying

Start your eligibility check now

 

💡 Begin preparing your concept and materials at least 8–10 weeks before submission.

About the SPRIND programme

The Bundesagentur für Sprunginnovationen (SPRIN-D), the Federal Agency for Disruptive Innovation, supports bold ideas with the potential to reshape markets, industries, or entire ecosystems.

It focuses on breakthrough innovations that tackle major technological, societal, or environmental challenges, bridging the gap between early-stage research and market-ready solutions.

Eligible aplicants
  • SMEs, start-ups, universities, research institutions, and incubators based in the EU, EFTA, UK, or Israel are eligible.
  • Individual partners from other regions can join consortiums.

What Constitutes a Breakthrough Innovation?

A lasting innovation that creates new markets or ecosystems, or solves a pressing global challenge in technology, society, or sustainability.

TRL requirements

SPRIN-D supports innovations between TRL 3–7, from feasibility studies to market-ready prototypes.

Funding

Open Submissions: Early-stage, open-topic projects.

  • Funding range:  Up to €250,000.

SPRIND Challenges: Multi-stage, mission-driven programs.

  • Funding range:  €500,000–€3 million.

Funken (Fast-track): Rapid-response funding with a 2–3 week review.

  • Funding range:  Up to €350,000.

Equity / Hybrid Investments: Long-term, large-scale missions.

  • Funding range: Up to €35 million.
Key deadlines
  • Applications open: SPRIND does not have a single fixed deadline for its general funding programme — proposals can be submitted at any time. However, specific SPRIND Challenges have their own deadlines, which vary by call. You can find the information on the SPRIN D Challenge calls and their deadlines on their official website page here.
  • Evaluation period: ~12 weeks.
  • Decision process: A multi-stage assessment that includes both internal evaluations and reviews by external experts.
Application process
  1. Submit Your Project Online: Complete the official SPRIND Submission Form.
  2. Use the Guiding Questions (PDF): Reflect on how your innovation breaks new ground.
  3. Internal & Expert Review: Evaluation by innovation managers, expert panels, and the supervisory board.
  4. Decision & Onboarding: Selected projects receive tailored funding, mentorship, and strategic support.
Evaluation Criteria

Projects are assessed based on their potential for true disruption and long-term impact:

  • Breakthrough potential: Will it redefine a market or solve a major issue?
  • Feasibility & expertise: Does the team have the capacity to deliver?
  • Impact & scalability: Can it reach multiple sectors or global markets?
  • Openness & collaboration: Is the team open to learning and partnerships?
  • Civil use only: SPRIND funds non-military innovation exclusively.
Eligible costs

SPRIND funding can cover a broad range of project-related expenses, including:

  • Personnel and research staff
  • Laboratory and prototyping equipment
  • Subcontracting and professional services
  • Travel, operational, and overhead costs
  • Business services (legal, financial, marketing, etc.)

How We Support Your SPRIND Application

  • Backed by PhDs, engineers, and finance experts to navigate the EU funding landscape, from finding the right call to managing the project lifecycle.
  • We combine strategic insight with technical excellence to help innovators secure the right collaborative funding and manage their projects successfully.
Control de convocatorias (1)

1. Opportunity Scouting

We assess whether the project profile fits SPRIND’s challenge requirements, including disruptive potential and experimental depth. In parallel, we screen EU and national programmes to identify suitable alternative or complementary options. We analyse initial technical and financial inputs to establish a solid application baseline and consider partner needs in line with challenge expectations.
Diagnóstico y preparación

2. Application Support

Obtención de ayuda (2)

3. Submission & Grant Agreement

We coordinate the full submission process to ensure accuracy and smooth communication with the funding agency throughout the evaluation stages. Once selected, we prepare the required documentation, align budgets and milestones, and complete the contractual steps needed to enter the funded phase, ensuring a seamless transition into project execution.

Gestión del proyecto (1)

4. Project Management

We oversee project progress to maintain alignment with SPRIND’s milestone-based approach. Deliverables, timelines, and financial reporting are monitored closely, with documentation prepared for reviews and audits. We manage administrative follow-up, facilitate fund disbursement procedures, and address any adjustments needed to keep the project advancing effectively.

Need expert advice for your SPRIND application?

Our consultants guide you through everything you need to know about EU funding calls, requirements, and winning strategies.

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“Evolution’s expertise and guidance were instrumental in securing our funding. Their support throughout the entire process, from crafting the proposal to preparing for the final pitch, was invaluable. It’s the most professional and comprehensive assistance we’ve ever received.”

Paul Kamoun, Director of Spacepharma

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“Evolution was pivotal in improving and refining our business model and go-to-market strategy. Besides, the writing of the proposal was elevated to a very high standard; we could not have achieved this without Evolution’s help.”

Fadhil Musa, co-founder of Delox

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“At Evolution, we found the expertise and guidance in this domain to identify and target the right programme for us. Getting Evolution alongside was fundamental to ensure peace of mind and keep the start-up team focused on project development.”

Mathieu Horras, CEO, Founder & Board Member of Aspivix

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The ultimate guide to
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  • How to identify the best funding opportunities for your project
  • Learn strategies top innovators use to secure grants, navigate complex
    applications, and maximize funding potential.
  • Proven tips for writing winning grant proposals

Download now and boost your funding success!

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions about the SPRIND (Federal Agency for Disruptive Innovation).

What is the German Federal Agency for Disruptive Innovation (SPRIND)?

SPRIND (Bundesagentur für Sprunginnovationen), also known as SPRIN-D, is Germany’s national agency for breakthrough innovation.

Launched in December 2019 and backed by the Freedom Act, it supports high-risk, high-impact projects that have the potential to redefine markets or create entirely new ones. SPRIND operates independently but is fully funded by the German Federal Government.

Who is eligible to apply to SPRIND?

Any legal entity, including SMEs, start-ups, universities, research institutions, and incubators, based in the EU, EFTA, UK, or Israel, can apply.
Participants outside these regions may also join as collaborating partners within eligible consortia.

What defines a breakthrough innovation for SPRIND?

A breakthrough innovation is one that:

  • Fundamentally transforms existing markets or creates entirely new ones

  • Establishes new ecosystems around disruptive technologies

  • Solves major technological, environmental, or societal challenges

SPRIND specifically seeks projects with long-term, system-changing potential, not just incremental improvements.

When can I apply for SPRIND funding?

SPRIND operates with no fixed deadline; applications are accepted year-round.
After submission, applicants can expect an evaluation and decision within approximately 12 weeks.

How does SPRIND support funded projects?

Beyond financial backing, SPRIND offers tailored project management, strategic support, and access to its network of innovation experts. Successful applicants receive not just funding, but also mentorship and long-term partnership development.

Where can I find upcoming SPRIND Challenges or calls?

New SPRIND Challenges are announced on a rolling basis, typically once or twice per year.

The next call is expected in Q4 2025 (to be confirmed). Keep an eye on the official SPRIND portal for updates.

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