2nd ERDF funding call dated 18.07.2024 as part of the ERDF/JTF funding guideline Research InfraProNet 2021-2027

The objectives of ERDF InfraProNet funding are:

• The strengthening of interdisciplinary and application-oriented research and research infrastructure at public scientific institutions in Saxony, whereby projects have transfer potential with links to economic activity in the Free State of Saxony.
• The objectives pursued with the creation of new research infrastructure must correspond to the long-term strategic plans for the location development of the own institution in the Free State of Saxony.
• The projects consolidate the special position of the research location in accordance with the innovation strategy of the Free State of Saxony.
• The projects should be of particular strategic research interest for the Free State of Saxony.

In contrast to ERDF funding for R&D projects, InfraProNet funding is not aimed at the development of results in cooperation with commercial enterprises - it is therefore non-economic and free of aid and is to be regarded as a preliminary stage to R&D project funding.

Project proposals with a focus on energy and climate should be checked for compatibility with the ERDF Energy and Climate Directive.

A: Application-oriented research and development projects (responsibility of SG 5.2 - EPC)

• High scientific quality of the scientific topics
• Contribution to the implementation of the innovation strategy of the Free State of Saxony
• The projects must be application-oriented and aim to achieve a minimum TRL (technology readiness level) of 4, i.e. validation on a laboratory scale. This must be suitably set out in the project idea.
• The planned measures must be of particular interest to the Free State of Saxony in terms of research policy.
• All follow-up costs after the end of the approval period must be borne by the applicant.
• The projects include a global, socio-political interest in the form of a contribution to the implementation of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations in the planning.
• No construction measures are funded; if construction measures are necessary, the institution concerned must present suitable financing in the project idea.
• Only non-economic activities not involving state aid will be funded
• Appropriate utilization of the research results for third parties within the European Union under non-discriminatory conditions must be guaranteed

B: Equipment investments to improve the application-oriented research infrastructure (responsibility of SG 5.1 - Research funding)

If you are interested in this funding opportunity, please contact Ms. Behnke(; Tel -33772) or Mr. Wagler(; Tel: -32578) immediately

• The projects must be of high scientific quality and the scientific topics pursued with the research infrastructure must contribute to the implementation of the innovation strategy of the Free State of Saxony and be in line with it.
• Particular recognition will be given to investments that have a profile-building and strategic significance and can therefore have a sustainable impact.
• The objectives pursued with the creation of the new research infrastructure must correspond to the long-term strategic plans for location development of the grant recipients in the Free State of Saxony.
• the planned measures must be of particular interest to the Free State of Saxony in terms of research policy
• All follow-up costs after the end of the approval period must be borne by the applicant.

• The investments to be funded must be adequately protected against flooding(flood risk map).
• The projects include a global, socio-political interest in the form of a contribution to the implementation of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations in the planning.
• No construction measures are funded; if construction measures are necessary, the institution concerned must present suitable financing in the project idea.
• If, in the case of a funded research infrastructure, i.e. a property or movable property that is partially leased to companies by the research institution, the economic activity does not constitute a purely ancillary activity in accordance with point 2.1.1 point 21 of the Union Framework for State Aid for Research, Development and Innovation (OJ C 414, 28.10.2022, p. 1), Regulation (EU) No 651/2014 as amended, together with the attached Annex, applies

• Universities pursuant to Section 1 (1) of the Saxon Higher Education Act of 31 May 2023 (SächsGVBl. p. 329), as amended, as well as research centers pursuant to Section 101 of the Saxon Higher Education Act,
• non-university research institutions institutionally funded by the federal and/or state governments with a research site in the Free State of Saxony,
• non-profit research institutions with the status of an affiliated institute in accordance with § 102 of the Saxon Higher Education Act,
• Saxon University of Cooperative Education pursuant to Section 3 of the Saxon University of Cooperative Education Act of June 9, 2017 (SächsGVBl. p. 306), which was last amended by Article 5 of the Act of May 31, 2023 (SächsGVBl. p. 329), as amended,
• University alliances pursuant to Section 97 of the Saxon Higher Education Act, whose task is research and transfer and which pursue neither a state aid-relevant nor an economic purpose.

Collaborative projects of the above-mentioned institutions are possible.

A: Application-oriented research and development projects (responsibility of SG 5.2 - EPC)

• Personnel expenses for researchers, technicians and other personnel, insofar as they are deployed for the project
  • Personnel expenses in accordance with TV-Ä are to be avoided, as the simplified cost option (VKO) does not provide for them (see "Other information on eligible expenses").
• Expenditure on equipment (devices, equipment, instruments),
• Expenditure for external services
  • SAB/SMWK recommend that the proportion of external services does not exceed 20%
  • the guideline is free of state aid: the involvement of external services to companies must be objectively and technically justified in order to show that it is not a case of hidden aid/economic promotion and that companies do not gain a competitive advantage through the award of subcontracts
• Tendering obligation must be observed
• Expenditure for the registration or acquisition of copyright laws
• Other material expenses, such as consumables (max. 20% of personnel costs)
• Flat-rate overhead costs i. 25% on the direct expenditure of all the above categories with the exception of external services
• No construction measures are funded as part of the funding call; if construction measures are necessary, the institution concerned must present suitable financing in the project idea

B: Equipment investments to improve application-oriented research infrastructure (responsibility of SG 5.1 - Research Funding)

• Expenditure on equipment, fixtures and fittings
• Expenditure on external services, provided they are directly related to the measure, necessary and appropriate
• No construction measures are funded; if construction measures are necessary, the institution concerned must present suitable financing in the project idea. A maximum of minor connection costs for electrical cables etc. can also be applied for.
• No lump sum for overhead costs will be paid.

• Personnel expenses are charged as costs per unit in the project. For staff paid in accordance with the Collective Agreement for the Public Service of the Federal States (TV-L) or the Collective Agreement for the Public Service (TVöD), invoicing is based on a monthly rate according to the allocation to the pay group and level, the project-related job share and the actual hours worked. Any financial shortfalls resulting from the flat-rate funding must be borne by the Chairs themselves at the latest upon completion of the project.
• Personnel expenses in accordance with TV-Ä are only eligible for funding on the basis of TV-L, as they are not provided for in the simplified cost option (VKO). Personnel expenses in accordance with TV-Ä are therefore to be avoided. Financial shortfalls resulting from the flat-rate funding must be borne by the Chairs themselves at the latest upon completion of the project.
• Only the additional eligible project expenses/costs that are not already covered by basic funding from the university or research institution are eligible for funding.
• The project must not yet have begun. Any measure by which the applicant demonstrates its determination to carry out the project is deemed to be the start of the project. This includes, among other things, the conclusion of a contract or the receipt and payment of an invoice.

Partial funding for a specific project in the form of a grant.

• The duration of the projects can be up to 36 months.
• Project start not before January 2025, probably in the first quarter of 2025

• Ideally, however, the end of the term for projects in the current call should not exceed June 30, 2028.

• Funding is available for up to 100 percent of eligible expenditure.
• A total budget of up to EUR 80 million from ERDF funds, including state co-financing, is estimated as part of the call for funding, subject to the corresponding availability of budget funds and commitment appropriations.

• Saxony-wide (transition region and more developed region)

It is no longer possible to submit an application.

Formal evaluation criteria

• Time frame, implementation and relationship of the planned funds to the risk presented and to the budget of the call for funding
• Achievement of the TRL
• Freedom from European state aid in accordance with Article 107(3) TFEU
• Contribution to the innovation strategy RIS3 of the Free State of Saxony
• Justified positioning in the sustainability goals of the United Nations (SDG)
• Balanced scientific and technical risk

Qualitative evaluation criteria

• Presentation of the goals to be achieved
• Strategic potential of the project for the institution
• Scientific content and methodological approach
• Impact on third-party funding acquisition, visibility, transfer potential (only for projects)
• Strategic research interest (in particular reference to the White Paper on Research)

Guideline FRL ERDF/JTF Research InfraProNet 2021-2027

Official ERDF funding call from 18.07.2024

Documents for the SMWK information event from 12.07.2024

FAQ for the SMWK information event from 12.07.2024

Documents for the SMWK information event on 09.08.2024 (link as soon as available)
(Notes from the EPC on the event)

FAQ for the SMWK information event on 09.08.2024 (link as soon as available)

SAB form project description ERDF projects (as of 12.08.2024)

SAB form project description ERDF Invest (as of 12.08.2024)

Calculation template SAB Invest

Calculation template EPC projects

Information on the project proposal

White Paper Research

Innovation strategy brief overview

Innovation strategy RIS3 of the Free State of Saxony

Sustainability goals of the United Nations

Flood risk map

Examination of flood risk area based on Geoportal Saxony (instructions)

Vision and strategic goals of TU Dresden

Link Press release Stage success Excellence Strategy

Link Application Excellence Strategy "Synergy and beyond"

Announcement of third-party funding

Communication from the Vice-Rector Research 2/2023

Information on the handling of personal data

SAB fact sheet Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union

Program page of the SAB