The Central Innovation Programme (ZIM) is an initiative of the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy (BMWi) aimed at SMEs in R&D projects. The programme is open to proposals covering all types of technology and sectors, as well as national or international cooperation. The overarching goal of ZIM is to foster innovation and competitiveness among companies, contributing to economic growth and job creation.

Depending on the size, location and type of project, ZIM covers between 25 % and 50 % of the R&D project's eligible costs (up to € 380 000 per project); an additional 5 % in the case of cooperation projects with foreign partners, but limited to € 2 million; and up to 100 % for research institutions for projects under € 190 000. More details are available on the programme site.

International organisations are eligible for funding as part of a consortium with German companies and research institutions.