WIPANO: turn your ideas into protected IP.
WIPANO co-funds the cost of patenting and commercialising an invention for German SMEs, from first patent search to market launch. We handle the application and the paperwork.
Germany’s grant for patents and standards
WIPANO (Wissens- und Technologietransfer durch Patente und Normen) is a BMWK programme that helps SMEs protect and commercialise innovations. Its patent funding covers the steps from patent search and application through to exploitation.
It also funds active participation in standardisation, where shaping a norm gives your technology a market edge. We assess which track fits and run it. See who qualifies further down.
WIPANO has three funding tracks
Most companies come for the patent track, but standardisation and knowledge-transfer can be far larger. We pick the one that fits your goal.
Patenting
50% of patent search, application, attorney and first exploitation costs, for SMEs new to patenting.
Standardisation
Up to 70% to actively shape national, European and international standards in your field.
Knowledge transfer
Per partner, KMU up to 80%, for projects turning research results into standards.
Figures are per module, not cumulative, you apply to one at a time. Patenting and standardisation are granted as De-minimis aid (€300,000 over three years); WIPANO reimburses eligible costs after the fact, so the work is pre-financed and claimed afterwards.
Compare the three modules
One view of who each module is for, what it pays and how long it runs, so you can see at a glance which track fits.
| Patenting | Standardisation | Knowledge transfer | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Funding rate | 50% | up to 70% | up to 80% |
| Max grant | €16,000 | €40,000 | €200,000 / partner |
| Who it's for | SMEs, first-time filers (no IP filing in 3 years) | SMEs & Mittelstand, up to 1,000 staff | A company with a research institution |
| Duration | up to 24 months | up to 36 months | 24 months |
| Aid basis | De-minimis | De-minimis | GBER |
All three modules require a German establishment and an application filed before the work begins. We assess which one fits and run it for you.
Who qualifies, and what each step pays
The patent track is built for companies taking their first serious step into IP protection, which is exactly why one eligibility rule catches people out.
Who qualifies
Up to 250 employees and ≤ €50m turnover (or ≤ €43m balance sheet), incl. the liberal professions.
A registered office or permanent establishment in Germany.
No patent or utility-model application in the last three years, the rule most applicants miss. This is funding to get started.
The work must be carried out by qualified external service providers; using a patent attorney is mandatory.
Estimate your grant
The two funding modules
| Module | What it covers | Max grant |
|---|---|---|
| Modul 1 · Application | Prior-art search, patent/utility-model filing, attorney and office fees, advisory | up to €10,000 |
| Modul 2 · Exploitation | Cost-benefit analysis and first commercialisation (only after Modul 1) | up to €6,000 |
Per the 2024–2027 WIPANO directive: 50% funding rate, eligible costs capped so the maximum grant is roughly €16,000 per project. The application must be filed before the work begins.
What WIPANO funds, and what it doesn't
WIPANO reimburses invoiced external services and official fees. Knowing the line up front saves a wasted application.
What it funds
- External patent and utility-model filing, attorney and office fees
- Prior-art search and patent advisory
- Cost-benefit analysis and first exploitation activities
- Standardisation committee participation, fees and travel
- Creating a DIN SPEC or VDE application rule
- Research-to-standards cooperation costs
Not eligible
- Own labour, your team's internal time
- Anything commissioned or started before the grant decision
- Work outside the funded module scope
- Ongoing IP renewal fees beyond the funded process
- The same costs funded by another programme
Rolling submission, but always before you start
There are no competitive deadlines for the company modules. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis within the programme windows.
through 31 Oct 2027
Applications accepted on a rolling basis up to this date under the current directive.
through 31 May 2027
The standardisation and knowledge-transfer applications run to this date.
Apply before you start
The grant decision names the earliest start date. Commissioning work earlier forfeits the funding. We handle the timing.
See if your idea qualifies for WIPANO
Tell us about your project. A funding advisor reviews your case by hand, then either comes back with feedback or a few follow-up questions. No obligation.
- Whether WIPANO is the right fit
- A first read on the funding amount
- What to prepare before you apply
From first call to funding
Four steps. You stay focused on the work; we handle the funding end to end, on a success-based fee.
Eligibility check
We review your project against the programme's criteria, confirm it qualifies and give you a realistic figure before you commit any time.
Application
You tell us what you are working on; we build the application, write the technical case and manage the entire submission for you.
Submission & review
We file with the responsible authority in your name and handle every query through to the funding decision.
Funding
Once approved, we prepare the required reporting so the funding is released to you, accurately documented and on time.
WIPANO in practice
Real projects we have taken through WIPANO, from first scoping to the funding decision. Anonymised, figures as orders of magnitude.
How a hardware company secured WIPANO funding for its first patent family - what WIPANO covers, the…
Read the storyHow a materials company secured WIPANO funding to turn a research result into a recognised standard…
Read the storyHow a sensor manufacturer secured WIPANO funding to join international measurement-standard committees…
Read the storyIndustries we fund
We've secured German and EU funding across the innovation economy. If you're doing genuine development, your field almost certainly fits.
WIPANO guides
Long-form explainers from our knowledge hub, for teams who want the detail before they talk to us.
Patent funding explained
What the patent track covers and the up-to-€16,000 grant.
Read more → GuideThe “patent newcomer” rule
Why a filing in the last three years can disqualify you.
Read more → GuidePatents vs. standardisation
Choosing the right WIPANO track for your goal.
Read more → GuideFrom idea to granted patent
The two modules and what each step pays for.
Read more → GuidePatent funding explained
What the patent track covers and the up-to-€16,000 grant.
Read more → GuideThe “patent newcomer” rule
Why a filing in the last three years can disqualify you.
Read more → GuidePatents vs. standardisation
Choosing the right WIPANO track for your goal.
Read more → GuideFrom idea to granted patent
The two modules and what each step pays for.
Read more →WIPANO questions, answered
The essentials on who qualifies, what is covered and how much.
Primarily German SMEs that patent rarely or for the first time. The patent track is aimed at companies new to the IP process.
Patent search, the application itself, patent-attorney and exploitation costs in the patent track; participation costs in the standardisation track.
Up to 50% of eligible costs, within the programme’s caps. We calculate the exact figure for your case.
Before. Funding must be approved before the eligible work begins, so come to us at the idea stage.
Nothing upfront, our fee is success-based and only due once funding is secured.
Ask us anything
Tell us about your project and we'll assess your case by hand. No prep, no obligation. Prefer to talk?