This programme by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy (BMWi) helps SMEs overcome structural disadvantages in R&D. SMEs are often not able to sufficiently fund external research or maintain in-house R&D departements, due to their limited size. The programme fosters joint research activities, including research executed by universities and non-profit, industry-oriented research institutions.

Private companies can receive support of up to 50 % of the eligible costs.

As part of the National Climate Safety Initiative (NKI) in Germany, this programme by the Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation, Building and Nuclear Safety (BMUB) supports improvement measures in industrial refrigeration and air-conditioning systems. Overhauled systems consume much less energy and produce significantly lower CO2 emissions in electricity generation.

The FONA³ programme is the central funding measure of the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research to finance research on global change, sustainable economics and socio-ecological issues.

Flagship initiatives covered by the programme:

The German Raw Materials Efficiency Prize is an award by the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy (BMWi) for outstanding examples of resource and material efficiency, efficiency in products, processes or services, as well as in applied research. Managed by the German Mineral Resources Agency (DERA), four companies and one research institution receive an award each year.

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.

The Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment in Finland provides subsidies to SMEs, large companies and municipalities implementing material audits. The funding covers maximum 40 % of the work and travel costs of the expert carrying out a material audit.

Tekes is the Finnish Funding Agency for Innovation and offers programmes and initiatives to help businesses and public research units develop new know-how, build networks and increase their impact in a given field.

Business Finland offers energy aid or grants to climate- and environment-friendly investment and investigation projects that promote: 
1) the production or use of renewable energy 
2) stimulate energy savings or improving efficiency of energy production or use
3) otherwise replacing the energy system with a low carbon on.
Another purpose of energy aid is to support new energy technology and its market entry. 

Energy aid is available for SMEs snd communities and organisations, such as municipalities, parishes and foundations.

TBusiness Finland is the most important publicly funded expert organisation for financing research, development and innovation in Finland. Business Finalnd offers funding and support for SMEs operating in Finland and aiming at the international markets or looking to expand their international business.
The funding and support can include, for example:
- Developing a product or service, production methods and business models
- Testing and demonstrating functionality through pilots
- Innovation vouchers to purchase new knowledge and skills for your business

Provides companies with checklists, contact information, guidelines and good-practice examples in the economy, ecology and social sustainability.