Funding eligibility
We assess whether your project is eligible for funding and to what extent.
- Assess funding potential
- Select suitable programmes
- Identify eligible costs
- Estimate the potential funding amount
For technology companies and startup teams
Public funding.
With a founder’s perspective.
Are you developing a new technology, building a company or planning a research and development project? We assess which funding is a realistic fit for your project, how much funding may be available and how to turn your idea into an eligible project. From the initial assessment and application to financial planning and support for an approved project.
Non-binding initial assessment · Directly with Patrick or Evgeni
Our own experience with
- BMBF-Verbundforschung
- Pro FIT – Projektfinanzierung
- Pro FIT – Frühphasenfinanzierung
- EXIST-Gründungsstipendium
Your funding potential
Could your idea qualify for funding?
Many companies miss out on public funding because they do not know that their project is eligible, which programme may apply or how the project needs to be structured.
We assess your idea, development risks, costs, team and timeline. If we identify funding potential, we show you which programmes may apply, what level of funding is realistic and the most effective route to an application. If the prospects are poor, we tell you just as clearly.
Project & application
We translate your technical idea into the logic used by funding bodies, funding agencies and assessors.
- Clearly define the R&D activities
- Develop work packages and milestones
- Identify technical risks
- Build the staffing and financial plan
- Structure the application content
Funding process
Funding applications have their own language, bureaucracy and perspective.
- Prepare the submission
- Plan eligible staffing structures
- Include international specialists
- Respond to queries from funding agencies
After approval
Funding approved. Now the paperwork begins.
A grant award brings funding. It also brings funding drawdowns, personnel records, timesheets, milestones, reports and audits.
Public funding is subject to strict reporting and repayment obligations. Mistakes can lead to reductions, recovery claims and significant legal consequences.
We have personally administered, delivered and financially managed major publicly funded projects through to formal completion.
Funding drawdowns & financial administration
We help you allocate expenditure correctly and request funds on time.
- Funding drawdowns
- Allocate costs to projects and work packages
- Supporting evidence tables
- Eligible expenditure
Personnel & activities
We prepare personnel records so that they align with the project plan and grant award notice.
- Personnel questionnaires
- Changes to the project team
- Timesheets and activity records
- Assign team members to work packages
Milestones & reports
We help document progress in a clear and auditable way.
- Milestone planning
- Milestone presentations
- Interim and project reports
- Plan-to-actual comparison
Audits & completion
We support you through queries, audits and formal project completion.
- Queries from funding agencies
- Sample audits
- Statements of expenditure
- Final financial statements
- Project completion
First-hand experience
Hands-on funding experience from application to project completion.
We have worked extensively with funding applications, financing and the delivery of complex technology projects since 2018.
For our own company, we raised around €4.5 million in financing, including approximately €2.5 million in public funding.
We were personally responsible for technical project planning, work packages, staffing structures, budgets, funding drawdowns, reports, milestones and formal project completion. Today, we use this experience to guide other companies through the same process.
Funding
Approximately €2.5 million raised for our own business
Several programmes from the startup to the research phase
Pro FIT
Early-stage phases I and II, and major R&D projects
Application, project planning, financial administration and technical delivery
BMBF
Joint project SPIELEND
Approximately €1.66 million project volume with universities and research institutions
Delivery
Funding administration from hands-on experience
Funding drawdowns, reports, audits and formal project completion
Relevant funding routes
We know the funding landscape.
Different funding instruments may be relevant depending on your company, project phase and plans. We identify the opportunities that fit your project.
Research & development
For example Pro FIT, BMBF programmes, Eurostars and other technology-focused funding.
Startup & growth
For example EXIST, INVEST and Berlin startup and financing programmes.
Patents & intellectual property rights
For example WIPANO and related funding routes for patents and intellectual property.
Staffing
Current programmes for skilled workers, innovation staff and business development.
Advisory & business development
Current advisory and coaching grants at state and federal level.
Market entry & internationalisation
For example Young Innovators, trade fair funding, German Accelerator and other programmes.
Funding law
Classification of funding under de minimis and AGVO rules.
Award-winning technology
Visible results.
Featured in
Tagesschau & Berliner Fenster
Our technology was featured in Tagesschau and Berliner Fenster.2019
Company launch & competitions
- 1st place, BPW Canvas at BPW Berlin-Brandenburg
- Top 10 award winner at start2grow
- Award winner in the Gründungswettbewerb Digitale Innovationen
- Ranked 16th among Germany’s Top 50 Start-ups by Für-Gründer.de
2020 onwards
Technology & intellectual property
- 1st place at the Deep Tech Award Berlin, IoT / Industry 4.0 category
- Two European patent applications
- Three funded trade fair appearances and German Accelerator
Research
BMBF joint project SPIELEND
- Approximately €1.66 million project volume
- BMBF consortium project with OFFIS, RWTH Aachen and the universities of Wuppertal and Würzburg
- Technical project planning, delivery, administration and completion from first-hand experience
Our background
Why RealityForge?
We understand funding agencies and funding practice.
We have worked with funding bodies, institutions and funding agencies for years. We understand typical queries, terminology and formal requirements, and translate your technical idea into a robust application structure.
We understand technology.
Technology funding projects can only be planned effectively when you understand what is being developed, where the risks lie and which work genuinely constitutes research and development. Our background spans software, electronics, embedded systems, artificial intelligence, augmented reality and complex product development.
We understand the entire funding cycle.
From the initial idea and application through approval, funding drawdowns, project management and audits to the statement of expenditure and final accounts.
You work directly with Patrick Bethke and Evgeni Melan.
How we work
From idea to funded project.
-
Understand the situation
We review your idea, company stage, location, team, financing and development needs. For approved projects, we assess the grant award notice, project plan and current status.
-
Assess funding potential
We assess what is eligible for funding, which programmes fit and what scale of funding may be realistic.
-
Define the approach
You receive a clear assessment and a transparent proposal for application support, targeted assistance or ongoing project support.
Frequently asked questions
Good to know.
Which companies is your advisory service for?
We focus on innovative, technology-focused startup teams and companies. We support projects from the early idea through to an approved funding project. Your location, company stage and project determine which programmes may be suitable.
Which funding routes do you assess?
We assess the funding areas described above based on your location, company stage and specific project. This determines which programmes are currently suitable.
Do you also take on projects that have already been approved?
Yes. We support approved projects with financial administration, personnel records, reports, audits and formal project completion. The exact scope depends on the programme and project.
Do you guarantee funding approval?
Funding approval cannot be guaranteed. We provide a realistic assessment of your chances and improve the quality, clarity and funding rationale of your application. If the prospects are poor, we tell you early.
How are your services priced?
Depending on complexity, we agree a small initial fee and a success fee based on the amount of funding actually approved. If funding is approved, the initial fee is credited in full. We price ongoing project support according to the work involved. Before we begin, you receive a clear example calculation.
Free funding check
You have a project. We assess what funding may be available.
Tell us briefly what you are developing, where your company is based and what stage you are at. We will give you an initial assessment of potential funding routes and the support that fits your needs.
Directly with Patrick or EvgeniNon-binding initial assessment
Consulting in German or EnglishWe can work in either language.