ZIM Application Freeze “A Fatal Signal to the Economy”

Zuse President Prof. Martin Bastian described the funding cutoff as “a fatal signal to the business community and a severe setback for the innovation potential of small and medium-sized enterprises.” He also pointed out the contradiction with political commitments to reliably continue innovation-oriented funding programs.

Senate members from the business and research sectors also strongly criticized this development. They warn of halted innovation projects, competitive disadvantages, and the loss of skilled workers and research expertise.

Companies emphasize that ZIM funding is crucial for the development of innovative products and for securing Germany as a location for production. The Zuse Senate is now urging long-term, reliable funding for small and medium-sized enterprises and warns against further cuts in the 2027 federal budget.

You can find the full press release here: ZIM-Antragsstopp fatales Signal an die Wirtschaft – umgehende Rücknahme gefordert – Zuse-Gemeinschaft

Copyright photo: Zuse-Gemeinschaft/Gesine Born