SME fund "Ideas Powered for Business"
On the initiative of the European Commission, the SME Fund “Ideas Powered for Business” was established. The SME Fund provides small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) based in the European Union (EU) with financial support to protect their intellectual property rights.
Each applicant can receive up to EUR 7,320 from this fund to finance designs, trade marks, patents and plant variety protection. In 2026, a total of EUR 18 million is available for these purposes.
The fund was established on 2 February 2026 and will run until 4 December 2026, or until the allocated funding has been fully exhausted.
What is funded?
The fund is a reimbursement programme. Grants are awarded in the form of vouchers that can be used for a wide range of intellectual property-related activities:
- Trademark and design applications (max. EUR 700)
- Filing of patents (max. EUR 3,500)
- Pre-diagnosis of intellectual property rights (IP Scan) (max. EUR 1,620)
- Application for Community plant variety protection (max. EUR 1,500)
Who is eligible for funding?
All SMEs based in the EU can apply for funding.
In general, any company with fewer than 250 employees and an annual turnover of up to €50 million is considered an SME. weniger als 250 Beschäftigten und einem Umsatz von bis zu 50 Millionen € im Jahr als ein KMU.
Self-employed persons are also entitled to apply to the SME Fund.
Where to apply?
The application for funding can be submitted online on the website of the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO).
Only a few documents are required for the application:
- a VAT certificate
- a bank statement
- a signed 'declaration on honour' if the application is submitted by an external representative
Concluding remarks
The EU funding programme is an easily accessible way to help you or your company protect intellectual property.
Since funds are limited (in 2025, the fund was already exhausted by mid-year), we recommend submitting an application early.
Of course, if you need any assistance, we are always available to help.