The innovation partnership is based on a tight network of business and science when it comes to research and development. Due to their proximity to the professional world, universities of applied sciences play an important role in this relationship.

FH-Impuls is geared towards universities of applied sciences (UAS) with a strong foundation in research that are expanding an existing research focus with a high degree of transfer and realisation potential and wish to enhance their research profile. FH-Impuls funding gives them the opportunity to make more effective use of their potential for innovation and to further strengthen their competitiveness within the academic system.

To this end, targeted networks and strategic partnerships of the UAS with businesses – particularly with the small and medium-sized enterprises of the region – are of key importance. Leading impulses in research, development and innovation for the site, the region and beyond arise from the formation of lasting partnerships and the creation of long-term research cooperation as part of a contoured innovation profile developed together with small and medium-sized companies. This is meant to increase the visibility of UAS in the university landscape as important players in the High-Tech Strategy of the German government and as appealing and powerful partners for innovative companies.

Funding for the strategic research and innovation partnerships is divided into two phases. The first phase is a four-year development phase, which is followed by a four-year intensification phase – provided that the partnership received a positive interim evaluation and the prospects for continuing it are promising. Funding during the development and intensification phases is carried out in the form of R & D projects with a maximum duration of four years. Additionally, partnerships can apply for funds for establishing and expanding an efficient management structure. Funding provided by the BMBF amounts to an average of five million euros per FH-Impuls partnership during the development phase, and degressive funding is intended for the intensification phase.