FAQs
Frequently asked questions
Your questions, our answers: We have put together a summary of some of the questions we get asked the most here at the Bavarian Research and Innovation Agency. If you cannot find the answer to your question here, please do not hesitate to get in touch!
At this point, we would like to highlight the following: Provided that one Bavarian partner is involved in your project or you are planning to join an R&I project with Bavarian partners, you will be entitled to make full use of our advisory and support services during the application process, normally free of any charge.
What is the Bavarian Research and Innovation Agency?
We are the Free State of Bavaria’s central point of contact for all matters related to research and innovation funding, technology transfer, patents and licences. Under the umbrella of the Bavarian Research and Innovation Agency, four independent organisations funded by the Free State of Bavaria work together, each focusing on a different area: Bavarian Research Alliance GmbH, Bayerische Forschungsstiftung, Bayerische Patentallianz GmbH and Bayern Innovativ GmbH.
Where is the Bavarian Research and Innovation Agency based?
We have offices in Nuremberg and Munich. BayFOR also has an EU liaison office in Brussels. Please see the contact/directions section for the exact addresses.
Where does the Bavarian Research and Innovation Agency get its funding?
The Bavarian Research and Innovation Agency is funded by the Bavarian State Ministry of Economic Affairs, Regional Development and Energy, and the Bavarian State Ministry for Science and Art.
When was the Bavarian Research and Innovation Agency first founded?
The Bavarian Research and Innovation Agency first opened in Nuremberg on 28 June 2010, when it was known as “Haus der Forschung” (“House of Research”) and made up of four partner organisations. The four partners moved into their shared office building in Munich in autumn 2011. The Bayerische Patentallianz GmbH joined the Agency on 1 January 2016, adding to the collective range of services.
What exact services does the Bavarian Research and Innovation Agency have to offer?
Our range of services is exceptionally diverse, stretching from the initial idea for a project all the way through to converting research and innovation findings into a specific application. We act as a programme administrator and funding body. Furthermore, we offer information, advice and concrete support on applications for funding opportunities, help to bring together potential project partners, and provide support with project implementation. We also help you to showcase and market your developments and offer information on patents, financing and start-ups.
Who is able to make use of the services offered by the Bavarian Research and Innovation Agency?
Our services are open to any Bavarian player interested in what we do: Universities, research institutes, businesses (particularly small and medium-sized enterprises), start-ups, handicraft business, and many more.
Foreign organisations who are keen to work with Bavarian organisations on an R&I project are also entitled to make use of our services.
Do I have to start working with the Bavarian Research and Innovation Agency right from the outset or am I able to get in touch when my project is already well underway?
You can contact us at any point in your planning or project.
How much do you charge for your advisory services?
The Bavarian Research and Innovation Agency is financed by the Free State of Bavaria. This means that we are able to provide advice for free. We will always let you know if we offer services that involve a service charge or any fees (e.g. congresses, trade fair participation, training events).
Are the services offered by the Bavarian Research and Innovation Agency restricted to Bavaria?
Because we are financed by the Free State of Bavaria, our services are geared towards Bavarian players. This not only enables us to provide them with funding from Bavaria, but means we can also help them to apply for German and European funding. If their research and innovation project also involves other partners from other German states or other countries, these partners will of course benefit indirectly from our advice and support.
Would it be possible to get the Bavarian Research and Innovation Agency involved in our event?
We would be happy to showcase our services as part as your information event or workshop. We can also discuss specific topics that are of special interest to you. Just let us know.
Where can I find out more about the services offered by the individual partner organisations that make up the Bavarian Research and Innovation Agency?
If you are keen to find out more about the individual organisations, you can visit their websites to gain a comprehensive overview:
Bavarian Research Alliance GmbH: www.bayfor.org/english
Bayerische Forschungsstiftung: forschungsstiftung.de/Welcome.html
Bayerische Patentallianz GmbH: www.baypat.de/en/
Bayern Innovativ GmbH: www.bayern-innovativ.de/?Edition=en