The Hamburg University of Applied Sciences (HAW Hamburg) and the Deutsche Elektronen-Synchrotron DESY have a long-standing, close collaboration. Within the framework of the strategic cooperation KAI (Cooperation for Application and Innovation of HAW Hamburg and DESY), both institutions strengthen this successful collaboration in future-oriented research and transfer areas regarding joint research programs, the synergetic use of complex scientific facilities and an increased cooperation in the academic education and qualification of scientists and engineers of the next generation as well as in the cooperation with industry.

The KAI Seed Money Fund was established to initiate cooperative projects and strengthen cross-institutional collaboration within the framework of KAI cooperation.

Orientation of the „KAI: Seed-Money“ Funding Measure

The aim of this measure is to intensify the cooperation between HAW Hamburg and DESY. For this purpose, start-up funding is provided for cooperative projects with partners from both institutions, so that today's ideas are given the opportunity to actively shape society and the market of tomorrow.

Start-up funding of up to EUR 25,000 is provided for outstanding innovative project ideas. The funding can be used flexibly by the applicants (e.g. as personnel, material or investment funds) in order to further develop the project ideas in the best possible way.

Only joint projects of DESY and HAW Hamburg scientists are eligible for funding.

The funding period for the individual projects in this call is up to 24 months, but no longer than 31.12.2027. The "KAI: Seed Money" funding measure is open to all topics and thus explicitly wants to encourage scientists from all disciplines to submit their project ideas.

Funding Formats

a) Joint research projects

Collaborative projects that scientifically investigate individual ideas, concepts or research results and thus pursue their possible implementation are to be considered in this funding format.

The further development and validation of research results should be supported, for example, with the aim of selecting a suitable public (EU, federal, state) funding program or preparing a project application.

b) Equipment for shared use

Measurement equipment required for research can be applied for.

c) Preparation of knowledge-based start-up projects
Researchers who want to start their own business with their project ideas can apply for a funding for the preparation of knowledge-based start-up projects.

Selection Procedure

The KAI Institutional Board decides on the allocation of the seed capital. If necessary, expert reviewers will be involved. The funding decisions will be communicated to the applicants by the KAI Cooperation Office.

Criteria for the selection of eligible transfer-relevant ideas and concepts include:

• Contribution to the strategic goals of the KAI Cooperation
• Scientific quality
• Technological or creative potential
• Innovative potential and impact
• Interdisciplinarity
• Prospects for success and risk analysis, "high risk" projects are explicitly welcome.
• The project should start no later than 1.2.2026.

Application

Scientists with a valid employment relationship at DESY or HAW Hamburg over the requested project duration are eligible to apply. The applicants coordinate the submission of a project application with their respective group or department heads.

A template in English is provided for the application. Applications are to be submitted either in German or in English.

Implementation of the "KAI: Seed Money" Funding Measure

The application deadline for the call for proposals is 30.09.2025. The review and announcement of the funding decision will take place in December 2025.

Reporting

Latest three months after the end of the funding period, the KAI Cooperation Office will receive a short final report from the responsible persons:

• Short presentation of the project for the website or further PR measures (max. one page incl. pictures, picture rights have to be indicated)
• Main results and impact of the project, scientific results
• Publications
• Joint activities
• Third party funding applications
• Applications for industrial property rights
• Continuation, exploitation possibilities

Applicants may not unreasonably withhold their consent to publications relating to the results of their funded projects (e.g. in the form of press releases). Formulations and contents are to be agreed upon between the parties.

In all project publications, reference must be made to the funding bodies, DESY and HAW Hamburg.

Information on the Processing of Personal Data According to the EU Basic Data Protection Regulation (DSGVO)

The KAI Cooperation Office (at DESY and at HAW Hamburg) collects personal data in the context of the application process in order to enable the funding measure "KAI: Seed Money" with regard to the application, assessment and project management. The processing is based on Art. 6 para. 1b DSGVO. The KAI Cooperation Office will process personal data of the applicants only to the extent necessary and for the processing of the "KAI: Seed-Money" funding measure in compliance with the EU General Data Protection Regulation (DSGVO) and the Federal Data Protection Act (BDSG-neu). Personal data includes, for example, the name, address, e-mail addresses or telephone numbers as well as requested project data as presented in the submitted application. The data will be deleted as soon as the purpose has been fulfilled and the legal retention periods have expired.

Contact

Please send your application in electronic form to the KAI Cooperation Office (kai.office@desy.de) within the above-mentioned deadline.