{"id":541463,"date":"2026-06-22T13:35:43","date_gmt":"2026-06-22T11:35:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/silicon-saxony.de\/wfs-saxony-funds-rd-projects-on-critical-technologies\/"},"modified":"2026-06-22T13:35:43","modified_gmt":"2026-06-22T11:35:43","slug":"wfs-saxony-funds-rd-projects-on-critical-technologies","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/silicon-saxony.de\/en\/wfs-saxony-funds-rd-projects-on-critical-technologies\/","title":{"rendered":"WFS: Saxony Funds R&D Projects on Critical Technologies"},"content":{"rendered":"


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By funding research and development (R&D) projects in the field of critical technologies \u2014 known as STEP Technology Funding for short \u2014 the Free State of Saxony has launched a new funding component as part of the ERDF\/JTF Technology Funding program for 2021\u20132027.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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The funding is intended to support highly innovative projects in the fields of digital technologies and biotechnologies, thereby specifically reducing the European Union\u2019s dependence on critical or strategically important technologies\u2014such as microprocessors, sensor technology, pharmaceuticals, artificial intelligence, and 5G. The STEP technology funding program has a total budget of 85.6 million euros.<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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The STEP technology funding program supports small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Saxony, as well as large companies and research institutions in Saxony that collaborate with them. The projects must contribute to reducing or preventing strategic dependencies for the European Union\u2014or demonstrate significant economic potential for the single market or the completion of European value chains.<\/p>\n

Saxony\u2019s Minister of Economic Affairs, Dirk Panter:<\/b> \u201cAccess to critical technologies and the reduction of technological dependencies are key factors for prosperity and growth in Saxony, Germany, and the entire European Union. Therefore, we can use funds from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) for STEP technology funding; we do not have to contribute Saxony\u2019s own state funds. Thanks to the EU\u2019s support, we can thus continue to provide a high level of technology funding even in times of tight budgets and adequately mitigate the significant business risks that arise for Saxon SMEs when carrying out ambitious R&D projects. In this way, we promote the innovative strength and competitiveness of Saxony\u2019s fragmented economy while simultaneously contributing to Europe\u2019s technological sovereignty.\u201d<\/p>\n