mFUND promotes research and development projects focused on digital data-driven mobility applications. In addition to providing funding, mFUND connects stakeholders from government, the private sector and the research community through various networking formats and events.
The mFUND innovation initiative targets founders, start-ups, companies, higher education institutions, associations, public authorities and institutions with research and development tasks. Stakeholders from the EEA and Switzerland may also apply for funding.
mFUND supports the development of digital business ideas that are based on mobility, spatial and weather data. These include new navigation services, innovative sharing platforms, smart journey planners or high-precision weather apps. Our involvement begins the moment digital ideas are conceived. We support funding applicants in realizing their ideas – from the initial concept and development to commercial maturity to the provision and use of data on the Mobilithek platform.
mFUND offers two funding lines in which you can submit your research and development project outlines. Funding Line 1 of the mFUND provides resources of up to 200,000 euros for projects running up to 18 months. The current call for applications for funding is open until the end of 2025. Funding Line 2 provides resources of up to 3,000,000 euros for projects running up to 36 months. Currently, there is no open call for applications for Funding Line 2.
In funding Line 1, project outlines are submitted on the basis of calls for applications for funding. Submissions can be made at any time during the ongoing call for applications. Evaluations take place every two weeks. The focus is on small research projects, feasibility studies and field studies with a strong reference to data relating to the topics of the Federal Ministry of Transport (Bundesministerium für Verkehr - BMV) and its executive agencies. Wherever possible, the BMV aims to support funding recipients in developing their ideas for data-driven mobility from the outset. Funding Line 1 helps them take the initial steps in their R&D projects. Projects that were successfully completed in Funding Line 1 can be an excellent foundation for follow-up applications for bigger research projects in Funding Line 2. Typically, it takes about six months from submitting the project outline to starting the project.
Funding Line 2 of the mFUND provides resources for projects running up to 36 months. Funding is limited to a maximum of 3 million euros. In the past time, with the Act on Investment Measures for Coal Mining Regions (Investitionsgesetz Kohleregionen, InvKG), the Federal Government has provided additional funds to promote structural change. During an open call, you can apply for funding according to the calls for applications and submission deadlines of the programme module. Funding Line 1 can also be used for mFUND projects in lignite mining regions. Funding is subject to the availability of budget funds.
Current call for applications for Funding Line 2
At this point, there is no open call for applications for funding.
Here you will find essential information on funding conditions, eligibility requirements, and the application process for mFUND. Each section provides targeted guidance for different applicant groups and project types. This will help you prepare your proposal and navigate the steps toward successful funding.
The workshop series "Driven by data" is motivated by the opportunities data can provide to innovative mobility systems in Europe. Data use can be applied in all parts and stages of the system, ranging from more user-centric, environment-friendly and inclusive mobility planning to more efficient use of resources and increased resilience systems. In this series, speakers from all around Europe - not only from mFUND research projects - will give an overview of their projects activities, ideas and challenges, serving as inspiration for discussions with participants. The intention is to keep it simple and straightforward, further providing a platform to knowledge exchange and the creation of new partnerships between European stakeholders.
