Identification and addressing of industrial customers and partners in Germany – AiF InnovatorsNet

AiF- German Federation of Industrial Research Associations

Germany

Service ID:

EP81S1
Service description
This service offers tailor-made information for strategic decisions, such as the further development of the product portfolio, the review of possible new business models or product ideas, technology-centered environmental and competition analyses, or the implementation of R&D projects. For example, identifying and validating B2B customers is a time-consuming process. Therefore, the service facilitates partnerships between EIC innovators and business partners in Germany to attract customers, R&D providers, or validation partners. We believe in gathering feedback from real customers as early as possible to refine offerings effectively. You can leverage the strength of our pool of thousands of partner companies to improve your product/market fit until it meets customers' needs. With the 'Scouting' module, AiF enables EIC beneficiaries to access a well-founded data pool via a wide range of interfaces, including databases, meta tag searches, and semantic source queries, using AI methodologies. The service is available for all B2B sectors with a focus on Germany (German 'Mittelstand'). AiF InnovatorsNet is a collaborative space for sharing ideas, solutions, best practices, and insights. All EIC beneficiaries have access to the following activities: a) Matchmaking: Identifying like-minded partners based on joint market, technology, and business synergies. b) Curated opportunities: AiF InnovatorsNet qualifies opportunities instead of cold calling to access cross-industry ecosystems, also beyond the current perimeter. The network offers introductions to industrial (pilot) customers, investors, mentors, companies, associations, and R&D providers. c) Training and knowledge: Access to 200+ training and networking events, including on-demand content such as videos and slides. d) Individual support: Participants receive ongoing support from dedicated professionals who guide and nurture partnerships, ensuring a conducive environment for beneficial collaborations. Expected outcomes include new customer contacts, product/customer/idea validation, joint product development, joint projects, B2B collaboration, or co-financing activities. The process begins with an initial, free-of-charge chat for mutual orientation. After onboarding, access to AiF InnovatorsNet is provided, and individual activities based on demand are planned.
Sector
Sector agnostic
Technology Readiness Level
TRL 1 – Basic principles observed
TRL 2 – Technology concept formulated
TRL 3 – Experimental proof of concept
TRL 4 – Technology validated in lab
TRL 5 – Technology validated in relevant environment
TRL 6 – Technology demonstrated in relevant environment
TRL 7 – System prototype demonstration in operational environment
TRL 8 – System complete and qualified
TRL 9 – Actual system proven in operational environment
Financial requirements

Negotiable (individual, reduced rates for EIC beneficiaries applicable).

Receive up to €60,000 in grants, covering up to 50% of the costs, to access specialised services from the EIC Service Catalogue. Learn more on the EIC ACCESS+ website.