Bavarian Research Alliance (BayFOR)
...supports universities, universities of applied sciences and SMEs in their search for funding for the further development of innovative and ground-breaking ideas.
Who are we?
The Bavarian Research Alliance (BayFOR) - The European funding center in Bavaria, focused on the Promotion of Bavaria as a Centre of Science and Innovation in the European Research Area
The BayFOR is based in Munich and was founded in 2006 as result of a cabinet resolution with the task of networking universities, universities of applied sciences and small and medium-sized enterprises more closely and supporting them in their participation in EU research programmes. The aim is to increase the chances of success of Bavarian players in acquiring EU funding and to coordinate corresponding activities in the European Research Area throughout Bavaria.
The non-profit organisation is the result of an initiative by Universität Bayern e.V., the association representing the interests of the heads (presidents) of the 11 universities in Bavaria, and Hochschule Bayern e.V., the counterpart of the 21 universities of applied sciences. Both associations are partners in the Bavarian Research Alliance. The Bavarian State Ministries for Education and Culture and for Economic Affairs, Regional Development and Energy and the Bavarian State Chancellery participate in the organisation's sponsorship through co-financing.
What do we do?
The BayFOR is active in four business areas:
EU research funding at regional-Bavarian, national and European level:
- Information, advice and coaching to increase the chances of success in acquiring funding from EU research programmes;
- Identifying and analysing research priorities and areas of excellence in the Bavarian higher education landscape;
- Customised provision of information, project-related advice and networking for applicants;
- Support for scientists and entrepreneurs in the application process and partners for the consortium, especially in Horizon Europe;
- Assumption of project management (if required);
- Pro-active lobbying for Bavarian research interests in Brussels and active involvement in shaping the European Research Area (ERA).
Working group of the Bavarian Research Associations:
Coordination of the regional Bavarian Research Alliances, divided into four thematic "worlds of science" (culture, life, matter and information). Research alliances are application-orientated, interdisciplinary and cross-location alliances between science and industry and represent a proven form of cooperation between universities and industry.
International co-operations:
Scientific Coordination Centre for Research Cooperation Bavaria-Québec/Alberta, Bavaria-Israel and Bavaria-Africa to promote bilateral scientific and research cooperation.
Representation in Brussels:
Strategic-political representation of the interests of Bavarian university research vis-à-vis the European Union (lobbying).
BayFOR as Enterprise Europe Network (EEN) Partner
Within the Enterprise Europe Network, the BayFOR is primarily responsible for questions relating to European research and innovation funding opportunities for SMEs: from initial information to application support. It is the point of contact for companies with questions relating to innovation and technology transfer (at international level) between academic and the industrial/private sector. As EEN Partner, BayFOR supports Bavarian high-innovative SMEs in the preparation of EU funding applications for research, development and innovation. It acts as an interface between business and science and promotes the active networking of Bavarian companies and universities at European level.
In this way, Bavarian SMEs gain access to top-class research expertise, which makes them, among others, more competitive. Universities, in turn, can work together with companies to transform their research findings into concrete products and services and commercialize them.
Currently both EU framework programme for research and innovation, Horizon Europe (2021-2027), and specially the European Innovation Council (EIC) are the most requested programmes, but other EU funding opportunities tailored to SMEs, such as the international network EUREKA and the so-called "cascade funding", which involves small tenders within the framework of EU projects.
Who do we help?
Innovative SMEs (up to 250 employees), researchers and scientists from the 11 universities and 21 universities of applied sciences in Bavaria who require public funding for the further development of innovative and ground-breaking ideas with a European dimension and / or would like to enter into co-operations with Bavarian (or non-Bavarian) research institutions and companies.
How do we help?
The aim of the BayFOR’s activities is to prepare and support scientists and researchers from the higher education sector and R&D-orientated companies for successful participation in EU-funded international research projects, particularly in Horizon Europe.
Are you a Bavarian-based company? Talk to us! We offer the following services:
- General information and advice;
- Search for suitable funding opportunities and "matching"/comparison of project initiatives with current calls for proposals
- Mediation of co-operation partners
- Workshops and coaching
- Specific assistance with the application process
- Lobbying and support for Bavarian research interests
As part of the EEN, we organise information events (e.g. workshops, coaching and training) and consultations on topics relating to Horizon Europe and other European R&I funding programmes. These are primarily aimed at scientists and entrepreneurs from selected sectors with a high demand for knowledge, innovation and technology.
Who can help you?
SME Advisory Services
Dipl.-Jur. Natalia García Mozo
Head of SME Advisory Services
Phone: +49 89 9901888-171
E-mail: mozo(at)bayfor.org
Nivedita Mahida-Königsdörfer
Scientific Advisor
Phone: +49 89 9901888-175
E-mail: mahida(at)bayfor.org
Julia Richter
Scientific Officer
Phone: +49 89 9901888-173
E-mail: richter(at)bayfor.org
Health Research & Biotechnology Division
Dr Mikhail Antonkin
Scientific Officer
Phone: +49 911 50715-950
E-mail: antonkin(at)bayfor.org
Area Information/Communication Technologies | Natural & Engineering Sciences
Dr rer. nat. Panteleïmon Panagiotou
Head of Department
Phone: +49 89 9901888-130
E-mail: panagiotou(at)bayfor.org
Press and Public Relations
Natalie Tudman
Officer
Phone: +49 89 9901888-201
E-mail: tudman(at)bayfor.org
Bavarian Research Alliance GmbH
Prinzregentenstr. 52
80538 Munich
Phone: +49 (0)9901 888-0
Internet: http://www.bayfor.org