Whiterock AG

Networks and consortia

We take on the conception, application and management of consortia, innovation networks and research infrastructures for you. The ZIM innovation networks are a particularly exciting format, which we present in more detail below.

ZIM Innovation Networks – Implementing cooperation projects in the network

ZIM innovation networks bring together SMEs, research and users in thematically focused consortia. We plan, apply for and manage your network – tailored to your technologies and markets. Your benefits at a glance:

  • Joint R&D projects: Non-repayable grants for cooperative development and innovation projects

  • Strong partners: Linking SMEs, research institutions and users – nationally and internationally

  • Market-oriented solutions: Faster transfer of prototypes into marketable products

  • Confidential exchange: moderation, controlling and reporting in a protected consortium framework

Framework conditions of a ZIM innovation network:

  • Number of partners: At least 6 SME network partners, at least 4 German SME network partners for international innovation networks, plus research institutions and large companies as associated partners
  • Network manager: As network manager, Whiterock is responsible for coordination, funding applications, budget and milestone controlling and communication

  • Project implementation: The project is implemented via funded R&D cooperation projects with clearly defined work packages, milestones and deliverables. The possible composition of the cooperation projects is shown in the diagram. SME companies (funded with own contribution), research institutions (funded) and large companies (not funded) work together.

  • Funding rate: The ZIM Innovation Network is funded by the SME network partners. These are funded at 90% in the first year and at 70% and 50% in the two subsequent years. The network partners carry out cooperation projects in the network, which are funded up to 60% or 336,000 euros. See the table for the exact funding conditions.

  • Duration & budget: Typically 3 years with funding, thereafter self-supporting. The total volume per network is based on the necessary funding requirements of the cooperation project and can amount to € 1-5 million.

Example projects for networks and consortia: AutoRobXL (automation of construction machinery), OrganoPor (sustainable insulation materials), NanoWorldMaps (high-throughput nano-imaging).

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Strategy AND implementation

Our services

Together with you, we develop a viable financing strategy and identify the appropriate funding programs – both national and European. We combine various instruments along the Technology Readiness Levels (TRLs), write convincing applications and support you through to successful approval – even in a highly competitive environment.

Our contribution to your success:

  • Develop a financing strategy: Structured planning of project goals, phases and funding requirements

  • Targeted selection of funding programs: National, EU-wide and combinable along the development stages

  • Writing applications with a high chance of winning: Convincing, complete and at eye level with the reviewers

We support you in the market entry and market ramp-up of your innovation with targeted direct marketing – nationally, Europe-wide or globally. Together, we define your priority target markets and identify relevant companies and the right contacts at decision-maker level. We then get in touch with them directly, present your solution and jointly implement defined sales formats – such as pilot projects, milestone-based test phases or uptake agreements.

  • Identify target customers and decision-makers: Precise market and stakeholder analysis in your focus regions

  • Direct approach with impact: personalized communication to attract relevant first-time users

  • Winning initial customers: Pilot projects, test phases and uptake agreements with real sales and growth potential

We provide you with an experienced part-time CFO who works with you to plan, structure and implement your financing strategy from the initial idea through to market ramp-up. He or she will assume operational responsibility, ensure the targeted use of funds and ensure that the capital is used and retained efficiently until it is handed over to a CFO position to be created.

  • Establish financial architecture: Implementing processes and structures for scalable financial management

  • Secure milestone-based financing: Strategically coordinating subsidies, investor capital and follow-up financing

  • Responsible management: Ensure budget adherence and use capital efficiently until the CFO transition

We will provide you with an experienced part-time sales manager who will work with you to develop a clear market approach and go-to-market plan. He defines suitable formats for acquiring your first customers, tests them on the market and continuously optimizes them based on real feedback. Based on the experience gained with early adopters, he develops a scalable sales strategy – directly or via partners – for your priority target markets. He then transfers this approach in a structured manner to the responsibility of a Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) or a growing sales team.

  • Develop a commercialization strategy: From initial customer approach to scalable market entry

  • Test and optimize sales formats: Pilot models, value propositions and feedback loops

  • Establish and hand over sales: Clear structures and processes for handing over to the future CMO

Network management

Together with you, we identify the key players required for the successful commercialization of your innovation: friendly customers, innovative suppliers, creative research partners. Building on this, we design consortia and innovation networks – e.g. for Horizon Europe, EIC Pathfinder or the German ZIM program, which also involves international partners.

We take over the entire management of the network: from the application to the coordination to the commercial exploitation:

  • Identify relevant partners: Customers, suppliers, research – appropriate to technology and target market

  • Building and managing consortia: Complete management including communication, reporting and moderation

  • Ensure commercialization: preparation of market analyses, exploitation strategies and financial plans

As an EIC beneficiary (Pathfinder, Transition, Accelerator), you can benefit from two targeted services from the official EIC Service Catalogue – eligible for 50% funding via the Access+ program and 50% via your current EIC grant.

  • Amplify Friendly Customer Revenues: We identify and activate potential first-time customers in Europe – using AI-supported target customer analysis, direct contact with decision-makers and specific formats such as FOAK installations, pilot projects or uptake agreements.

  • Part-time CFO for Funding: An experienced CFO develops a funding strategy with your team, secures competitive grants with a high success rate and accompanies the implementation until the full commercialization of your innovation.

Your idea deserves the next step

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