Regional assembly approves development fund with a total volume of 400,000 euros for socially innovative start-ups or projects.

The (working) world is changing, and where digitalization has not yet arrived, it is at least imminent. At the same time, the ecological transformation is creating challenges. Resources are not infinitely available, so good ideas are needed to tackle these challenges.

But this is a major task, especially for start-ups and companies that have made charitytheir mission.

Funding for the development of prototypes

To this end, the regional assembly decided on Tuesday to establish the Fundfor Social-Ecological Innovation inthe Hannover Region. Its primary purpose isto supportsocially innovative start-ups or projects that arecommittedto the non-profitsocial economy.

The regional administration is providing around 400,000 euros in funding during the funding period, which will initially run until the end of 2023. Funding will be provided for projects that arealignedwith the 17Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations 2030 Agenda.

These include

• sustainable consumption,
• Climate protection measures,
• the reduction of poverty and
• Gender equality.

The funding is intended to offer projects the opportunityto implement initial prototypes. Up to 30,000 euros are possible per funding application.

Ulf-Birger Franz, Head of Economic Affairs, explains:

"Non-profit projects in particular rarely have the necessary equity to implement initial prototypes or ideas. We have had good experiences with the predecessor of this funding, the Digital Fund. If we can play a part in initiating sustainable innovations in the Hannover Region, then we are very happy to do so."

Projects such as a sustainable ticket store and a senior-friendly delivery service have emerged from theDigital Fund, which also made funding in the socio-ecological area possible between 2020 and 2022.

© kreHtiv e.v:

The Hannover Region has commissioned the kreHtiv Netzwerk Hannover e.V. to provide concrete support for the applications, as well as advice and ultimately implementation. This cooperation has already proven its worth in the past.

Managing Director Christine Preitauer:

"The innovative strength in the Hannover Region is huge. We are delighted to be able to make a contribution to a more sustainable future by closely supporting applicants to the newly created fund."

kreHtiv Netzwerk Hannover e.V. is the network of professional creatives from the Hannover region. Founded in 2011 by the business development agency hannoverimpuls, the kreHtiv network is the point of contact for issues relating to the cultural and creative industries. The aim of the network is to make the Hannover Region more visible as a creative location, to strengthen it in the long term and to network the creative industries with other sectors of the economy.