The new cross-innovation program CO.VISION by MFG Baden-Württemberg – funded by the Ministerium für Wirtschaft, Arbeit und Tourismus – brings together the cultural and creative industries, start-ups, and small and medium-sized companies (SMEs) from all sectors. Its aim is to build cross-sector alliances that demonstrate how innovation thrives through collaboration. Because the future emerges where diverse perspectives meet – where design and creativity intersect with engineering, where coding and game design connect with health, urban development, and mobility, or where artists collaborate with SMEs.
Until January 11, 2026, companies and associations from the creative industries and the wider economy can submit their project ideas. The program is seeking cross-innovative projects that present new solutions for innovative value chains and social resilience in Baden-Württemberg. Up to nine pilot projects will be funded, each receiving up to €20,000 (covering a maximum of 50% of total project costs). However, CO.VISION offers far more than just financial support: an accompanying support program featuring workshops, networking formats, and a final showcase event increases the visibility of the projects – and empowers participants to become multipliers of a new culture of innovation.
Submitted projects should be aligned with five future-oriented fields that the state of Baden-Württemberg has defined as key areas of action for tomorrow’s value creation:
- Mobility & Transport: Creative approaches to sustainable mobility, logistics, and industrial transformation
- People & Society: Digital creativity for education, participation, and resilience
- Materials & Resources: Smart materials, circular economy, and sustainable production
- Mechanical Engineering & Robotics: Human-centered innovations and new interfaces between industry and design
- Cyber, Services & Security: Creative solutions for digital security, trust, and democracy
Eligible to apply are cultural and creative professionals, start-ups, as well as micro, small, and medium-sized companies from all sectors that implement their pilot projects in partnership. These partnerships may already be in place but can also be further developed and strengthened over the course of the program. Key requirements include an interdisciplinary approach, a clearly identifiable creative contribution, and a strong willingness to innovate and collaborate. The lead applicants must be based in Baden-Württemberg.
Further information and application (deadline: January 11, 2026): https://co-vision.mfg.de/
Source: MFG Baden-Württemberg
