Go-to-Market voucher NRW: your prototype, 70% funded

Frequently asked

Who can get the Go-to-Market voucher?

Non-listed micro-enterprises (fewer than 10 employees, at most €2,000,000 turnover or balance sheet total) founded at most 3 years before the day of application, with their registered office in North Rhine-Westphalia for the whole project. No profits distributed yet, no takeover, no merger. The funding body is the Innovationsförderagentur NRW (Projektträger Jülich).

How much money is there?

70% of eligible expenses, up to €50,000 of expenses — so a grant of at most €35,000. The minimum grant is €15,000, which means eligible expenses from roughly €21,500. Each start-up can apply once.

What is the deadline?

Complete applications must be filed by 31 October 2026, 16:00, via the EFRE.NRW.online-Portal or in writing — subject to available funds and processed in order of receipt. Apply early rather than late.

Does the agency have to be based in NRW?

No. The guideline ties the registered office of the start-up to NRW, not the provider's. Excluded are only expenses to related persons and affiliated companies — for example a company whose managing director is also a shareholder of your start-up. decivo is based in Baden-Württemberg and builds for start-ups across Germany.

Can we start before the grant notice?

Only services delivered within the project period can be claimed, and that period starts with the grant notice. Anything you commission earlier you pay yourself — so first the application, then the order.

What exactly is required of coach and mentor?

Two different people. The coach needs start-up coaching experience — at least four of the listed competencies (product definition, business model, financial planning, pitch decks, customer and investor negotiations) and 3 reference projects from the last 3 years. The mentor brings a proven network to established companies for pilot customers and signs a commitment declaration. At least 1 meeting per quarter; their services are eligible. decivo is neither.

Are decivo's fixed prices eligible?

Software creation, product design and interface design (UI/UX) are named explicitly as direct prototype development; business model and market analysis as indirect services. Our offer itemises expenses along those lines so it can go into the project description. The final decision rests with the funding body.

How is the grant paid out?

Via fund calls against paid invoices — at least 1 per calendar half-year, more often if you like. No annual reports during the project; one final report in the proof of use is enough.

Can we combine the voucher with other funding?

Not for the same expenses. Combining with Gründungsstipendium.NRW is expressly allowed; the cumulation rules of the General Block Exemption Regulation apply.

We are older than three years or no longer a micro-enterprise — what then?

Then MID-Digitalisierung (marketable digital products based on AI, machine learning, data mining, real-time processing or AR/VR) or NRW.BANK.Impuls KI (AI for your own operations) may fit. We have laid out both on our AI funding NRW page.

What happens after the prototype?

The code is yours. Many teams continue in prototype loops, some go to a rebuild once the market has answered. Our free decivo Scan checks the running product from outside at any time.