Hessen starts Hessenfonds: Catalyst for innovation and growth!

Hessen starts Hessenfonds: Catalyst for innovation and growth!

As part of the Conference of Economic Affairs in Stuttgart, which is under the motto "Courage to entrepreneurship-innovation and new value creation through start-ups and company succession", the Hessian Minister of Economic Affairs Kaweh Mansori emphasized the need for a comprehensive package of measures by the Federal Government for the automotive industry. The strengthening of the Hesse business location is a joint task that requires new investment incentives. A central point is the new Hessenfonds, which is supposed to offer support for companies in the region.

The Hessenfonds is established by the state government as an instrument to support the economic change and to promote companies in challenging times. Investments of up to one billion euros in the next ten years are planned. The fund is divided into two pillars: the first focuses on innovation by promoting companies from all industries with future -oriented ideas; The second on industry to prepare the Hessian economic and structural change.

claims to support the automotive industry

MANSORI also called for a package of measures to support the automotive industry, which also includes the expansion of electromobility. This includes, among other things, purchase bonuses and temporary exceptions to punishments in non-compliance with CO₂ limit values. The exhaust gas limit values ​​are to be reached on average over a period of three years in order to grant the industry the necessary flexibility.

A new call for funding aims at expanding the charging infrastructure in rural regions, which is important for electric vehicle use. At the same time, the focus is also on the defense industry. In view of the geopolitical situation, stronger cooperation within the EU is required to strengthen defense ability.

investments in the future

The new initiative stipulates that the Hessen (Wibank) Economic and Infrastructure Bank will accept up to one billion euros on the capital market and pass on with loans and grants to Hessian companies. There are up to 750 million euros available for loans that can have a maximum term of ten years until the end of 2028. Another 250 million euros can be applied for as investments and typically also have a term of up to ten years.

It is important to emphasize that the conceptual preparation of the Hessen Fund is carried out by a task force from various Hessian ministries and the Wibank. However, the Hessenfonds still has to be adopted by the Hessian state parliament before it can come into force. This step is considered crucial for the future competitiveness of the Hesse business location.

Further information about funding and programs can be found on the website of the Funding database .