The “Agency for Disruptive Innovations” (SPRIND), founded by the German government in 2019, aims to drive forward groundbreaking ideas that have the potential to fundamentally transform existing markets. To achieve this goal, the agency has been seeking novel solutions capable of advancing products, technologies, and business models, thereby creating new markets, especially for the German economy.
Disruptive innovations are those with the potential to bring about significant changes in established industries. Supporting such projects is expected to maintain and enhance Germany’s position among the global innovation leaders.
An excellent example of Germany’s potential in bringing forward inspiring innovations was demonstrated during the COVID-19 pandemic by the German company BioNTech. With the swift development of an mRNA vaccine against COVID-19, millions of people worldwide were likely protected from severe illness.
More Flexibility to Respond to Requirements
To enable SPRIND to act and invest more freely, the German federal cabinet has passed a draft law, the “SPRIND Freedom Act,” substantially improving the legal and financial framework of the agency. “We want to elevate SPRIND to the next level to position it even better for the future,” stated Federal Research Minister Bettina Stark-Watzinger. The federal government is thereby fulfilling an important innovation policy mandate from the current coalition agreement, according to the Minister of Research.
Reduced Bureaucracy, Accelerated Decision-Making
The SPRIND agency should be better equipped to support promising projects at different stages of development through tailored funding instruments. To achieve this, decision-making powers will be consolidated within the agency to expedite and simplify funding decisions. Additionally, coordination requirements with the federal government will be minimized.
The draft law also introduces flexible budget management, allowing immediate responses to changes in high-risk projects and the ability to adapt to new requirements and projects. This sends a strong signal for Germany’s research and innovation landscape.
Already a Success Story
Since its inception in 2019, the SPRIND has received nearly 1,200 project submissions. More than 60 of these submissions have been validated to have the potential for disruptive innovation.
Furthermore, the agency has established nine subsidiary companies to provide long-term and comprehensive funding for the most promising projects. The innovations span across various fields, including health research, climate and environmental protection, and microelectronics, showcasing the agency’s open approach to a wide range of topics.
The SPRIND also conducts innovation competitions, known as “SPRIND Challenges,” focusing on significant challenges of our time. Two challenges on antiviral medications and the sustainable utilization of CO2 are already in different project phases.
Rafael Laguna de la Vera, Director and CEO of SPRIND, welcomes the newfound and emerging freedoms. These allow SPRIND to “respond more flexibly and individually to the needs of innovators.” It marks an important step in redefining German innovation promotion. Minister Stark-Watzinger visited the Agency for Disruptive Innovations in Leipzig in July 2023, expressing support for the agency’s commitment to fostering radical ideas and driving revolutionary innovations.
https://www.bundesregierung.de/breg-de/aktuelles/sprind-freiheitsgesetz-2204012