Saxony-Anhalt’s Minister of Economic Affairs, Sven Schulze, is today launching the third round of the CROSS INNOVATION funding program. From July 7 to August 8, 2025 business networks from Saxony-Anhalt that want to realize innovative projects together with companies from the creative industries, creative trades and other sectors.
We are looking for ideas in which companies from trade, industry or services work together with companies from the creative industries on something new. Be it a product, a new process, a special customer experience or a better workflow: It is important that digital possibilities are also used and that creative ideas go hand in hand with practical entrepreneurial knowledge.
“Our creative industries bring a breath of fresh air to all sectors. With CROSS INNOVATION, we are putting strong ideas from Saxony-Anhalt in the fast lane – for new products, more collaboration and real prospects for the future. I call on all creative networks in the state: Join in and show what Saxony-Anhalt is made of!” says Economics Minister Sven Schulze.
The application documents – initially consisting of an idea paper and a short video – can be submitted informally by email. A total of 1.6 million euros is available. The best concepts will be selected by an independent jury of experts and funded with up to 170,000 euros per network, depending on the duration.
Competition conditions at a glance
- Networks consist of at least 50 percent companies from the creative industries or creative trades
- New: Just three participating partners (instead of five previously) are sufficient for funding
- Registered office or place of business in Saxony-Anhalt required
- Project duration: up to three years
- Funding amount: up to 170,000 euros per project
- Submission deadline: July 7 to August 8, 2025, 12 noon
- Submit informally by e-mail to:
Saxony-Anhalt creative portal with best-practice examples
Background:
CROSS INNOVATION is a funding priority of the DIGITAL AND CREATIVE ECONOMY program family. The state of Saxony-Anhalt and the European Union (EU) have supported cross-industry innovation networks in several rounds since 2015 – from digital mediation platforms to creative material innovations in the skilled trades. During the ongoing process, participating networks receive advice from Investitionsbank Sachsen-Anhalt, information on funding issues and access to a half-day workshop on preparing applications.
Application deadline: August 8, 2025