For innovative companies, the tax relief for research and development „Forschungszulage“​ is a major advantage in Germany’s funding landscape: it supports both ongoing and completed projects. Numerous SMEs within the DInO network in Eastern Bavaria have already recognised this potential — including Schindler & Schill GmbH. When the DInO project launched in mid-2023, partner Cluster Mobility & Logistics identified a significant opportunity: many innovative SMEs could benefit from the tax relief for research and development. Since then, eleven applications from network partners have been approved — with the number rising rapidly. A prime example is the approval of the application by Schindler & Schill GmbH, known as EasyLogix. Based in Regensburg’s industrial park, the software company develops a mix of proprietary products and custom solutions in software and hardware. A key milestone is the PCB Investigator — a CAD tool for designing and manufacturing printed circuit boards. The company continuously develops new products and remains highly innovative — making it a perfect candidate for the research allowance. An initial consultation with managing directors Günther Schindler and Jürgen Schill took place in February 2025. The funding opportunity was presented, and potential projects were discussed. After evaluating their priorities, the company engaged in several feedback loops in July, followed by joint drafting of the application. The final submission was made in August, and after successfully addressing a few follow-up requests, approval was granted in late November 2025.

“The support from Cluster Mobility & Logistics and DInO was decisive for us. Thanks to the precise guidance from Ms. Bechtold and our strong collaboration, we successfully submitted the application and secured the research allowance,” said Jürgen Schill and Günther Schindler, managing directors of EasyLogix.

A win for DInO — and a welcome financial boost for EasyLogix.

ATHEGUS is a healthtech start-up specialising in robotics and automation. The team develops intelligent robotic solutions that can be used, for example, in hospital service operations.

Supported by DIT StartUp Campus, ATHEGUS received initial support with pitch training, followed by ongoing guidance.

DInO’s advisory services played a key role in streamlining the funding application process. After securing the grant, the ATHEGUS team officially launched in May 2025 and used the EXIST Founder’s Grant to finance personnel and equipment costs.

DIT StartUp Campus, within DInO, is responsible for supporting founders with funding applications. In addition, DInO provides expert advice on funding opportunities in research and development, digitalisation, and other financial topics.

“The pitch training helped us clarify and communicate our idea more effectively. Through the exercises, we refined our pitch and strengthened our focus on core messages. The feedback on structure, delivery, and team coordination was especially valuable — now we present ourselves more cohesively and confidently,” said Eva Pletl.