# zukunft.niedersachsen: Boost Research! Seed Grants for Lower Saxony

**Funder:** Volkswagen Foundation
**Consortium:** No
**Eligible countries:** DE
**Official call:** https://www.volkswagenstiftung.de/en/our-funding-portfolio
**Last verified:** 18 June 2026

## Summary

Zukunft.niedersachsen: Boost Research! offers seed grants from the Volkswagen Foundation to support early-stage research projects in Lower Saxony, Germany. These grants fund researchers at institutions across the state to develop preliminary ideas and feasibility studies, with the goal of generating data for larger future proposals. The programme welcomes applications across all disciplines.

## Who should apply

- Researchers based at institutions in Lower Saxony, Germany
- Early-stage and mid-career researchers developing novel project ideas
- Projects in the feasibility or proof-of-concept phase
- Applicants across all academic disciplines

## Key dates

- Single-stage application process
- Seed-grant funding model to support preliminary research

## Tips for applicants

- Frame your application around a clear, timely research gap and the preliminary data or pilot work needed to address it.
- Emphasise institutional fit: explain how your institution in Lower Saxony provides unique resources or expertise for the project.

## Frequently asked questions

### What is zukunft.niedersachsen: Boost Research!?

Zukunft.niedersachsen: Boost Research! is a seed-grant programme from the Volkswagen Foundation supporting early-stage research projects at institutions in Lower Saxony, Germany across all disciplines.

### Where can I apply for zukunft.niedersachsen: Boost Research!?

You must be based at a research institution in Lower Saxony, Germany to be eligible for this programme.

### What kind of research does zukunft.niedersachsen: Boost Research! fund?

The programme funds early-stage and feasibility-phase research projects across all academic disciplines, designed to generate preliminary data for future larger grants.

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Source: [The Great Grantsby](https://grantsby.eu/grants/volkswagen-foundation-zukunft-niedersachsen-boost-research-seed-grants-f-2026) — EU grant monitoring for academic researchers. Always verify details on the funder's website before applying.

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