“Theseus” is a research project by the German ministry for economic affairs which is to lead to products, tools, services and business models for the internet. In the course of this project the German Ministry for economic affairs has now launched the technology competition called “Theseus SME 2009” which gives small and medium-sized entities in Germany the opportunity to shape the internet of the future. Particularly promising new products, services and business models will be sponsored by up to 10 million Euros in total. Project proposals may be submitted until December 1st 2008.
The “Theseus” research project lasts five years and is sponsored by the Federal Ministry for economic affairs with about 90 million Euros. Another 90 million Euros are made available by about 30 partners from the world of business and science. These partners in co-operation with the Federal ministry for economic affairs form the Theseus consortium and consider the global market potential of internet-based services to amount to about 100 billion Euros by the year 2011.
With “Theseus SME” the ministry sponsors application-oriented research and development projects by small and medium-sized entities (SMEs) which correspond with the objectives of the Theseus project. The target group of “Theseus SME” are small and medium-sized entities which want to carry out their projects either individually or in co-operation with researchers or other SMEs. The winners of the project will be given the opportunity to put their project ideas into practice while at the same time co-operating with companies and research institutions of the Theseus consortium.
Further information on the project and the competition is available on the internet and can as well be gathered at an information event on August 25th in Cologne. There is also a brochure available for download. 