Which portals, changes and subsidies will be introduced in 2025? Part 4

General legal changes for startups in 2025 can also be found in this post.

The first part of the post can be found here. The second part can be found here. The third part can be found here.

Please note that this is a general overview. It is difficult to say what will actually be introduced in the end. The posts should therefore serve as a suggestion for your own research. There may well be similarities in the four sections on the measures and new portals that are to be introduced. I also found it difficult to determine a specific order here, so you should simply look through everything.

Introduction of a digital reporting system for social standards

From 2025, a digital reporting system will be introduced that obliges companies to centrally document their compliance with social standards. The aim is to increase transparency regarding working conditions in companies and to better monitor violations of minimum social standards.

What are the requirements?

Companies must prepare regular reports on working hours, wages, safety measures and measures to promote diversity and inclusion. These reports are submitted digitally and checked by the responsible authorities.

What advantages does the system offer?

The reporting system facilitates the monitoring of social standards and strengthens the trust of customers and business partners in responsible companies. At the same time, companies can communicate their efforts in the area of social responsibility in a targeted manner.

Practical tip:

Implement an internal system for recording relevant data on working conditions and train your employees in how to use the new reporting system. Use the reports specifically as a marketing tool to make your social standards visible.

Introduction of an EU-wide digital certification system for sustainable start-ups

From 2025, a digital certification system will be introduced specifically for sustainable start-ups. The aim is to make it easier for young companies to access funding programs, investors and public tenders.

How does the system work?

Start-ups can obtain certification via a central platform by providing evidence of their sustainability measures – such as CO₂ reductions, resource conservation or social responsibility. Certification takes place digitally and is reviewed regularly.

What advantages does the system offer?

Certification enables start-ups to strengthen their credibility with potential partners or investors. At the same time, they receive preferential access to funding programs or tenders with sustainability criteria.

Practical tip:

Prepare for certification at an early stage by documenting relevant evidence such as business plans or sustainability reports. Use the platform specifically to position your startup on the market.

Introduction of an EU-wide digital portal for innovation funding

From 2025, an EU-wide digital portal will be introduced to help companies apply for and manage innovation funding more efficiently. The aim is to strengthen the innovative power of European companies and simplify access to funding.

What functions does the portal offer?

The portal bundles information on national and EU-wide innovation funding programs. Companies can submit their projects directly via the platform and receive personalized recommendations for suitable funding opportunities. The portal also offers tools for monitoring project progress and complying with reporting obligations.

What advantages does the portal offer?

The portal reduces the bureaucratic effort involved in applying for innovation funding and facilitates communication with funding institutions. At the same time, it increases the transparency of available programs and increases the chances of a successful application.

Practical tip:

Create a detailed project profile in the portal and use the opportunity to present your innovations in a targeted manner. Carefully prepare all relevant documents such as business plans, financing plans and market analyses.

Introduction of a digital certification system for climate-neutral production processes

From 2025, a digital certification system for climate-neutral production processes will be introduced. The aim is to support companies in making their production methods more sustainable and to make their progress in reducing CO₂ emissions visible.

What are the requirements?

Companies must prove that their production processes are energy-efficient and based on renewable energies. They must also document measures to reduce waste and emissions. Certification takes place digitally via a central platform and is reviewed regularly.

What advantages does the system offer?

The certification system strengthens the credibility of companies with customers and business partners. It also facilitates access to funding programs or public tenders with sustainability criteria.

Practical tip:

Check your existing production processes for potential to improve sustainability and develop strategies for switching to climate-neutral methods. Use certification as a targeted marketing tool to position yourself as a pioneer in the field of sustainable production.

Introduction of an EU-wide digital portal for green start-ups

From 2025, an EU-wide digital portal specifically for green start-ups will be introduced. The aim is to promote sustainable business models and make it easier for young companies to access capital, networks and funding programs.

What functions does the portal offer?

The portal enables start-ups to present their projects directly and approach investors or funding institutions in a targeted manner. It also provides information on industry-specific funding programs and tools for creating sustainability reports.

What advantages does the portal offer?

The digital portal strengthens the visibility of green start-ups and facilitates access to financial support and strategic partnerships. At the same time, it promotes exchange between sustainable companies throughout Europe.

Practical tip:

Use the portal to make your startup known to investors or funding institutions. Prepare a convincing presentation of your business model and place particular emphasis on the presentation of your sustainability measures.

Introduction of a digital reporting system for energy consumption data

From 2025, a digital reporting system for energy consumption data will be introduced, obliging companies to record their energy consumption centrally and report it regularly to the relevant authorities. The aim is to improve the monitoring of national climate targets and support companies in optimizing their energy consumption.

What are the requirements?

Companies must digitally record their entire energy consumption – including electricity, gas and heat – and prepare reports on energy-saving measures. This data is incorporated into national carbon footprints and audited by the authorities.

What advantages does the system offer?

The reporting system creates more transparency about companies’ energy consumption and facilitates the implementation of energy-saving measures. At the same time, companies can reduce their operating costs through targeted measures and benefit from tax advantages.

Practical tip:

Implement an internal system to record your energy consumption and develop strategies to reduce your energy costs. Use the reports specifically to communicate your climate protection efforts to customers and business partners.

Introduction of an EU-wide digital portal for sustainable public procurement

From 2025, an EU-wide digital portal will be introduced to support public institutions and companies in sustainable procurement. The aim is to make the awarding of public contracts more transparent and place a greater focus on sustainability criteria.

What functions does the portal offer?

The portal enables public clients to publish tenders with specific sustainability criteria. Companies can submit their tenders directly via the platform and receive access to information on requirements and evaluation criteria. The portal also offers tools for checking compliance with environmental and social standards.

What advantages does the portal offer?

For companies, the portal offers a central point of contact for sustainable public tenders throughout the EU. At the same time, it facilitates access to public contracts that are increasingly geared towards sustainability.

Practical tip:

If your company offers sustainable products or services, register on the portal at an early stage and create a meaningful profile. Take advantage of the opportunity to specifically identify and prepare for tenders with a focus on sustainability.

Introduction of a funding program for digital platforms in the healthcare sector

The German government is launching a funding program specifically for digital platforms in the healthcare sector from 2025. The aim is to promote innovative solutions to improve patient care and healthcare management.

Which measures are supported?

Funding is available for investments in platforms for making appointments, telemedicine or the exchange of patient data between doctors and hospitals, among other things. AI-supported applications for diagnostic support or prevention are also eligible for funding. Grants of up to 1 million euros per project are available.

What advantages does the program offer?

The programme strengthens digitalization in the healthcare sector and makes it easier for companies to bring innovative technologies to market more quickly. At the same time, patients benefit from better care and more efficient processes.

Practical tip:

If your company is active in the field of digital healthcare solutions or is planning corresponding projects, prepare a detailed funding application. Place particular emphasis on presenting the benefits of your solution for patients and the healthcare system.

Introduction of a digital certification system for climate-friendly mobility concepts

From 2025, a digital certification system for climate-friendly mobility concepts will be introduced. The aim is to support companies in making their mobility strategies more sustainable and to make their progress in reducing CO₂ emissions visible.

Which measures are certified?

Among other things, the use of zero-emission vehicles, the promotion of bicycle use by employees and the expansion of company charging infrastructure are certified. Certification takes place digitally via a central platform and is reviewed regularly.

What advantages does the system offer?

The certification system strengthens the credibility of companies with customers and business partners. It also facilitates access to funding programs or public tenders with climate protection criteria.

Practical tip:

Check your existing mobility strategies for potential to improve your carbon footprint and develop strategies to promote sustainable means of transportation in your company. Use the certification as a targeted marketing tool to position yourself as a pioneer in the field of climate-friendly mobility.

Introduction of a digital reporting system for innovation funding

From 2025, a digital reporting system for innovation funding will be introduced that obliges companies to register their funded projects centrally and submit regular reports on their progress. The aim is to increase the transparency of state-funded innovation projects and make their success easier to measure.

What are the requirements?

Companies must digitally report all government-funded innovation projects – for example in the area of research and development – and regularly prepare reports on their progress. The reports are reviewed by the responsible authorities.

What advantages does the system offer?

The reporting system simplifies the administration of state subsidies and reduces the bureaucratic effort involved in reporting to authorities. At the same time, companies can communicate their innovative strength in a targeted manner and thus increase their attractiveness for investors or business partners.

Practical tip:

Implement an internal system for recording your innovation projects and train your employees in how to use the new reporting system. Use the reports specifically to communicate your innovation efforts to customers and investors. Should I generate further sections of the blog post?

Introduction of an EU-wide digital portal for sustainable financing

From 2025, an EU-wide digital portal will be introduced to make it easier for companies to access sustainable financing. The aim is to promote investment in green technologies and climate-neutral business models and to accelerate the transformation towards a sustainable economy.

What functions does the portal offer?

The portal bundles information on green bonds, sustainable loans and other financing instruments. Companies can present their projects directly via the platform and approach investors or banks that specialize in sustainable financing.

What advantages does the portal offer?

The portal strengthens the visibility of sustainable projects and facilitates access to capital for companies investing in green technologies. At the same time, it promotes networking between companies, investors and financial institutions.

Practical tip:

Prepare a detailed presentation of your projects to present them to potential investors. You can also use the portal to search for strategic partners or other financing options.

Introduction of a digital reporting system for energy efficiency measures

From 2025, a digital reporting system for energy efficiency measures will be introduced, obliging companies to centrally document their progress in implementing energy-saving measures. The aim is to improve the monitoring of national climate targets and support companies in optimizing their energy consumption.

What are the requirements?

Companies must digitally record their entire energy consumption and measures to improve energy efficiency and regularly prepare reports on their progress. This data is checked by the responsible authorities and is included in national climate assessments.

What advantages does the system offer?

The reporting system creates more transparency about companies’ energy consumption and facilitates the implementation of energy-saving measures. At the same time, companies can reduce their operating costs through targeted measures and benefit from tax advantages.

Practical tip:

Implement an internal system to record your energy consumption and develop strategies to reduce your energy costs. Use the reports specifically to communicate your climate protection efforts to customers and business partners.

Author: Marian Härtel

Marian Härtel ist Rechtsanwalt und Fachanwalt für IT-Recht mit einer über 25-jährigen Erfahrung als Unternehmer und Berater in den Bereichen Games, E-Sport, Blockchain, SaaS und Künstliche Intelligenz. Seine Beratungsschwerpunkte umfassen neben dem IT-Recht insbesondere das Urheberrecht, Medienrecht sowie Wettbewerbsrecht. Er betreut schwerpunktmäßig Start-ups, Agenturen und Influencer, die er in strategischen Fragen, komplexen Vertragsangelegenheiten sowie bei Investitionsprojekten begleitet. Dabei zeichnet sich seine Beratung durch einen interdisziplinären Ansatz aus, der juristische Expertise und langjährige unternehmerische Erfahrung miteinander verbindet. Ziel seiner Tätigkeit ist stets, Mandanten praxisorientierte Lösungen anzubieten und rechtlich fundierte Unterstützung bei der Umsetzung innovativer Geschäftsmodelle zu gewährleisten.