The Environmental Innovation Program (UIP) is a funding program of the Federal Ministry for the Environment (BMUKN) that supports companies in implementing novel, environmentally friendly technologies on an industrial scale for the first time. The goal is to demonstrate the practical viability of innovative processes under real-world conditions, significantly reduce environmental impacts, and accelerate the widespread market introduction of sustainable technologies. Funding is provided for investments that go beyond existing legal environmental standards and make a measurable contribution to reducing emissions, pollutant inputs, and resource consumption.

The funding is generally aimed at companies of all sizes, with a particular focus on small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The Federal Environment Agency (UBA) is responsible for the technical review and implementation of the program. Unlike traditional research funding, the UIP does not focus on development but rather on the first large-scale application of new processes.