To support the market introduction of fuel cells and hydrogen for energetic use in Germany, the National Innovation Programme Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Technology was set up in 2006. The German Federal Government together with representatives from research organisations as well as from various industry sectors were involved in designing the programme. Combined funds from the public and private sectors amount to Euro 1.4 billion and cover the period 2007–2016. About one-third of this total is to fund R&D and two-third to finance demonstration and market preparation projects. The National Organization Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Technology manages the implementation in close collaboration with its partner organisation Project Management Organization Julich, and in continuous consultation with the key stakeholders. This article spells out the main characteristics of the Innovation Programme and the organisations involved.