how to program hex file of a NIOS II project addional in bitstream programming process?

Hello,

I want to add the .hex output file of a simple NIOS II project into the download process of the bitstream in quartus. I already ​added the .qip file (necessary for memory initialization) to my quartus project. But the software isn't processed after programming. Programming and running the software via JTAG-UART works.

I am using the Quartus Prime Lite Edtion 18.0. with the DEO-NANO development board (CYCLONE IV EP4CE22F17C6N as on board FPGA).

So what can be the reason for my problem? What do I have to add in my development process? What do I forget?

Best regards Florian