Getting digitalisation & AI projects funded
German SMEs can still get public funding for digitalisation and AI — but the landscape has thinned out noticeably in 2026. This guide shows which programmes are still available, how much they are worth, what matters in the application, and which well-known programmes have expired. At the end, a free funding check lets you gauge in 60 seconds what fits your project. Programme names are kept in German with a short explanation.
As of July 2026 — not legal or funding advice
The Digitalbonus Bayern is the central grant programme for small and medium-sized enterprises with an establishment in Bavaria. It currently runs until 31 December 2027 and is applied for through the responsible district government (Bezirksregierung). An ELSTER business account is required to apply.
There are two variants. The Digitalbonus Standard funds digital projects with up to €7,500. The Digitalbonus Plus targets projects with particular innovation or heightened security relevance and funds up to €30,000. In both cases the funding rate is at most 50 % of eligible expenditure, with a minimum volume of €4,000.
A clarification, because secondary sources often get it wrong: the Plus maximum is €30,000, not €50,000. Standard and Plus also cannot be combined for the same measure (no cumulation).
Yes. AI and "intelligent data analysis" are explicitly named as eligible projects — as are process digitalisation and improvements to IT security. Not funded are off-the-shelf standard software, pure hardware (except robotics and IT security), and pure replacement purchases.
The most common and most expensive mistake is ordering too early. The moment you place a binding order before approval (or before the confirmation of receipt), the project counts as "started" — and the funding is lost. Always wait for the confirmation of receipt before signing.
If it is not about a software implementation but about advice — such as an AI potential analysis or a digitalisation concept — the BAFA "Förderung unternehmerischen Know-hows" (funding for entrepreneurial know-how) applies.
The funding runs through advisory firms listed with BAFA. It is well suited to properly preparing a project before you move into implementation via the Digitalbonus.
Several well-known federal programmes no longer exist — yet they keep appearing in older guides. Do not plan with them anymore:
The European Digital Innovation Hubs (EDIHs) advise for free on a "test before invest" basis — including an AI focus. The network was renewed to 83 hubs in October 2025, three of them in Bavaria. In addition there are around 30 Mittelstand-Digital centres, also free of charge. Ideal for testing an AI project before you invest.
For larger digitalisation and AI projects, the KfW offers the ERP digitalisation and innovation loan (programmes 511/512). This is a low-interest loan, not a grant, and is applied for through your house bank. AI projects are eligible; the former minimum amount was dropped in 2026. Sensible when the volume exceeds the scope of the grant programmes.
If you want to upskill staff on AI, the Qualifizierungschancengesetz (skills-opportunity act) may apply: depending on company size, up to 100 % of course costs are covered. Apply through the Federal Employment Agency.
In Austria, KMU.DIGITAL is the obvious programme: it funds consulting (status analysis and implementation) with grants up to roughly €8,000. For larger or research-oriented projects, aws and FFG apply, and for AI specifically the AI Mission Austria initiative.
Switzerland funds more compactly and without blanket grants. Innosuisse is central for innovation projects, complemented by cantonal economic development, which offers different instruments depending on the canton. It is worth checking your home canton’s offering.
I offer an AI potential & compliance analysis at a fixed price of €7,500 — a structured baseline assessment that shows where AI creates concrete value in your company and what the AI Act means for you. The fixed price is creditable against a subsequent implementation.
As a pure advisory service, such an analysis can be co-funded via the BAFA grant (up to €1,750 per consultation in the old federal states). If the analysis is part of an eligible implementation project, the Digitalbonus may apply instead. Whether that holds in your case may be eligible — the binding assessment is always made by the granting authority. I am happy to work out with you which route fits your project.
To the AI potential & compliance analysisNo funding commitment. Whether a consultation or project is eligible is decided by the respective granting authority on a case-by-case basis.
Answer five short questions and get an instant, non-binding orientation on which funding routes fit. No download needed — unlock the check right here.
The Digitalbonus Bayern funds at most 50 % of eligible expenditure. Under Standard that is up to €7,500, under Plus (for particular innovation) up to €30,000. The minimum volume is €4,000, and the programme currently runs until 31 Dec 2027. Secondary sources often cite €50,000 — the correct Plus maximum is €30,000.
Yes. AI and intelligent data analysis are explicitly named as eligible projects. Conditions include the SME criteria, an establishment in Bavaria, and that it is not standard software, pure hardware or a replacement purchase. The assessment is made case by case by the granting authority.
Yes, and this is the most common source of error. For the Digitalbonus: apply first and wait for the confirmation of receipt, then place the order. A binding order before approval means the project counts as started — and the funding is lost.
No. go-digital expired at the end of 2024, as did Digital Jetzt (end of 2023, portal switched off since 31 Mar 2026). go-inno is officially expired. Active alternatives are regional digital grants, the BAFA advisory grant, KfW loans, and the free EDIHs and Mittelstand-Digital centres.
Pure advisory services can be co-funded via the BAFA "funding for entrepreneurial know-how": basis €3,500, in the old federal states a 50 % grant, i.e. up to €1,750 per consultation, secured until 31 Dec 2026. Implementation projects involving software tend to run via the Digitalbonus. In addition, EDIHs and Mittelstand-Digital centres advise for free.
All figures were verified on 6 July 2026. Funding programmes change constantly — amounts, deadlines and conditions can shift at short notice. Only the granting authorities and the official programme pages (Digitalbonus Bayern, BAFA, KfW, EDIH) are authoritative. This guide is a non-binding orientation and does not replace legal or funding advice.
I help you set up an AI or digitalisation project so the funding fits — from the application logic to implementation. Pragmatic, in German, without the hype.
Many SME projects are eligible — the binding assessment is made case by case by the granting authority.
Or start with a structured baseline assessment.
To the AI potential analysis