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AI funding in 2026: what SMEs can actually get

Plenty of lists online still name programmes that expired long ago. Here are the main AI and digitalisation funding options that are actually open in 2026 — honestly framed, with sources and a date.

Kept current — with sources and a last-checked date. Expired programmes are removed.

Tax benefitGermany-wide

Research Allowance (Forschungszulage)

Federal · tax office / BSFZ

35% of R&D staff costs for SMEs, up to €4.2M per year.

Who
Any company doing its own R&D — including AI development.
AI angle
AI development counts as eligible R&D; since 2026 also a 20% flat overhead rate without itemised proof.
Deadline
Ongoing — can also be claimed retroactively
Research-allowance certification body (BSFZ)
GrantGermany-wide

ZIM – Central Innovation Programme for SMEs

Federal · BMWK

Non-repayable grant, 25–55% — up to €3M for cooperation projects.

Who
SMEs and mid-caps (up to 999 staff) with innovation projects.
AI angle
Technology-open: AI development and cooperation projects qualify.
Deadline
Ongoing (Guideline V5)
zim.de (BMWK)
LoanGermany-wide

KfW ERP Digitalisation Loan (511/512)

Federal · KfW (via your bank)

Low-interest loan from €25,000 up to €25M, rates from ~3.5%.

Who
SMEs and larger firms for digitalisation and AI projects.
AI angle
Three tiers by digital/innovation level; at LevelUp/HighEnd an extra grant is possible.
Deadline
Ongoing
kfw.de
AdviceGermany-wide

BAFA – SME consulting subsidy

Federal · BAFA

Subsidy toward consulting fees; rate depends on the region.

Who
SMEs using external consulting — including on digitalisation and AI.
AI angle
Eligible topics include digitalisation and AI strategy consulting.
Deadline
Available until 31 Dec 2026
bafa.de
AdviceGermany-wide (~30 centres)

Mittelstand-Digital Centres

Federal · BMWK

Free: workshops, demonstrators and one-to-one advice.

Who
SMEs and crafts businesses wanting to try AI and digitalisation.
AI angle
Vendor-neutral AI support — a good first step before investing.
Deadline
Ongoing
mittelstand-digital.de
GrantVaries by state

State programmes (Digitalbonus / Digitalprämie)

Federal states

Direct grants from ~€10,000 (e.g. Hesse) to ~€200,000 (e.g. Saxony).

Who
SMEs — terms and amounts vary widely by state.
AI angle
Grants for digitalisation and AI — check your own state's programme.
Deadline
Depends on the state — budgets are often limited
foerderdatenbank.de

Sources & status

Last checked: 21 June 2026

Central place to search: Federal funding database

This overview is for orientation, not funding advice. Programmes, rates and deadlines change — the official programme pages always prevail.

Frequently asked questions about AI funding

Is go-digital still available?

No. The popular go-digital programme expired at the end of 2024 and no longer accepts applications. Many online lists still include it — which is why we maintain this overview actively and remove expired programmes.

Which funding fits an AI project?

For your own development, the Research Allowance (35% for SMEs, also retroactive) or ZIM are worth it. For purchasing and implementation, the KfW loan or a state programme. To get started, the free Mittelstand-Digital Centres are ideal.

Can I combine several programmes?

Sometimes — but the same costs usually can't be funded twice (cumulation limits). Which combination is allowed depends on the case. A short consultation before applying saves trouble here.

How current is this list?

We review the programmes regularly and show the date of the last check, with sources, at the top. The official programme pages always prevail.

Which funding fits your AI plan?

We help you find the right programme, assess applications realistically, and build the AI behind it — without empty promises.

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