Secure your
grant.
German federal and state programmes fund AI adoption and digitalisation in mid-sized companies — up to 100 % of eligible costs, depending on the programme and funding line. But the landscape changes fast: we tell you honestly what can actually be applied for today — and support you with selection, application and administration.
These programmes are running.
Distr@l — Hesse
Six funding lines from feasibility study to growth — grants up to €1 million, and up to 100 % of eligible costs depending on the line. Focus areas: AI, data economy, process automation. Administered by WIBank.
Hesse · up to €1m Source: WIBank →BAFA consulting grant
A subsidy towards professional business, AI and digital consulting for SMEs. Up to five subsidised consulting projects, a maximum of two per calendar year. The current funding directive runs until 31 December 2026.
Federal · consulting Source: BAFA →Mittelstand-Digital centres
Free, vendor-neutral initial consulting and hands-on projects with dedicated AI trainers — nationwide, with no application procedure. Since go-digital ended, this is the most pragmatic way in.
Federal · free of charge Source: Mittelstand-Digital →INQA coaching
The successor to unternehmensWert:Mensch: subsidised process consulting funded by ESF Plus for companies with fewer than 250 employees — including change driven by digitalisation and AI.
Federal · ESF Plus Source: INQA →Important: always apply before the project starts.
Even a signed contract counts as the start of the project and leads to rejection. Plan for 8–12 weeks of lead time. And note: simply connecting the ChatGPT API is usually no longer enough in 2026 — a recognisable degree of innovation is required. That is exactly where we come in: we identify the right programme and combine the funding with delivery — from AI visibility and Advisor AI through to full AI transformation.
These programmes are
currently unavailable.
Many overviews online still list these programmes as available. So you don't waste time — here is the status in August 2026:
ZIM
The classic programme for development projects carrying technical risk — but currently suspended: since 7 July 2026 no new applications are accepted, for any project type or outline. International collaborations are exempt. A resumption is targeted for early 2027, subject to the federal budget. Projects already approved continue as planned.
Applications halted since 07/07/2026 Source: zim.de →DIGI-Zuschuss Hesse
Ended in June 2026 with the close of the final funding phase — no further calls are planned. For companies in Hesse, Distr@l and DIGI consulting are the obvious alternatives.
Ended · June 2026 Source: Technologieland Hessen →go-digital & Digital Jetzt
Both federal programmes have expired; go-digital ended on 31 December 2024 and new applications are no longer possible. As a replacement, the federal government points to the Mittelstand-Digital centres and KfW offerings.
Expired Source: BMWE/go-digital →Which programme
fits you?
A 15-minute funding check — free and without obligation.