Secure
your grant.
German federal and state programs fund digitalization and AI adoption in the Mittelstand — with grants covering up to 80% of costs. But the landscape changes fast: we tell you honestly what can actually be applied for today — and help you choose, apply and see it through.
These programs are running.
Distr@l — Hesse
The Hessian state program with six funding lines from feasibility study to growth — grants of up to €1 million. Priorities: AI, data economy, process automation. Administered by WIBank.
Hesse · up to €1MBAFA consulting grants
Grants towards professional business, AI and digital consulting for SMEs. Up to five funded engagements, no more than two per calendar year. The current funding directive runs until 31 Dec 2026.
Federal · consultingMittelstand-Digital centers
Free, vendor-neutral initial consulting and hands-on projects with AI trainers — nationwide, no application process. Since go-digital ended, this is the most pragmatic way in.
Federal · free of chargeINQA-Coaching
Successor to unternehmensWert:Mensch: subsidised process consulting from the ESF Plus fund for companies with fewer than 250 employees — including change driven by digitalization and AI.
Federal · ESF PlusImportant: 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: a plain ChatGPT API integration usually won't cut it in 2026 — you need demonstrable innovation. That's exactly where we help: we identify the right program and combine funding with delivery through our AI brand INSIDE AI.
These programs are
currently closed.
Many overviews online still list these as available. So you don't waste time — the status as of August 2026:
ZIM
Germany's classic program for development projects with technical risk — but currently suspended: since 7 July 2026 no new applications are accepted, across all project types and project sketches. International cooperations are exempt. A restart is targeted for early 2027, subject to the federal budget. Approved projects continue as planned.
Suspended since 07 Jul 2026DIGI-Zuschuss Hesse
Ended in June 2026 with the close of its final funding phase — no further calls are planned. For companies in Hesse, Distr@l and DIGI-Beratung are the obvious alternatives.
Ended · June 2026go-digital & Digital Jetzt
Both federal programs have expired; go-digital ended on 31 Dec 2024 and no new applications are possible. The federal government points to the Mittelstand-Digital centers and KfW offerings instead.
ExpiredWhich program
fits you?
15-minute funding check — free and with no obligation.
Request a funding check