Establishment and Implementation of Transformation Hubs to Support Transformation Processes in Automotive Industry Value Chains

The nationwide funding initiative of the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy (BMWi) is aimed at non-profit organizations, public institutions, educational establishments, and interest groups that wish to establish, expand, or operate thematically oriented transformation hubs in the automotive and supplier industry. The goal is the efficient dissemination of information and knowledge along the value chains, the networking of relevant stakeholders, and the scaling of innovative research results. The program grants a 100% subsidy on eligible costs over a period of up to 48 months. Applications are submitted electronically via the easy online system. An extension of funding for already approved hubs is possible until 31 December 2026. Required are a project outline and a formal funding application that demonstrate expertise, performance capability, and creative implementation concepts.

Eligible institutions must demonstrate a free and non-discriminatory offer design for the defined target groups. Further funding requirements include proof of appropriate use of funds, submission of a written cooperation agreement, and exclusion of simultaneous public financing for the same project. The funded hubs focus, among other areas, on powertrain, battery, automated driving, or software solutions and contribute to mobility, energy efficiency, digitalization, and climate protection. Through close collaboration with research and transfer institutions as well as regional networks, a sustainable transformation of the vehicle industry is promoted.