Funding for industry- or theme-specific Mittelstand-Digital Centers

The sector- or topic-specific funding of the Mittelstand-Digital Centers aims to provide a nationwide networked offering for small and medium-sized enterprises, start-ups, and founders with sector-specific requirements. Funding is provided to consortia consisting of public or non-profit educational and research institutions that, based on an individual needs analysis, develop practical information and demonstration formats, digital self-checks, as well as AI and CYBERsecurity training for the addressed sector or the selected thematic focus area. Within the project duration of up to 48 months, a network of physical contact points, mobile formats, and digital platforms will be established, bundling provider-neutral innovation consulting services, good practice implementation projects, and sector-related tools. The funding rate of 100% covers personnel costs, material costs, and travel expenses, while usual basic equipment such as IT infrastructure and rental costs for already existing premises are not eligible. Outlines can be submitted via the PT-Outline tool until April 30, 2026.

The focus is on close cooperation throughout the Mittelstand-Digital network and a guiding function to further public support offerings. Consortium leaders coordinate an interdisciplinary team consisting of transfer experts from science and practice as well as specialized network managers. AI trainers and CYBERsecurity trainers ensure that the topics of artificial intelligence and IT/cybersecurity are conveyed along clear qualification chains. The requested funds serve to implement workshops, demonstrators, and digital applications, support the processing of maturity analyses, and strengthen the competitiveness of the target group. Outlines are evaluated based on criteria such as relevance of needs, quality of the consortium, cost-effectiveness, and contribution to nationwide coverage. Further details and the outline template are available in the funding database without direct links. A second application phase will follow upon positive evaluation of the outlines.