With the new funding program "Digital-Tech-to-Product", the Federal Ministry for Digital and State Modernization (BMDS) supports startups and SMEs in further developing digital technologies from a successful proof of concept to market readiness. For the first funding call, project outlines can still be submitted until October 11, 2026.

Market-oriented innovations that address a concrete economic or societal need are at the center. Unlike pure technology development, the program follows the principle "Market Pull instead of Technology Push": Solutions for which technological feasibility has already been demonstrated and for which a comprehensible perspective for the business model, application, and market launch exists are funded.

Four focus areas in the first funding call

The current funding call focuses on four technology fields:

• Artificial Intelligence and AI-based solutions

• Data ecosystems

• Cybersecurity and cryptography

• Cloud and Edge Computing

The aim is in particular to further develop digital solutions from technology demonstration to pre-commercial market readiness (TRL 8). Projects in earlier development stages from about TRL 4 or 5 can also be considered in individual cases.

Digital sovereignty as a funding criterion

A particular focus lies on digital sovereignty of Germany and Europe. Applicants are required to transparently present which technologies and components are used and how the planned solution contributes to reducing dependencies on non-European providers, increasing resilience, and strengthening technological self-determination.

Four criteria play a particular role in the selection of projects:

Business model and market potential, digital sovereignty, innovation, and the planned implementation approach.

Who can apply?

The program is aimed in particular at startups as well as small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Applications are possible both as individual projects and together with other partners in consortium projects.

The application process is two-stage. First, a project outline is submitted. Successfully evaluated projects are subsequently invited to submit a complete funding application.

Application until October 11, 2026

Project outlines for the first funding call can be submitted until October 11, 2026 via the electronic application system easy-Online.

Further information on the program, the funding guidelines, the outline template, and the funding conditions can be found on the BMDS website:

Further information on the funding program:  Digital-Tech-to-Product at the BMDS 

For the first funding call:  1st funding call "Digital-Tech-to-Product" 

Funding advice:  dttp@tuv.com