This funding call supports pre-competitive collaborative research and development projects on “AI modules for key capabilities in crafts, trade and industry (ModuS-KI)” under the programme “Future of Value Creation – Research on Production, Services and Work”. The call is published by the German Federal Ministry of Research, Technology and Space (BMFTR) and is designed to strengthen SME and mid-sized business innovation through application-oriented artificial intelligence. The focus is on transferable, interoperable and broadly usable AI modules that can provide typical AI capabilities for companies in industry, crafts and trade. Rather than funding isolated proprietary solutions, the call seeks highly innovative approaches that go beyond the state of the art and can be applied across many companies and use cases.

The funding is structured in two phases for collaborative projects, plus one separate scientific accompanying project. In Phase 1, the exploration phase, a small consortium made up of one equipment-supplier company and two to three research organisations or universities develops and assesses a novel AI module concept. This phase is intended to define the target capability, identify relevant application scenarios, assess feasibility, analyse technical, organisational and legal conditions, estimate market potential, and build a broader actor network for a possible follow-up R&D phase. The exploration phase lasts nine months and can receive up to 250,000 euro per consortium.

Only projects that successfully complete and are positively assessed in the exploration phase may move to Phase 2, the R&D phase. In this second phase, the concept is developed further, necessary research is carried out, the AI module is implemented prototypically, and its use is tested in companies. Strong involvement of user companies is expected so that the solutions fit real operational needs. Projects may cover the innovation process up to Technology Readiness Level 8. The R&D phase lasts up to 27 months and can receive up to 2.5 million euro per collaborative project. Approximately half as many projects are expected to be funded in this second phase as in the first phase.

In parallel, one scientific project will be funded to analyse cross-cutting issues, monitor results from the collaborative projects, identify research gaps and trends, support transfer, organise exchange formats, and contribute to broader scientific and societal discourse on AI-enabled value creation.

Eligible applicants are SMEs, mid-sized commercial enterprises, universities and research institutions. For the exploration phase, participating SME equipment suppliers must additionally have at least 30 employees and either annual turnover or balance sheet total above 5 million euro. The funded results must mainly benefit SMEs and mid-sized companies and may only be used in Germany, the EEA and Switzerland. The application procedure is two-stage for the exploration phase and the scientific project: first a project sketch, then a full proposal for shortlisted applicants. For collaborative projects, a further competitive transition process applies between exploration and R&D.

Opening: 17.03.2026
Deadline(s): 22.05.2026

This funding opportunity represents an early draft that has not yet been officially approved by the European Commission. It is expected that details of the calls will change until finalization. The final, approved version is expected to be published by End of 2025. This draft is provided for informational purposes and may be used to preliminarily form consortia and develop project ideas, but it is offered without any guarantee.