AI support for SMEs: opportunities and possibilities for SMEs

Artificial intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing numerous industries and offers enormous potential for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Various funding programs and subsidies are available to support German SMEs in implementing AI solutions. Here is an overview of the most important AI funding for SMEs, broken down by business area:

AI funding programs for SMEs

The Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) offers various funding programs for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to promote the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in companies. One example of this is the "Artificial Intelligence in SMEs" funding program, which supports companies in integrating AI technologies into their business processes or developing innovative, AI-based solutions.

Another example is the "Green-AI Hub Mittelstand" funding program, which supports companies in introducing sustainable production methods and increasing their resource efficiency through the use of AI. The program offers companies comprehensive support in the implementation of AI-supported sustainable production methods.

Production and manufacturing

Support program: KI4KMU from the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF)

Application office: German Aerospace Center (DLR)This program supports SMEs in the development and implementation of AI methods and AI solutions in production. It promotes projects for process optimization, predictive maintenance and quality control.

Nexivis.ai support: Our experts help with the design of AI-based manufacturing processes and the preparation of convincing project outlines (2-stage / outline and full proposal) for your funding applications.

Trade and e-commerce

Support program: Go-digital (BMWK)

Application office: Authorized consulting companiesThis program promotes the development of AI applications such as AI-supported recommendation systems, chatbots and forecasting models for retail.

Nexivis.ai support: We advise you on the selection of suitable AI solutions for your online store and support you with the application process.

Service sector

Support program: DIGI grant (Hesse)

Application office: WiBank (Wirtschafts- und Infrastrukturbank Hessen). This program promotes the implementation of AI solutions and access to the latest technological developments to improve customer service and internal processes in the service sector.

Nexivis.ai support: Our team develops customized AI concepts for your service company and helps you apply for the DIGI grant.

Healthcare

Support program: Digitalization and Work 4.0 (Bremen)
Application office: BAB Förderbank. This program supports SMEs in the healthcare sector with the introduction of AI-supported diagnostic and therapy tools.

Nexivis.ai support: We offer advice on integrating AI into medical processes and support you in applying for funding.

IT and software

Support program: Mittelstand Innovativ & Digital (MID) (North Rhine-Westphalia)

Application office: Online portal of the state of NRW

This program promotes the development of innovative AI models, software solutions and algorithms.

Nexivis.ai support: Our AI specialists support you in the design of advanced AI algorithms and guide you through the application process.

General information on submitting an application for AI promotion SMEs

1. Create a project outline (max. 10 pages) with a detailed project description, objectives and market potential in various areas such as automated driving, software innovations and artificial intelligence.
2. Submit a sketch to the relevant application office.
3. If the assessment is positive: Submit a complete funding application.
4. Processing time: Usually 7-10 months.

Funding advice

NBank offers comprehensive funding advice for companies to promote the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in companies. The funding advice includes advice and support in applying for funding, advice and support in the implementation of AI projects and advice and support in the development of AI strategies.

The NBank also offers a variety of funding services for different target groups, such as small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), start-ups and companies in the field of information and communication technology (ICT). The funding services include financial support, advice and coaching, access to networks and contacts and support in the implementation of AI projects.

Funding scope and quotas

• As a rule, SMEs can receive funding of up to 50% of the eligible project-related costs.
• For start-ups in the AI sector: funding of up to EUR 100,000 per year, up to a maximum of 75% of the project-related costs.

Nexivis.ai: Your partner for successful support with AI funding for SMEs

Nexivis.ai provides you with comprehensive support in applying for and implementing AI funding projects. In addition to many other funding opportunities, 3D printing, for example, is also funded as a digital technology that enables innovative processes and products:

1. Analysis of your company and identification of suitable AI use cases
2. Selection of the optimal funding program for your project
3. Preparation of convincing project outlines and applications
4. Technical support for the implementation of funded AI projects
5. Training and knowledge transfer on AI technologies and best practices
6. Contacts with universities

Take the opportunity to make your company fit for the future of AI with government funding and the expertise of Nexivis.ai. Contact us today for an individual consultation on your AI funding options.

Talk to our experts about AI funding programs for SMEs.