Knowledge · As of 2026-09-07
AI funding in Germany 2026: subsidies for training and consulting
Route A: funded AI training
The strongest instrument is § 82 SGB III: the employment agency subsidizes course costs by up to 100% depending on company size, plus wage subsidies during training. Requirement: an AZAV-certified program of more than 120 training units, applied for before it starts. Solo self-employed can use KOMPASS (90%, max €4,500 net).
Since 02 Feb 2025, Article 4 of the EU AI Act obliges every company using AI to ensure demonstrable AI literacy - a documented, AZAV-compliant training with a certificate is the cleanest proof, and exactly that is fundable.
Route B: funded AI consulting
The federal SME consulting grant covers consulting costs up to €3,500 net: 50% in western Germany (max €1,750), 80% in the east (max €2,800). The application must be approved before consulting starts, and the program currently runs until 31 Dec 2026. It does not cover seminars or workshops - that is what the training route is for.
Frequently asked questions
Can funding be applied for retroactively?
Practically never. All programs require the application before the measure or consulting begins.
How fast do I know whether my project qualifies?
Our free funding check gives a first traffic-light assessment with a program recommendation in about two minutes. The responsible agency decides bindingly.
Read next
Free funding check →KI-AKADEMIE: the four programs →AZAV accreditation →
No guarantee implied, as of 06/2026. Rates and deadlines change - the responsible agency decides.