Is AI consulting subsidized?

Yes, AI consulting is subsidized by the state in 2026. The most important pool is the BAFA funding for business consulting: 50 percent grant in the old federal states and 80 percent in the new federal states, on a maximum of 3,500 euros in consulting costs per consultation. In addition, there is INQA coaching with 80 percent on up to twelve consulting days and state programs, for example in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, Hamburg, and Bremen. The prerequisite is always that the application is submitted before the consulting begins.

Which programs fund AI consulting in 2026?

At BAFA an AI or digitalization strategy counts as fundable conceptual consulting; the consulting must be carried out by a consulting company registered with BAFA. INQA coaching applies when AI and digitalization change the work organization, carried out by authorized INQA coaches. At the state level, the Hamburg Digital Check subsidizes consulting on digitalization and AI with 50 percent up to 7,500 euros, in MV the FuEuI guideline funds larger innovation consulting with 50 percent, and the new AI funding MV includes consulting and training as part of an implementation project.

What you need to watch out for

Three points decide in practice. First, the timing: the application must be submitted before the contract is concluded, otherwise the grant is fully forfeited. Second, the distinction: consulting is funded, not the technical implementation; that runs through separate pools such as the AI funding MV or KfW loans. Third, the deadline: the current BAFA guideline expires on 12/31/2026, a successor has not yet been announced. Anyone wanting to use the 80 percent in the east should start this year. Which pool fits your business is something we clarify in the free funding check of AI consulting.

Frequently asked questions

How high is the grant for AI consulting?

Via BAFA it is 50 percent in the old and 80 percent in the new federal states on a maximum of 3,500 euros per consultation, so up to 2,800 euros grant. In INQA coaching, the program covers 80 percent of up to twelve consulting days with a daily rate of at most 1,200 euros net.

Is the implementation of AI also funded?

Not through the consulting programs. For the implementation itself there are separate pools: the AI funding MV with 50 percent up to 50,000 euros, the Bremen grant Digital SME AI up to 17,000 euros, or the KfW ERP funding loan digitalization as a low-interest loan.

Does the consultant need to be approved?

For BAFA yes, there the consulting company must be registered. In INQA coaching, only authorized coaches provide consulting. In the state programs in MV, proof of qualification via references and certificates is sufficient; there is no formal listing there.

Until when can the BAFA funding still be applied for?

The current BAFA guideline applies to applications up to 12/31/2026; a successor regulation has not yet been announced. Since the application must be submitted before the contract is concluded and processing through the coordination offices takes time, businesses should initiate their consulting project by autumn 2026 at the latest.