TBI funding in MV: what is really behind the term

Strictly speaking, TBI is not a funding program but an authority: the TBI Technologie-Beratungs-Institut GmbH in Schwerin, which as the approving body manages the technology and innovation funding of the state of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern. Anyone who speaks of TBI funding usually means the underlying FuEuI-Richtlinie, that is, the guideline for the promotion of research, development and innovation, or, since the end of June 2026, the new AI funding MV, which also runs through TBI.

Who or what is TBI?

The TBI GmbH is the project sponsor of the Ministry of Economic Affairs of MV and approves applications under the FuEuI-Richtlinie. It provides personal advice at its offices in Schwerin, Rostock and Neubrandenburg, before the application is submitted. The current guideline dates from November 2023, was last amended in April 2026 and is valid until 30 June 2027, financed from the EFRE programme of the 2021 to 2027 funding period.

What does the Innovation Advisory Services module fund?

For digitalisation and AI projects, the Innovation Advisory Services module is the central lever. It funds advice, support and training for the introduction of innovative technologies and solutions, including digital technologies, with 50 percent of expenses and up to 200,000 euros within three years. Companies should be aware of two particularities:

• Minimum threshold: Grants of 15,000 euros or less are not approved. At a 50 percent funding rate, the module therefore only becomes relevant from a project volume of around 30,000 euros.
• Innovation relevance: the advice must serve the introduction of technologies for innovative products, processes or services. Standard digitalisation advice without an innovation link does not qualify.

Does the consultant need accreditation?

No, and this is what distinguishes the state funding from BAFA: the FuEuI-Richtlinie has no register of consultants and no listing. The provider of the advisory service must demonstrate their suitability using meaningful documents, namely certificates, qualifications and references in the relevant field. The contract must also be awarded to qualified providers on a competitive basis. For companies, this means: you can choose your consultant freely, as long as the qualification can be proven.

What other modules does the FuEuI-Richtlinie have?

In addition to innovation advice, the guideline funds individual company and joint research projects with up to 80 percent including bonuses for small enterprises, feasibility studies with 60 percent for small and 50 percent for medium-sized enterprises up to 100,000 euros, applications for industrial property rights, and process innovations with 50 percent for SMEs up to 200,000 euros. Process innovations in particular are interesting for automation projects when a company fundamentally restructures its processes using new digital technologies.

How does the application process work at TBI?

The formal application must reach TBI before the project begins; for Innovation Advisory Services, according to TBI, at least 14 days before the measure starts. A supply or service contract that has already been concluded counts as the start of the project and ends eligibility for funding, whereas obtaining offers and planning is not harmful. If the documents are complete, the decision should be made within six months. For smaller AI introduction projects below the minimum threshold, the new AI funding MV, with 50 percent up to 50,000 euros, has been the more suitable route since 30 June 2026; it is also approved via TBI. More on this in the article AI funding MV 2026.

Whether your project belongs under the FuEuI-Richtlinie, the AI funding MV or the BAFA advisory funding is something we clarify in the free funding check from AI consulting.

Frequently asked questions about TBI funding

What does TBI fund in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern?

TBI GmbH approves funding under the state's FuEuI-Richtlinie: research and development projects, feasibility studies, industrial property rights, Innovation Advisory Services and process innovations, with funding rates between 25 and 80 percent depending on the module. Since the end of June 2026, the new AI funding MV has also been running through TBI.

How much funding is available for innovation advice?

Innovation Advisory Services are funded at 50 percent of eligible expenses, up to a maximum of 200,000 euros within three years. Note the minimum threshold: grants up to 15,000 euros are not approved, so the project volume must exceed around 30,000 euros.

Does NordFlux or another consultant need to be listed with TBI?

No, there is no consultant listing under the state funding scheme. The consultant must demonstrate their suitability through references, certificates and proof of qualification, and the contract must be awarded on a competitive basis. This distinguishes the FuEuI-Richtlinie from BAFA funding, which requires the consulting company to be registered.