NATIONAL PROGRAMS AND INITIATIVES

LEAM - Large European AI Models

Mandated by BMWK

The German AI Association has launched the Large European AI Models (LEAM) initiative, which aims to establish a high-performance computing center dedicated to the advancement of artificial intelligence. The LEAM initiative strives to advance Europe’s capabilities in AI research and development, promote innovation, and establish a framework for responsible and impactful AI technologies.
To ensure Europe’s digital sovereignty and bridge the gap, the German AI Association, in collaboration with stakeholders from business, academia, and civil society, conducted a feasibility study which outlines the pathway for developing large AI models within Germany.
The feasibility study „Large AI Models for Germany” can be accessed and downloaded here.

Research Framework Program on IT Security (in German)

Mandated by BMBF

The “Digital. Secure. Sovereign.” Research Framework Program of the German Federal Government on IT Security aims to strengthen digital security in Germany. It focuses on enhancing critical infrastructure security, securing interconnected environments, promoting research and innovation, and safeguarding privacy and digital identity. The program fosters collaboration among academia, industry, and government to develop effective measures against cyber threats and establish Germany as a leading hub for IT security research. With a funding commitment of at least 350 million euros, the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) supports research that addresses people’s needs, including technology-based innovations and concerns regarding privacy, data protection, and individual autonomy. By promoting research aligned with European standards, the program aims to preserve and expand Germany’s and Europe’s technological sovereignty in key areas.
The “Agenda for Cybersecurity Research – Measures in Times of Transformation” by the BMBF complements the “Digital. Secure. Sovereign.” Research Framework Program. In the “Agenda for Cybersecurity Research,” the BMBF combines a series of measures to address the challenges triggered by the current transformative period even more precisely.

Framework Program Quantum Technologies

Mandated by BMBF

In order to strategically advance the development of quantum technologies in Germany, the federal government is pooling its forces under the lead of the Federal Ministry of Education and Research. The framework program ‘Quantentechnologien – von den Grundlagen zum Markt’ (‘Quantum Technologies – From the Basics to the Market’) defines the initial situation and goals. Further the initiative explains the concrete measures up to 2022. For this purpose, the Federal Government provides 650 million euros for research into quantum technologies in the current legislative period. As part of the strategic initiative on quantum computing, it was also announced at the beginning of 2020 that an additional 300 million euros would flow into this technology. Finally, the Federal Government’s economic and future package (decided in mid-2020) will add an additional two billion euros, of which around 1.1 billion euros are supplied by BMBF fundings in this area. The program document can be accessed and downloaded here.

National Pact on Cybersecurity in Germany (in German)

Mandated by BMI

Framework Program Microelectronics (in German)

Mandated by BMBF

The update of the Framework Program ‘Mikroelektronik. Vertrauenswürdig und nachhaltig. Für Deutschland und Europa’ (Framework Program Microelectronics. Trustworthy and sustainable. For Germany und Europe.) sets new impulses concerning the maintenance and development of technological sovereignty in Germany and Europe as well as concerning sustainability aspects within digitalisation. With regards to potential fields of application, the programme addresses leading-edge areas such as artificial intelligence, high performance computing, smart health, industry 4.0 and intelligent energy conversion. Starting from 2021, researchers will be able to apply for funding. The program document can be accessed and downloaded here.

AI Research Centers (in German)

Mandated by BMBF

The Kompetenzzentren für KI-Forschung (AI Research Centers), established by the German federal government, are to form an essential pillar of AI research in Germany. Their tasks include not only the dissemination of new research findings, but in particular the creation of a network for the exchange of competencies and research results. And most importantly, they ensure that Germany’s AI research is and remains internationally visible. The Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) will double the funding of the AI competence centers until 2022 to support their expansion. This map provides an overview of all institutions of this kind.

Cyber Security Research Centers (in German)

Mandated by BMBF

The Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) is funding three Kompetenzzentren für IT-Sicherheitsforschung (Cyber Security Research Centers). The task of these centers is to develop long-term strategies for cyber security and to carry out related research projects to meet current and future challenges.

Funding Programs on AI & Digital Technologies

Mandated by BMWK

The aim of the funding programs is to pick up on key technological trends at an early stage and to accelerate the process of transferring scientific findings into the development of marketable high-tech technologies. Funding is devoted to the following programmes:

• 5G Campus Networks focuses on the use of public 5G-based networks as well as the expansion and use of so-called campus networks for business. (€33m)
• Quantum Computing – Applications for industry focuses on research, development and innovation projects that prove and demonstrate the technical feasibility, viability and usefulness of quantum computing using relevant, practical applications. (€24m)
• ICT for Electric Mobility focuses on the key areas of logistics, mobility and energy infrastructure. Smart cars, smart grids and smart traffic are the main research pillar of the programme. (€50m)
• Edge data economy supports research, development and innovation projects in the edge cloud continuum in which the benefits and advantages of edge computing solutions are demonstrated, particularly in economic and also ecological terms in different application domains. (€30m)
• Smart Data Economy is a technology programme for applied research to promote cutting-edge digital technologies. In the field of data economy, it will contribute to exploiting the opportunities of digital transformation in various areas of application. (€46m)
• AI Innovation Competition (KI Wettbewerb), in this framework the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action (BMWK) wants to support new forms of AI-based innovation. The competition promotes outstanding approaches for new forms of AI-based platform economies in important economic sectors in Germany. (€100m)
• ‘Secure Digital Identities’ showcase programme aims at strengthening digital sovereignity by developing German eIDAS solutions, which are equally user-friendly, trustworthy and cost-efficient. These solutions should be easier to access for administration, businesses – especially SMEs – and the population. The aim is to create application-oriented eID ecosystems that are characterised by openness, interoperability and simple, intuitive and barrier-free usage. 11 projects are currently being funded under this scheme. (€55m)
• The BMWK supports a limited number of ‘bilateral cooperation projects’ with selected partner countries in the European and international arena. The aim is, on the one hand, to transfer technological developments to foreign application areas and markets and, on the other hand, to use the specific competences of research institutions and companies from the respective partner country in current funding areas for joint activities.

Framework Program Microelectronics (in German)

Mandated by BMBF

The update of the Framework Program ‘Mikroelektronik. Vertrauenswürdig und nachhaltig. Für Deutschland und Europa.’ (Framework Program Microelectronics. Trustworthy and sustainable. For Germany und Europe.) sets new impulses concerning the maintenance and development of technological sovereignty in Germany and Europe as well as concerning sustainability aspects within digitalisation. With regards to potential fields of application, the programme addresses leading-edge areas such as artificial intelligence, high performance computing, smart health, industry 4.0 and intelligent energy conversion. Starting from 2021, consortia will be able to apply for funding. The program document (in English) can be accessed and downloaded here.

Artificial Intelligence in Agriculture (in German)

Mandated by BMEL

The funding programme is divided into two parts: AI in rural regions and AI for agriculture and food production. While the former part focuses on creation of equal living conditions between cities and rural areas, the later supports projects that use artificial intelligence for increasing transparency, efficiency and sustainability in agriculture and food production. The improvements yield by the products are to be understood in accordance with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Application closed at the end of April 2020, whereby a total of 82 projects were submitted.

AI Beacons for Environment, Climate, Nature and Resources

Mandated by BMUV

As part of the national AI Strategy, the Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation, Nuclear Safety and Consumer Protection (BMUV) started the funding programme KI-Leuchttürme für Umwelt, Klima, Natur und Ressourcen (AI Beacons for Environment, Climate, Nature and Resources) in August 2019 in order to support AI projects that stand as flagship projects for an ecologically as well as socially friendly digitalisation. This implies especially research in the area of climate change, preservation of biodiversity, sustainable agriculture, consumption and mobility as well as the access and use of environmental data, the reduction of energy and resource consumption, sustainable programming of AI algorithms and knowledge transfer. The project manager for this funding programme ist the Zukunft-Umwelt-Gesellschaft (ZUG) gGmbH.

Agricultural Systems of the Future

Mandated by BMBF

This programme aims at tackling future challenges such as population growth, urbanisation, climate change and shrinking farmland by paving new ways in the agricultural economy. Since 2019, the BMBF has been subsidising a total of eight research consortia with a total of nearly 43 million euros to develop cross-disciplinary alternative approaches over the next five years. In terms of agriculture 4.0 and corresponding bioeconomic principles, smart and high technology, artificial intelligence (AI), digitalisation and resource-efficient closed energy and material cycles play a central role. The consortia are examining alternative production systems extending from the rural to the urban space.

Land.Digital

Mandated by BMEL

With the “Land.Digital” support scheme, the Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture (BMEL) supports the digital transformation in rural areas and disseminates model practical concepts under the umbrella of the Federal Rural Development Scheme (BULE) throughout Germany. In 2017, on behalf of the BMEL, the Rural Development Competence Centre (KomLE) issued a call for project proposals entitled “LandDigital: opportunities of digitalisation for rural areas” to look for interested parties who wanted to improve rural life through the smart use of information and communications technologies. Thereby, 61 projects received a funding guarantee of up to EUR 200,000. All projects will be completed by March 2022 at the latest. The project areas comprise the seven thematic areas “Economy and Labour”, “Volunteering and Involvement”, “Mobility”, “Education and Training”, “Health and Care”, “Local Service Provision” and “Information and Communication Platforms (ICT platforms)”.

mFUND

Mandated by BMVI

The funding program mFUND is designed to promote R&D projects related to digital data-based applications for Mobility 4.0. It supports founders, start-ups, businesses, authorities, and institutions of higher education. Funding recipients develop digital business ideas that are based on mobility, spatial and weather data.

Online Access Act (Onlinezugangsgesetz, OZG 2.0)

Mandated by BMI

The draft for the further development of the Online Access Act („OZG 2.0“) for the digitization of the German administration has been approved. The German government aims to advance the digital transformation through this proposed legislation. The accompanying policy paper outlines key strategic decisions to prioritize and standardize digital services and to closely integrate the OZG with major projects such as register modernization and digital identities. These measures are intended to improve online access to administrative services and promote efficiency and synergy in the digitization of government processes.
Download the draft of the OZG Amendment Act here. (German Version)

NITD – The National Initiative for AI-based Transformation in the Data Economy

Mandated by BMDV

The National Initiative for AI-based Transformation in the Data Economy (NITD) is a new initiative developed by acatech – German Academy of Technical Sciences to enhance the framework for AI innovations in Germany. The NITD aims to improve data connectivity, establish unified testing and quality standards, and provide targeted support to AI companies in Germany. Its goal is to foster a strong ecosystem for data economy and artificial intelligence, positioning Germany as a leading nation in AI research and development.

Data Institute for Germany

Mandated by BMWK

Funding has been approved for establishing a data institute for Germany, enabling the coordination of the data ecosystem, sector connectivity, and driving innovation. The institute will serve as a central hub, combining expertise from various disciplines and promoting practical solutions. It will connect existing data initiatives and initiate new cross-sector projects to maximize the value of data analytics in Germany.

The concept for establishing the data institute was developed by the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action (BMWi) and the Federal Ministry of the Interior, Building and Community (BMI), in close collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF), and has been coordinated within the federal government.
Download the Concept here.

Mobilithek

Mandated by BMDV

Mobilithek – Germany’s data platform that gets you moving. With the Mobilithek, the Federal Ministry for Digital and Transport (BMDV) provides a platform that offers access to open mobility data and enables the B2B exchange of data offers. A central point of access to all data that gets you moving.

FAIR-Data Spaces

Mandated by BMBF

With FAIR-Data Spaces, a common cloud-based data room for science and business is being created. The aim is to create a common cloud-based data space for business and science. The project merges the existing GAIA-X models with the National Research Data Infrastructure (NFDI). With GAIA-X, a secure, trustworthy, open data-based ecosystem is being developed in Europe that meets the highest requirements for digital sovereignty. The National Research Data Infrastructure (NFDI) links research data and makes it usable across all scientific disciplines. The long-term goal of the initiative: Extension of the national architecture of a European or even global infrastructure for data exchange on the basis of European norms and values.

Mobility Data Space

Mandated by BMVI

The Mobility Data Space is the data sharing community for everyone who wants to help shaping the mobility of tomorrow. It is intended to stimulate competition for innovative, sustainable and user-friendly mobility concepts by providing all users with equal and transparent access to data. Here, users have unique opportunities to participate in the added value potential of their data. Participating in the Mobility Data Space is free of charge until 2024.

National Research Data Infrastructure

Mandated by BMBF

The Nationale Forschungsdateninfrastruktur (National Research Data Infrastructure, NFDI) is tasked to manage scientific and research data, provide long-term data storage, backup and accessibility, and network the data both nationally and internationally. The NFDI brings multiple stakeholders together in a coordinated network of consortia that provide science-driven data services to research communities.

Medical Informatics Initiative

Mandated by BMBF

The Medizininformatik-Initiative (Medical Informatics Initiative) addresses the gap between research and healthcare. It harnesses research findings to the direct benefit of patients. The objective is to ensure that, in future, each doctor, patient and researcher has access to the information they require. This will lead to more precise diagnostics, and better treatment decisions. At the same time, robust data protection and security are a top priority.

Bundescloud (in German)

Mandated by BMI

The Bundescloud (Federal Cloud) was developed as a cloud-based service for the Federal Administration. Users can store and process official data here, as well as share and exchange data between authorities and departments. The control of data and data traffic is located within the Federal Administration, which enables a high level of information security.

Research Campus - Public-Private Partnership for Innovation

Mandated by BMBF

The funding initiative Forschungscampus – öffentlich-private Partnerschaft für Innovationen (Research Campus – Public-Private Partnership for Innovation) supports large-scale and long-term cooperation between science and industry. It provides funding to universities, research institutes and companies to jointly work on research projects of common interest. Nine research campuses all over Germany cover a wide range of industries, e.g. health, mobility, environment, energy, logistics and technology production.

Mobility Data Marketplace

Mandated by BMDV

The Mobilitätsdatenmarktplatz (Mobility Data Marketplace, MDM) offers suppliers and users of mobility data a neutral B2B platform to share, search and subscribe to traffic-relevant online data. The platform forwards the data supplied by the data suppliers unchanged to the data clients. With its defined standards for data exchange, MDM is nation’s biggest volume of information on traffic flows, traffic jams, road works, mobility options, parking facilities and more.

Framework Program Microelectronics (in German)

Mandated by BMBF

The update of the Framework Program ‘Mikroelektronik. Vertrauenswürdig und nachhaltig. Für Deutschland und Europa’ (Framework Program Microelectronics. Trustworthy and sustainable. For Germany und Europe.) sets new impulses concerning the maintenance and development of technological sovereignty in Germany and Europe as well as concerning sustainability aspects within digitalisation. With regards to potential fields of application, the programme addresses leading-edge areas such as artificial intelligence, high performance computing, smart health, industry 4.0 and intelligent energy conversion. Starting from 2021, consortia will be able to apply for funding. The program document can be accessed and downloaded here.

GovTech Campus Germany (in German)

Mandated by BMI, BMF and States

The GovTech Campus Deutschland – Technologien für die Zukunft von Staat und Verwaltung (GovTech Campus Germany), the world’s first innovation, development and learning space of this kind, creates ideal conditions for the modernization of the state and democracy. The aim is to make Germany a pioneer in the development and application of digital technologies and solutions for the public sector – government technology. It connects the federal, state and local governments with the most innovative players in the tech scene, civil society, the open source community and the applied research.

SMEs Digital (in German)

Mandated by BMWK

The funding initiative Mittelstand-Digital (SMEs Digital) informs SMEs about the opportunities and challenges of digitalization. 27 “Mittelstand 4.0-Kompetenzzentren” (SME 4.0-competence centers) scattered throughout Germany provide SMEs with expert knowledge, demonstration centers, best-practice examples as well as networks for the exchange of experiences. All services offered by Mittelstand-Digital are free-of-charge for SMEs.

Central Innovation Program for SMEs

Mandated by BMWK

“ZIM” stands for “Zentrales Innovationsprogramm Mittelstand” (Central Innovation Program for SMEs) and aims at fostering the innovative capacity of SMEs. It launches several thousand new projects every year all around Germany, making it the country’s largest innovation program for SMEs. It also often sets up funding programs with other countries. ZIM funds innovative companies with business operations in Germany which want to develop new or significantly improve existing products, processes or technical services. The program is open to all sectors and fields of technology. Funded projects must be highly innovative, market-oriented and entail a substantial technological risk.

Digital Hub Initiative

Mandated by BMWK

With the Digital Hub Initiative led by the Federal Ministry of Economics and Energy, Germany is strengthening its position as the world’s leading digital ecosystem and attractive digital location. Start-ups, established business and academics come together in twelve digital hubs spread all over Germany. By combining the know-how of established companies with innovative start-up ideas and scientific excellence, the Digital Hub Initiative promotes the emergence of a strong culture of innovation and new digital business models ranging from artificial intelligence to new mobility to smart infrastructure.

Funding Program 'go-digital' (in German)

Mandated by BMWK

The funding program “go digital” supports SMEs and craft enterprises that aim at optimizing their business processes with the help of digital solutions in a service- and customer-oriented, efficient and secure manner. The program connects SMEs with authorized consulting firms that provide them with expert advice and support in the implementation of innovative measures for setting up or expanding modern IT systems.

Digital Trial Fields

Mandated by BMEL

The funding program Experimentierfelder (Digital Trial Fields) supports a selection of 14 projects that pursuit innovations in agriculture. It is part of the programme ‘Digital Policies in Agriculture’ that comprises a total funding of € 60 million until the end of 2020, of which € 50 million will be invested in the experimental fields. These fields will be accompanied by the the Competence Center for Digitalisation in Agriculture and act as testbeds in farms and rural regions for digital solutions that enhance environmental protection, animal welfare, biodiversity and work facilitation for farmers. Spread all over Germany, the testbeds address different focal points.

Initiative City.Countryside.Digital (in German)

Mandated by BMWK

The initiative Stadt.Land.Digital (City.Countryside.Digital) sees itself as a knowledge center, contact partner, multiplier and supporter for all relevant actors and topics on the way to the “smart city” and the “smart region”. It aims at promoting networking in Germany. The initiative provides information, support, advice, networking and support in the design and implementation of digital strategies.

Model Project Smarte.Land.Regionen (in German)

Mandated by BMEL

The model project Smarte.Land.Regionen (Smart countryside regions) aims to promote digitalisation in rural areas. By implementing digital technologies, living and working conditions for the local population shall be enhanced, especially with hindsight to basic services, such as public transport and waste management. In addition, the initiative wants to support local stakeholders with digital skills and the development of new digital services together with Fraunhofer IESE. A digital platform will support the exchange of knowledge and the establishment of a digital ecosystem. The initiative is part of the federal programme “Ländliche Entwicklung”.

Future Region of Digital Health (in German)

Mandated by BMG

The initiative Zukunftsregion Digitale Gesundheit (Future Region of Digital Health) promotes the use and exploration of the potential of digital solutions in healthcare, both for service providers and for patients and citizens. In addition, the establishment of digital processes between the players is intended to promote networking across disciplines and sectors. The goal of the initiative is to make digital solutions tangible in everyday care in order to gain insights into the acceptance and use of digital applications in healthcare. The projects will be conducted in test-regions in Berlin and Brandenburg.

Future Centers (AI) (in German)

Mandated by BMAS

The funding programme Zukunftszentren KI (Future Centers AI) support of SMEs and employees in the exemplary and participative testing of new technologies, such as artificial intelligence, for company practice” was launched in August 2020 and focuses on supporting companies and their employees in the co-creative implementation of  AI-based systems. The future centres are based upon the German AI Strategy. Within this programme, two key activities will be funded: “The Regional Future Centre” and the “AI Knowledge- and Training Centre”. The later pursues the supra-regional generation and transfer of knowledge on human-centred AI systems. It thereby closely cooperates with the AI Observatory, which is also mandated by BMAS.

Federal Agency for Disruptive Innovation

Mandated by BMBF and BMWK

The Bundesagentur für Sprunginnovationen (Federal Agency for Disruptive Innovation, SPRIN-D) is creating spaces for innovators, where they can take risks and think radically different. Founded in Leipzig in December 2019 the objective of the “SprinD GmbH” is to foster leapfrog innovations from Germany by bridging the gap between research and practical implementation. This is done by providing financial and consulting support to projects as well as by linking them with the right networks from science, business and politics. If promising innovative ideas have been identified, projects will get the chance to implement their ideas within limited project companies with a maximum duration of five years. One important instrument to qualify for funding is constituted by the innovation competitions.

Innovative SMEs (in German)

Mandated by BMBF

The funding initiative KMU Innovativ (Innovative SMEs) supports SMEs in conducting research by simplifying and shortening the application and approval process of funding for SMEs. It thereby provides financial support for the creation and development of innovative technologies. Among the domains covered are medical technologies, production, ICT and autonomous electric driving.

Regulatory Sandboxes

Mandated by BMWK

The Reallabore (Regulatory Sandboxes) by the BMWK are facilities for testing innovation and regulation which enable digital innovations to be tested under real-life conditions and experience to be gathered. In May 2020, the BMWK selected nine projects out of 125  applications that best show how the use of digital technologies can create value locally. Such real-world testing environments are operated for a limited period of time and across a set area. The purpose of regulatory sandboxes is to learn about the opportunities and risks that a particular innovation carries and to develop the right regulatory environment to accommodate it.

Smart Energy Showcases – Digital Agenda for the Energy Transition

Mandated by BMWK

Smart Energy Showcase – Digital Agenda for the Energy Transition (SINTEG) is a funding program that includes five large-scale model regions, so-called “Schaufenster” (showcases), in which best practice solutions for future energy supplies are developed and tested. The focus is on the digitization of the energy sector, especially intelligent networks of power generation and consumption, as well as the use of innovative network technologies and operating concepts. Issues discussed include the legal framework, digital business models, standardization, IT security, jobs in the energy sector and smart European energy regions.

Innovation Spaces (in German)

Mandated by BMAS

With the project Lern- und Experimentierräume (Learn and Innovation Spaces) the Federal Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs (BMAS) wants to encourage and support companies in setting up in-house Innovation Spaces in order to test the potential of new ideas regarding the future of the working world. To facilitate networking and exchange between companies, the Ministry has created an online platform, where companies are able to present their Innovation Spaces and can learn about each other’s projects. The Ministry supports the creation of Innovation Spaces with funding and advisory services.

Funding Program Digital Testbeds

Mandated by BMVI

The initiative Digitale Testfelder (Digital Testbeds) provides the research community and industry with an opportunity to test their mobility technologies in real world environments and to gain experience in driving in various degrees of complexity and environments. Digital testbeds are “laboratories with real-life conditions” on motorways in rural or urban areas, allowing the public to interact with the latest technological developments in real-life conditions.

Founding Competition – Digital Innovations (in German)

Mandated by BMWK

The Gründungswettbewerb – Digitale Innovationen (Founding Competition – Digital Innovations) is a contest of innovative ideas. Projects should focus or be based on modern information and communication technologies. The Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action (BMWK) offers up to €32.000 for each idea, as well as additional coaching, workshops and networking opportunities with experts from the industry. The competition takes place twice a year and each time, up to 22 winning teams are awarded.

Smart Data Innovation Lab

Mandated by BMBF

The Smart Data Innovation Lab provides a powerful in-memory computing infrastructure offered free-of-charge to research projects and gives the researchers a unique access to a large variety of big data and in-memory technologies. It enables research projects to carry out their big data analyses using state-of-the-art technology by providing special hardware and software. Research projects wanting to apply should focus on the strategic areas of industry 4.0, energy, smart cities and personalized medicine.

Standardization Roadmap AI (in German)

Mandated by BMWK

The Normungsroadmap KI (Standardization Roadmap AI), a joint project of BMWK, DIN and DKE, aims at developing a roadmap for norms and standards in the field of artificial intelligence together with experts from business and society. The goal is the early development of a framework for standardization that supports the international competitiveness of German industry and raises European values to the international level.