The Federal Ministry for Research, Technology, and Space Travel promotes Research alliances/consortia to New and further development of fundamental AI methods - with a focus on hybrid approaches (e.g., neuro-symbolism, causality, formal methods, simulations, graph models, robust benchmarks) as well as Efficiency of training/inference. New methodological approaches are sought that make AI systems more powerful, robust, and efficient, and sustainably strengthen fundamental AI research. Proof of concept on smaller models is preferred.
Who can participate?
Universities, non-university research institutions, other research institutions, and companies (including SMEs) - as a consortium with industry contributions. Place of business/branch or institution in Germany required (at the time of payout). Results may only be in DE/EWR/CH used.
Funding amount & Duration
Up to 2 million € for project (plus project flat rate)
as a rule 3 years
Optional: 2. Funding phase (up to 2 years) possible after milestone evaluation
Deadlines & Procedures (two-stage)
Project sketch (Template is available for Download submit by: April 30, 2026 (electronic)
Formal request only after positive sketch evaluation (request by project sponsor)
Submission via easy-Online (electronically recommended; TAN procedure or qualified eSignature possible).
Necessary documents
Stage 1: Project outline (max. 15 pages, DE/EN) – Contents
Cover page (Contact information, Total funds, Funding requirement, Duration)
Motivation/Objectives, State of the Art & Own Preliminary Work, Core of Innovation
Partner/Team & Integration Logic, Work & Schedule, Milestones
Computing requirements & availability/application of computing resources, data requirements & data availability
Financing plan (Personnel/Material/Travel/Subcontracts etc.)
Utilization concept including Open Source/Open Data & Reproducibility, Sustainability/Impact
Science communication & participation formats
Literature/Illustrations + if applicable supporting letter (outside page limit)
Stage 2: Formal Support Application – additionally required
Detailed financial plan
Detailed utilization plan
Justification of the necessity of the grant
Detailed work/resource plan (start/end) including milestones
(At alliances) Cooperation agreement/fundamental agreement according to the guidelines of the BMFTR
Contact & Info
Project sponsor: VDI/VDE Innovation + Technik GmbH (Berlin)
Contact person: Dr. Nicole Wittenbrink – KI-ML-Methoden@vdivde-it.de
Further information/forms: Form cabinet of the federation
A digital information event on Thursday, March 12 at 10 o'clock the funding announcement provides an opportunity for questions and details about the procedure.
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