Digital-Tech-to-Product: New Opportunities for Translating Innovative Technologies into Market Applications

A technology works in the laboratory, the first demonstrator delivers convincing results – yet crucial development steps are often still required before it can become a market-ready product. This is precisely where the planned Tech-to-Product funding guideline of the Federal Ministry for Digital Transformation and Government Modernisation(BMDS) aims to take effect. The programme is expected to primarily target start-ups and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) seeking to further develop digital technologies from proof of concept through to technological market maturity. The publication of the funding guideline and the first call for proposals is currently planned for the second half of 2026. The earliest possible start date for the project is 1 January 2027.

(Article updated in September 2026)

What does Digital-Tech-to-Product promote? 

Digital Tech-to-Product comes into play at a crucial stage of the innovation process: a technology has already demonstrated its functionality, but still needs to be further developed into a commercially viable product. The programme supports product-oriented innovation projects in the field of digital technologies right up to pre-commercial market readiness. Technical progress alone is not the decisive factor. Funded projects should address a specific market or societal need, involve their users and potential customers, and develop a robust business model. At the same time, the aim is to strengthen digital sovereignty – for example, by reducing critical dependencies on suppliers, ensuring open interfaces and interoperability, and gaining greater control over data and technological components.

The BMDS’s ‘Digital Tech-to-Product’ funding scheme is, in principle, open to all technologies and sectors. However, the first call for proposals sets out specific thematic priorities. 

Digital Tech-to-Product: Focus on TRL 6 to 8 

The first call for proposals is generally aimed at technologies that have already been successfully demonstrated in an operational environment – i.e. at approximately Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 6 – and are now to be further developed to TRL 8, the pre-commercial market-ready stage. Projects that have successfully completed a proof of concept at around TRL 4 or 5 may also be eligible for funding; however, they are given lower priority in the first call for proposals. A proven proof of concept or a successful demonstration of basic feasibility is a prerequisite.

Would you like to assess the maturity of your technology more accurately? In the EurA article ‘Simply explained: Technology Readiness Level’, you can find out how the TRL scale works.

The first ‘Digital- Tech-to-Product’ call for proposals supports these four themes

The first “Digital-Tech-to-Product” funding call focuses on four areas:

• Artificial intelligence and AI-based solutions, such as specialized AI applications, open models, or interoperable AI systems

   

• Data ecosystems, particularly marketable products and business models based on existing data spaces

   

• Cybersecurity and cryptography, such as post-quantum cryptography, hardware-based security, or AI-supported security solutions

• Cloud and edge computing, such as interoperable cloud solutions, European open-source cloud stacks, and confidential computing

Digital-Tech-to-Product: Grant Amount, Duration, and Deadline (First Call for Proposals)

For experimental development projects, the aid intensity is generally up to 25 percent of eligible costs per aid recipient. Under the conditions set forth in the AGVO, higher aid rates are possible, including through SME bonuses. For collaborative projects, the total aid rate may not exceed 80 percent of eligible costs or expenditures.

Who is eligible to apply for the Digital Tech-to-Product grant?

In addition to SMEs, participants may include, among others, larger companies, universities, research institutions, and certain public or nonprofit organizations. In a consortium, at least one SME must be the applicant; a maximum of three partners may receive funding. This makes the program particularly attractive to startups, provided they meet the SME criteria and already have a solid technological foundation.

What should a compelling project proposal include?

The first call for proposals clearly outlines what is particularly important in the selection process. Evaluations are based on four criteria:

1. Impact – 40 percent: Business model, market and scaling potential, proven market pull, and, for example, initial pilot customers

2. Digital sovereignty – 30 percent: Reduction of critical technical, economic, or legal dependencies

3. Innovation – 15 percent: Novelty and a concrete solution to a market need

4. Implementation Approach – 15 percent: Feasibility, product logic, and customer and user focus

A strong concept, therefore, not only shows what is technologically possible, but also why the market needs the solution and how it can be developed into a robust, scalable product.

The project outline may not exceed twelve DIN A4 pages and must be submitted via easy-Online using the required outline template. Since corrections or supplementary submissions are generally not permitted after the deadline, companies should review the formal and content-related requirements well in advance.

How to prepare for your project

In particular, consider the following questions:

• Has the proof of concept already been robustly demonstrated?

• What specific user or market problem does your product solve?

• Which pilot customers or other evidence confirm the need?

• Where are there critical dependencies in the technology stack – and how do you minimise them?

• How will the product, business model and scaling strategy evolve during the project?

Developing the right funding strategy together

EurA supports you in assessing the maturity level of your technology, identifying funding opportunities and developing a suitable strategy for the next stage of development. Once the funding guideline has been published, our experts will review the requirements in detail and assess how they align with your project.

EurA accompanies you throughout the entire funding process as a trusted partner – from project concept development and application preparation through to project implementation support and the management of funding claims. This provides reliable support while your team can focus on the technological implementation of your innovation.

Frequently asked questions about the new Digital-Tech-to-Product funding guideline

When is the deadline for submitting a project outline?

For the first call for proposals, project outlines must be submitted in full via easy-Online by 11 October 2026.

How much funding is available under the Digital-Tech-to-Product scheme?

In the first call for proposals, funding of up to 5 million euros per project is available. The specific funding rate depends, amongst other things, on the type of project, the size of the company, the legal basis and, in the case of consortia, the composition of the consortium.

Is the Digital-Tech-to-Product funding programme technology-neutral?

The funding guidelines are not, in principle, limited to specific digital technologies or sectors. However, the first call for proposals focuses on AI, data ecosystems, cyber security and cryptography, as well as cloud and edge computing.

What TRL is required?

In the first call for proposals, the focus is on projects at approximately TRL 6 to TRL 8. Projects at around TRL 4 or 5 that have successfully completed a proof of concept may also be considered at a later stage.

Text: Christina Markus

Images and text were created with AI support and editorially reviewed.