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 and State 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.

What is the aim of Tech-to-Product?

Tech-to-Product is intended to bridge the gap between successful research and economic application. This critical phase is often referred to as the “Valley of Death”: a technology has already demonstrated its basic functionality but is not yet mature enough for widespread deployment or successful commercialisation.

Based on the information currently available, the programme is expected to support research, development and innovation projects that aim to:

• further validate technological feasibility,
• demonstrate economic viability,
• showcase a clear practical benefit, and
• enable new products, services or business models.

The focus is currently expected to be on key digital technologies, particularly artificial intelligence (AI). Which additional technology areas and types of projects will ultimately be covered by the funding guideline will only become clear once it is officially published.

Tech-to-Product: Funding for TRL 4 to 8

A key feature of the planned funding programme is its focus on advanced technology readiness levels. The programme is expected to support innovations at Technology Readiness Levels (TRL) 4 to 8. The internationally established TRL scale describes the maturity of a technology on a scale from 1 to 9 – ranging from basic research through to market-ready applications.

The programme therefore focuses on technologies for which technical feasibility has already been demonstrated and which are now to be further developed towards demonstration under realistic conditions and preparation for market entry.

Tech-to-Product could therefore support precisely those development steps that often remain after a successful research project: pilot applications, technical optimisation, validation in real-world settings, integration into existing systems and preparation for scaling.

Would you like to assess the maturity level of your project in more detail? The EurA article “Technology Readiness Levels explained” provides a comprehensive overview.

Who could benefit from Tech-to-Product?

The BMDS specifically identifies start-ups and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) as the main target group. A project could generally be suitable for the programme if robust technological results have already been achieved and a clearly defined development step towards practical application is now required.

The following questions provide an initial orientation:

• Is there already a validated prototype, demonstrator or proof of concept?
• Which technical challenges still need to be addressed before market readiness can be achieved?
• In which realistic application environment will the innovation be tested?
• What specific benefits does the solution offer to potential users?
• How will the technology be transformed into a viable product, service or business model?

A strong funding project should not only describe the technology itself but also demonstrate a clear and convincing pathway towards application.

Which details of the Tech-to-Product funding programme are still open?

The funding guideline is still under development. In March 2026, the BMDS conducted a stakeholder consultation and evaluated more than 1,000 responses. The findings are expected to contribute to the final design of the programme.

The following aspects have not yet been officially confirmed:

• the funding rate and maximum funding amount,
• eligible costs,
• potential project durations,
• requirements for individual and collaborative projects,
• the application and selection procedure, and
• the specific deadlines for the first call for proposals.

Information from the consultation, such as suggestions regarding preferred funding amounts or simplified procedures, only reflects the views of the respondents. It does not constitute a pre-commitment or indicate the final content of the future funding guideline.

Prepare your project now

Even before the final funding guideline is published, companies can already establish important foundations for a successful application. Key steps include assessing the current maturity level of the technology, defining the targeted development stage and clearly outlining the next steps towards market readiness. This includes, in particular, the remaining technical challenges, the planned testing and validation activities, as well as the specific benefits of the innovation.

A concise project outline covering the following elements can provide valuable support:

1. Current status: Which results and intellectual property rights are already available?
2. Development objective: Which specific maturity level is to be achieved?
3. Work plan: Which development steps, tests and milestones are required?
4. Market perspective: Who needs the solution and how will it be used commercially?
5. Resources: Which costs, expertise and project partners are likely to be required?

This preparation will enable companies to compare their project with the official funding requirements more quickly once the call for proposals has been published.

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 Tech-to-Product funding guideline

When will the funding programme start?

The publication of the funding guideline and the first call for proposals is currently planned for the second half of 2026. A binding date has not yet been announced.

Which companies will receive funding?

Based on the information currently available, the programme is primarily aimed at start-ups and SMEs seeking to transform digital technologies into market-ready products, services or business models.

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

It is currently unclear whether the funding programme will be fully technology-neutral. Based on the information published so far, the focus is on artificial intelligence and key digital technologies. The final thematic priorities and funding conditions will be defined in the funding guideline.

Text: Christina Markus

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