Mainz Ministry promotes AI integration in medium-sized companies with EUR 1.56 million!

Mainz Ministry promotes AI integration in medium-sized companies with EUR 1.56 million!

The Mainz Ministry of Economic Affairs has launched a new project to promote the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into small and medium -sized companies (SMEs). Under the title "Ki4KMU-RLP-research and transfer of sustainable AI innovations for producing SMEs in Rhineland-Palatinate", the innovative strength in medium-sized companies is to be strengthened with a funding of around 1.56 million euros. The focus is on the identification of suitable AI applications and their practical integration into the processes of companies.

The project is carried out by the Rhineland-Palatinate University of Kaiserslautern-Landau (RPTU), together with well-known partners such as the Fraunhofer Iese, Fraunhofer ITWM and the German Research Center for Artificial Intelligence (DFKI). The aim of the project is to reduce innovation obstacles and to use the potential of AI in operational practice. The term of the project extends by the end of 2026, with the total cost of 1.61 million euros to 97 percent being borne by the state of Rhineland-Palatinate.

project structure and process

The project is divided into several phases. In the first phase, producing medium-sized companies from Rhineland-Palatinate can apply for a AI potential analysis. This is followed by the selection of the best concepts for the prototypical implementation, which is strengthened by scientific support. This enables the participating companies to develop tailor-made AI solutions and to react flexibly to innovation requirements.

Information about further funding opportunities for SME offers the program "SME innovative", which was launched by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF). It aims to facilitate the application and approval of funding. The Central Pilot Service of the BMBF is ready to support companies if you have any questions and binding processing times offer planning security.

strong numbers and successes

The "SME-Innovative" program has recorded a remarkable success since 2007. By June 2024, more than 15,700 ideas for risky research were submitted and around 2,700 research projects were funded. Over 2 billion euros have already been invested in risky projects, with more than 4,500 SMEs participating in funded measures. This focus on technology fields that are important for the future of Germany shows that SMEs play a crucial role in the innovation landscape.

In addition, the program offers advantages such as a simplified equity proof that benefits companies with their own shares under 100,000 euros. Innovative companies are therefore easier to take part in the funding - newly founded companies can also apply.

The integration of AI technologies into medium-sized companies could not only increase competitiveness, but also strengthen the innovative strength of the German economy as a whole. For companies that are willing to invest in the future, there are promising perspectives through programs such as "Ki4KMU-RLP" and "SME-Innovative".