AI funding 2026: Up to 60% subsidy for South Tyrolean SMEs
This article was translated from German with the assistance of AI.
- Two tracks: 60 percent digitalisation funding (2,000 to 15,000 euros) and innovation consulting up to 80,000 euros.
- Digitalisation applications must be submitted by 30 September and before implementation via certified email (PEC). Innovation consulting applications are submitted through myCIVIS without a fixed deadline.
- Calculation example: For an approved 10,000-euro project, the company's own contribution is 4,000 euros.
Companies investing in AI in South Tyrol do not necessarily have to bear the full cost alone. The Autonomous Province of Bolzano supports both the digitalisation of micro-enterprises and innovation consulting for SMEs. Depending on the programme, the Province covers up to 60 percent of eligible expenses. This article outlines both funding routes, a calculation example and common application errors.
Funding 1: Digitalization of micro-enterprises (2025 to 2028)
This track is aimed at sole proprietorships as well as partnerships and corporations based in South Tyrol. The introduction of digital technologies is supported, i.e. exactly what AI projects also fall under: consulting, knowledge transfer and software licenses.
- Amount of funding: 60 percent of recognized expenses (de minimis rule)
- Project volume: at least 2,000 and maximum 15,000 euros per application
- Deadline: 30 September each year, with no more than one application per year
- Apply before implementation via certified email (PEC) to the responsible office, service code 3362
This is the right option for most small businesses: AI training for the team, the introduction of an AI agent or the automation of offer creation are typically exactly within this project framework.
Funding 2: Innovation consulting for SMEs
The second track comes from the Office for Innovation and Technology and is aimed at SMEs with production units in South Tyrol. Innovation consulting services are supported, including advice on technology transfer, analyzes of innovation potential and the further development of processes and business models. An AI potential analysis falls exactly into this category.
- Project volume: up to 80,000 euros per service
- Upper limit: up to 220,000 euros per company over three years
- Deadlines: none. Applications are possible at any time
- Application via myCIVIS, service code 1502
What does that mean specifically? A calculation example
Suppose you develop an AI agent for email processing and train your team to use it. The project costs 10,000 euros. If recognized, the state will cover 60 percent of the digitalization funding, i.e. 6,000 euros. Your own contribution is 4,000 euros. The office decides on a case-by-case basis whether and to what extent a specific project is recognized. But the magnitude shows that the funding fundamentally changes the calculation.
The most common mistakes when submitting an application
First order, then apply. By far the most expensive mistake: Expenses incurred before the application is usually not eligible. Submit the application before you sign.
Overlook de minimis limit. Digitalization funding is based on the de minimis rule. Anyone who has already received other de minimis aid in the last three years should check the available framework in advance.
Unclear project description. The office must be able to understand what is to be funded. A clear offer with clearly stated services speeds up processing significantly.
How we support you
We create an offer for each project that is directly suitable for the funding application: clearly named services, clearly separated positions, comprehensible project framework. We will clarify whether your project is eligible for funding and which option is suitable free initial consultation.
Updated 21 August 2026. Information is provided without guarantee. The official myCIVIS pages for micro-enterprise digitalisation and innovation consulting are authoritative.
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