Yes, your project might be eligible for funding.
Public funding programs in Germany support innovation, design, and digital transformation. That means parts of your project budget could be covered – often up to 70% of the total costs.
We’ll connect you to the right experts.
We’re not a funding intermediary — but we can connect you to one. We work with an experienced partner who takes care of the entire application process. They handle the paperwork, the submission, and all coordination with the funding agency. You only pay a percentage (normally 5-15%) of the granted funding amount: no fees upfront, no costs if the application is rejected. And you always have the option to apply yourself.
Start early. The process takes time.
Even though the funding service handles most of the work, the application itself takes time and some preparation on your side.
1. That’s why it’s best to start early – ideally four to six weeks before the planned project start.
2. Funding can only be approved if the project has not yet started at the time of application.
3. Put funds aside. You will have to pre-finance the project.
4. And finally: be aware, with many funding programs, it is customary to provide project offers from three comparable contractors.
Check if your project qualifies.
Funding programs in Germany are often restricted to specific regions, industries, or types of work.
Not everything that looks like “design” is eligible — for example, cosmetic redesigns or pure marketing projects usually aren’t covered. Projects may be eligible if they e.g. involve innovation, product or service development, or digital transformation.
Relevant programs typically include:
- Brand and communication strategy tied to innovation
- UX / UI or digital product design
- Websites and digital platforms for new services
- Service design and product concept development
Programs currently relevant for our clients.
Here is a selection of relevant programs as of July 2026:
- TransferBONUS Design up to 70% funding (max. €45,000, depending on the module) for innovation, digitalisation and collaboration projects.
- ZIM – Zentrales Innovationsprogramm Mittelstand – funds research, product development and innovation projects for SMEs.
- Pro FIT (Berlin) – supports technology, R&D and innovation projects through grants and loans.
- ERP-Digitalisierung und -Innovationkredit – low-interest loans for digital and innovation investments.
- Investionsbank Berlin (IBB) – various funding opportunities for startups and SMEs developing innovative products and services.
- European Regional Development Fund (ERDF / EFRE) – regional programmes supporting digitalisation, innovation and sustainable business development.
Spotlight: Transfer BONUS Design (Berlin)
This is one of the most relevant programs for our clients. It supports the transfer of design expertise into innovation projects. For example, when a company collaborates with a design studio to develop a new product, service, or user experience.
- Funding up to 70% of total design costs
- Project duration: up to 6 months
- Applicants: SMEs based in Berlin.
- Eligible design work: product design, service design, UX/UI, interaction design
- Not eligible: advertising campaigns, marketing materials or purely cosmetic redesigns without an innovation focus.
→ Find out more
