Funding for robotics in Germany & Saxony – honestly explained
Which programs really fund robot investments – and which don't. Neutrally checked, not promised in blanket terms.
Funding programs with robotics relevance at a glance
| Program | Who | What is funded | Rate | Cap | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GRW / RIGA (Saxony, SAB) | SMEs in funding regions | Investments in machines & plants | region-dependent | project-dependent | Apply before ordering; 5-year binding; approval ≤ 36 months |
| Research allowance (federal) | All companies with R&D | R&D share (e.g. integration/pilot of novel robotics) | 25%, SME 35% | up to €4.2m | Rights-based, combinable with other programs |
| KMU-innovativ / AI robotics booster (BMFTR) | SMEs | R&D projects in AI & robotics | project-dependent | project-dependent | Open-topic federal R&D funding |
| Bavaria – Digitalbonus Plus | SMEs in Bavaria | Digitalization with innovation content | up to 50% | up to €50,000 | Bavaria only; check robot eligibility case by case |
| Saxony-Anhalt "INVESTIERT" | SMEs in Saxony-Anhalt | Investments in plant & intangible assets | 35% | up to €300,000 | Saxony-Anhalt only |
GRW / RIGA (Saxony, SAB)
- Who
- SMEs in funding regions
- What is funded
- Investments in machines & plants
- Rate
- region-dependent
- Cap
- project-dependent
- Note
- Apply before ordering; 5-year binding; approval ≤ 36 months
Research allowance (federal)
- Who
- All companies with R&D
- What is funded
- R&D share (e.g. integration/pilot of novel robotics)
- Rate
- 25%, SME 35%
- Cap
- up to €4.2m
- Note
- Rights-based, combinable with other programs
KMU-innovativ / AI robotics booster (BMFTR)
- Who
- SMEs
- What is funded
- R&D projects in AI & robotics
- Rate
- project-dependent
- Cap
- project-dependent
- Note
- Open-topic federal R&D funding
Bavaria – Digitalbonus Plus
- Who
- SMEs in Bavaria
- What is funded
- Digitalization with innovation content
- Rate
- up to 50%
- Cap
- up to €50,000
- Note
- Bavaria only; check robot eligibility case by case
Saxony-Anhalt "INVESTIERT"
- Who
- SMEs in Saxony-Anhalt
- What is funded
- Investments in plant & intangible assets
- Rate
- 35%
- Cap
- up to €300,000
- Note
- Saxony-Anhalt only
As of 07/2026 – please verify before applying. Programs, rates and caps change constantly. This overview is guidance and does not replace legal or funding advice.
How a funding application works
The most important rule comes first – and is the most often overlooked.
- 1
Clarify eligibility & program
First we check neutrally whether and via which program your project is eligible. That spares you hopeless applications.
- 2
Apply – before placing the order
"Apply first, then order." Anyone who has already ordered the robot forfeits the claim under almost all grants. That's why this step deliberately comes before the purchase.
- 3
Wait for approval
Only after the grant decision do you start the investment. With GRW, approval can take several months.
- 4
Investment & proof of use
After implementation you prove the intended use. We help ensure the evidence is clean and submitted on time.
- 5
Meet the binding period
Funded assets usually have to remain at the site for several years (e.g. 5 years for GRW). You should plan this in from the start.
"Digital bonus for robots" sounds good – but is often wrong. Important to know: Saxony's ERDF digitalization guideline explicitly excludes production and automation systems as well as industrial robots. Anyone promising blanket funding here is misleading you. The real value lies in correct program mapping: we show neutrally which programs fit a specific robotics project – and guide the application the right way round.
What we do for you
Neutral program mapping
We independently check which federal and state programs fit your project – instead of selling a program that doesn't apply.
Avoid wrong applications
We recognize early whether a project is eligible – and protect you from applications that get rejected or even forfeit the funding.
Combine programs
Investment and R&D funding can often be sensibly combined. We show what fits together and what is mutually exclusive.
Support through to proof of use
From the initial assessment through the application logic to proof of use – we think the path through to the end.
Typical funding constellations
Three examples of how robotics projects can be sensibly funded.
Investment in a robot cell
For purchasing plants, GRW/RIGA is more relevant in Saxony than the digital bonus – the application before ordering is key.
Integration with R&D share
Where you develop something new (e.g. piloting novel robotics), the research allowance applies at 25% or 35% for SMEs.
R&D project AI & robotics
For genuine research and development projects, the federal government offers open-topic funding via KMU-innovativ / AI robotics booster.
Frequently asked questions about funding
Can I use Saxony's digital bonus for robots?
Usually no. Saxony's ERDF digitalization guideline explicitly excludes production and automation systems as well as industrial robots. For robot investments, other programs (e.g. GRW/RIGA) are the right route.
Which funding fits a robot purchase?
For investing in plants, GRW/RIGA via the SAB is often relevant in Saxony; with a development share, the research allowance too. Which combination fits depends on the project – exactly what we assess neutrally.
What does "apply first, then order" mean?
You must submit and get the funding application approved before ordering the robot. Ordering beforehand forfeits the claim under almost all grants – the most common mistake.
Does the research allowance fund robots?
The research allowance funds the research and development share, not the pure purchase. If you develop or pilot novel robotics, 25% (SME 35%) of eligible costs are possible, up to €4.2m.
How long is the binding period?
For investment grants like GRW, funded assets usually have to remain at the site for five years. Details differ by program – we plan the binding in from the start.
We check your funding eligibility
Before you invest: have it checked neutrally which program fits your robotics project – and apply the right way round.