German ministry is inviting applications for projects that help businesses and employees implement AI, with funding available for both practical support initiatives and research activities.

Bundesministerium fur Arbeit und Soziales (BMAS – German Federal Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs) has launched the funding call ‘Productive and Employment-Focused Use of AI in Business and the Workplace’ (PROKIWA) under its Digital Working Society Think Tank programme. The scheme aims to support companies, particularly SMEs, and their employees in introducing and using artificial intelligence (AI) applications, helping to strengthen Germany’s skilled workforce while enhancing business innovation and competitiveness.

Funding is available across two areas of action. The first, ‘AI and Work Competence and Practice Centres in the Workplace’, focuses on developing support services and infrastructure that help organisations with AI projects and investment decisions. Projects should combine operational elements, such as testing AI technologies and adapting work processes, with measures to develop employees’ AI-related skills. Supported initiatives are expected to deliver innovative solutions that can be scaled nationally and applied across sectors. Eligible activities include establishing a nationwide AI centre of excellence and practical application, workplace-based testing of AI, and AI-related support for employees.

The second area, ‘AI, Productivity and Decent Work in the Workplace’, funds academic research examining the links between AI, productivity and employment. Projects should explore how AI can unlock productivity gains, support labour demand and contribute to distributive justice.

The scheme is open to research and knowledge dissemination organisations, as well as research infrastructures based in Germany. Both individual and collaborative projects are eligible. Funding is provided as a non-repayable grant covering up to 90% of eligible project costs, with applicants generally expected to contribute the remaining 10%. Projects in the first area can run for up to 48 months, while research projects in the second area may last up to 36 months.

BMAS has appointed DRV Knappschaft-Bahn-See as project management agency, who will run a digital information session on 17 September 2026 to address questions around the application process.