The “AI-Transfer Plus” program, run by the Bavarian State Ministry for Digital Affairs, supports companies in Bavaria in applying artificial intelligence in a targeted manner in real-world settings. Whether it’s intelligent production planning, AI-supported quality control, or predictive maintenance, AI-Transfer Plus—in collaboration with eight regional AI centers—guides companies through the process of developing and implementing tailored AI applications over the course of nine months, from concept to implementation. The program is coordinated by Bayern Innovativ, where business, academia, and government work together to put AI into practice.
AI Implementation in SMEs as a Holistic Approach
The program aims to help small and medium-sized enterprises develop an AI strategy and the necessary expertise within nine months and implement their own use case:
Targeted Knowledge Building
To create long-term value, the company’s employees—supported by the AI regional centers at universities throughout Bavaria—are building practical AI expertise and learning to independently operate, further develop, and adapt their AI applications to new use cases.
A structured support program consisting of workshops, digital learning modules, and discussion forums imparts practical AI expertise. At the start of the program, the diverse range of content and methodological offerings is specifically tailored to the available resources and the individual prior knowledge of the participating companies.
Guided AI Strategy Development
The development of a company-specific AI strategy is actively supported through method workshops, individualized strategy work, and collaboration with other Bavarian companies. At the same time, sustainable structures are put in place to embed AI within the company for the long term and to ensure its continuous development.
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OTH Regensburg/Simone Grebler,
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Customized project support from eight AI regional centers across Bavaria
Throughout the program, experts from the AI Regional Centers support companies through various engagement formats. Companies can schedule one-on-one meetings with their designated AI Regional Center. This fosters a practical, ongoing collaboration that specifically addresses the unique challenges and goals of each company.
In addition, the AI Regional Centers offer a comprehensive workshop program. This program provides both foundational AI knowledge and in-depth content on strategic topics such as change and innovation management. Companies can flexibly participate in workshops at any of the AI regional centers, thereby expanding their knowledge, learning about best practices, and gaining new insights for their AI projects.
Apply now through January 31, 2027, and secure your chance to participate in the new program cycle starting in April 2027.
Capacity is limited for each program cycle: Each regional AI center supports three companies at a time on their journey toward AI implementation.
Apply early to secure your spot in the 2027 program cycle.
1. Check to see if you meet the eligibility requirements.
- Medium-sized company (as defined in German usage, not according to the EU definition)
- High level of motivation to implement AI within the company and corresponding commitment from management
- Binding commitment to provide sufficient personnel resources with both technical and strategic expertise during the program period (involvement of different individuals is possible)
- Provision of financial resources: The cost of participating in the program is €29,000 net.
- Appointment of a project manager to serve as the primary point of contact throughout the program
- Participants: Proficiency in English
2. Fill out and submit the application form.
Take the first step toward your AI future and apply now for the new 2027 program cycle. Simply fill out our application form.
Fill out the form now
Would you like to learn more about the project before applying?
You can find additional information about previous program cycles and partners on the project page for recent years .
Numerous companies have already successfully participated in the program
Experience of W. MARKGRAF GmbH & Co KG with KI-Transfer Plus
Together with KI-Transfer Plus, W. MARKGRAF GmbH & Co. KG provided new impetus for the digitalization of tender processing. The aim of the project was to make the time-consuming review and evaluation of extensive tender documents more efficient with the help of artificial intelligence and to relieve employees in their day-to-day work.
As part of the collaboration, an intelligent system was developed that automatically analyzes incoming documents, identifies relevant content and prepares it in a structured manner. This significantly shortens processing times. The quality of quotation preparation has been improved. At the same time, the solution reduces recurring routine activities and frees up time for technical evaluations and strategic decisions.
The project demonstrates how practical AI can already be used to modernize processes in the construction industry. The results achieved show that digital tools not only bring efficiency, but are also a basis for a long-term data-oriented way of working.
Experiences of the Augsburg & Swabia Vocational Training Center
As part of AI Transfer Plus, two AI use cases were implemented to support adult learners and improve internal collaboration. An AI tutor for vocational training accompanies adult learners as a 24/7 learning assistant in understanding, practising and consolidating learning content. The tutor boosts motivation, self-learning skills and learning success, while at the same time relieving teachers of recurring queries. Key findings were the importance of didactic fit, high data quality and data protection-compliant integration into existing learning systems.
In addition, a Q&A chatbot was developed for employees on the intranet, which answers frequent internal questions quickly and automatically. This improves internal communication, saves time and relieves the burden on support areas such as HR and IT. The use case showed that a clear focus on relevant questions, clean sources of information and ease of use are crucial for acceptance and benefits. Both applications promote AI acceptance within the company and create a solid foundation for further AI solutions in everyday work and learning.
Experience of Leipfinger-Bader GmbH
As part of AI Transfer Plus, Leipfinger-Bader GmbH has developed an AI use case for the holistic digitalization and automation of ordering processes in roller shutter and external venetian blind box production.
Different, partly handwritten order formats are automatically read, checked and transferred to a standardized production list with the help of AI. Integrated plausibility checks reduce errors at an early stage and improve the quality of production planning.
The connection to the existing ERP system enables end-to-end automation along the value chain and reduces the workload of employees in the long term. At the same time, the company gained important insights into data quality, data structure and AI potential, which serve as the basis for further AI applications. The AI prototype developed marks Leipfinger-Bader GmbH's entry into the world of artificial intelligence. Further projects in production, energy management and other areas are already being planned.
AI Transfer Plus: The project for everyone who doesn’t want to put off AI!
Get involved now: Identify and efficiently leverage AI potential within your company.
Interested in the program?
The Innovation Management team will be happy to advise you and answer any questions you may have about this successful project.
Feel free to send a message to bewerbung-ki-transfer-plus(at)bayern-innovativ.de
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