Powerful and energy-efficient AI processor systems (Kolibri)

The Federal Ministry of Research, Technology and Space informs about the guideline for the funding of research projects in the field of "Powerful and energy-efficient AI processor systems" and the associated information event on February 3, 2026. Project outlines can be submitted until March 23, 2026.

The "High-performance and energy-efficient AI processor systems (Kolibri)" funding guideline is the flagship measure of the German government's "High-Tech Agenda Germany". Current technology trends and challenges in processor research in Germany and Europe were discussed in the participation process for the Federal Government's "Microelectronics Strategy" - the "Kolibri" funding guideline takes up this input from the specialist community.

The aim of "Kolibri" is to develop high-performance, energy-efficient and trustworthy processor systems for AI applications in Germany. The focus is on edge applications in key German and European industries such as automotive, industrial automation, robotics, medical technology and defense in order to enable an effective transfer to application. In addition, as many parts of the respective ecosystems for the development and application of processor systems as possible are to be taken into account and strengthened. This includes hardware and software components as well as tools for developer and user support. In addition, technology and design expertise for more-moore and beyond-moore technologies is to be expanded.

In order to achieve these technological and strategic goals, outstanding projects can be designed for up to five years, divided into two phases. The excellence of all projects is ensured by an external assessment of the project outlines and the evaluation of interim results.

The deadline for submitting project outlines is Monday, 23.03.2026.

The project outlines must be submitted to the BMFTR using the electronic application system "easy-Online". You will be taken directly to the application form as soon as you confirm that you accept the terms of use by ticking the box: Link to the application for the "Kolibri" funding guideline.

Please use this outline template for your submission.

You will be asked for a legally binding signature during the final steps of the submission in the "easy-Online" application system. If you are unable to meet the technical requirements for an electronic signature (signature card with reader from a trust service provider listed in accordance with the eIDAS Regulation) described there, please select "Signature by hand". You have two options at this point:

1. You can print out the submitted sketch, sign it by hand and scan it or
2. You can sign the document digitally (e.g. in a PDF program).

Please send the signed document (whether manually or digitally) by e-mail to prozessoren(at)vdivde-it.de.

You can find the full text of the funding guideline here for the time being. Publication in the Federal Gazette and on the website of the Federal Ministry of Research, Technology and Space will follow shortly.

Funding guideline for high-performance and energy-efficient AI processor systems (PDF)

On 03.02.2026 from 10.00 to 12.00 (CET) a public information event on "Kolibri" will take place in online format. Representatives of the BMFTR and the responsible project management organization VDI/VDE Innovation + Technik GmbH will inform those interested in funding about the content and procedures of the funding initiative, give practical advice on submitting outlines and answer questions. Binding registration is requested.

Registration form

Interested applicants have the opportunity to present their organization/company in the form of a digital business card (e.g. in the form of presentation slides, short video, information sheet with contact information, etc.) in order to search for potential project partners. They can upload these files to a protected cloud and also view other "business cards". The cloud will remain open until the deadline. To receive the link to the cloud and the access data, please contact the responsible project management organization at prozessoren(at)vdivde-it.de and briefly explain your interest.

Do you have questions about the "Kolibri" funding measure? The BMFTR offers a weekly consultation hour, from February 4, 2016 until the deadline every Wednesday from 1 to 2 pm. You can find the video link to the consultation hours at the information event and at prozessoren(at)vdivde-it.de.

If you have any questions, please contact the responsible BMFTR project management organization:
Dr. Uwe Vogel and Dr. Susanne Hintschich
VDI/VDE Innovation + Technik GmbH
Phone: + 49 (0) 30 / 31 00 78-5491
E-mail: prozessoren(at)vdivde-it.de