As of: 19 June 2026 · Reading time: 4 min
Key takeaways
- Discover the most important funding programmes for digitalization and learn how to receive grants for new software and IT projects in 2026.
Discover the most important funding programmes for digitalization and learn how to receive grants for new software and IT projects in 2026.
“Digitalization is not an IT project—it is a business strategy.”
– Björn Groenewold, Managing Director, Groenewold IT Solutions
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Digitalization funding: How to use grants for new software in 2026
** Digitization is no longer a trend. However, a need for the market strength of small and midsize companies (SMEs).
But investment in new software, digital processes and IT security can be a financial challenge.
Fortunately, Bund and Länder have recognized the importance of digital transformation and support companies with a variety of funding programs.
These grants can significantly reduce the financial burden and pave the way for important innovation projects. **
In this guide, we will show you how to benefit from these funds.
This programs are especially relevant for the acquisition of software and how to successfully master the application process.
Learn how to set the course for a digital future in 2026 and support yourself in the state.
Why is there funding for digitization?
Discover the most important funding programmes for digitalization and learn how to receive grants for new software and IT projects in 2026.
When planning Support for digitalization: How to use grants for new software in 2026 from idea to delivery, Software Maintenance, Cost Calculator: Software Maintenance, Software Financing sowie Software Leasing offer practical next steps on our site.
The German economy is strongly influenced by the middle class.
In order to ensure its new strength and market strength in international comparison, the Federal Government has launched different initiatives.
The aim of these funding programmes is to encourage SMEs to invest in digital technologies and thus improve their processes, develop new business models and improve their IT security.
Grants are to reduce investment barriers and create incentives for faster rollout of digital projects.
The most important funding programmes for software and digitalization 2026
Funding programme Funding institution Type of Support What is being promoted?
Digital Now BMWK Grant Investment in Soft/Hardware, Employee Qualification ERP Digitalization and Innovation CreditKfW Interest Benefit Credit Digitization and Innovation Project Go-digital BMWK Consulting Support Services in IT Security,
On the numbers: Survey and market figures without an inline footnote follow common public reports (e.g. Bitkom) and official statistics (Destatis). Practical examples: Groenewold IT internal data, 2026.
References and further reading
The following separate references complement the topics in this article:
- Bitkom – German digital industry association.
- German Federal Office for Information Security (BSI).
- European Commission – Digital strategy.
- MDN Web Docs (Mozilla)
- W3C – World Wide Web Consortium.
"Cloud-native only pays off when operations, security, and cost model match the architecture—otherwise you ship complexity faster."
— Björn Groenewold, Managing Director, Groenewold IT Solutions
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is this article about: “Support for digitalization: How to use grants for new software in 2026”?
Here we cover Support for digitalization. How to use grants for new software in 2026 — focused on architecture, process. And business outcomes. In short.
Discover the most important funding programmes for digitalization and learn how to receive grants for new software and IT projects in 2026.
Who benefits most from the content described here?
Typical readers are business and IT leaders in Contributions who want to secure quality, security, and ease of upkeep over the long term.
How does this topic fit into an IT or digital strategy?
In a digital strategy, prioritize stable core processes first, then extensions. See also professional software development and consulting.
For multi-system landscapes, IT consulting and architecture helps align vendors and internal teams.
What are sensible next steps if we need support?
If you need support with design, delivery, or modernization: schedule an appointment or outline your project via contact.
About the author

Managing Director of Groenewold IT Solutions GmbH and Hyperspace GmbH
Since 2009 Björn Groenewold has been developing software solutions for the mid-market. He is Managing Director of Groenewold IT Solutions GmbH (founded 2010) and Hyperspace GmbH. As founder of Groenewold IT Solutions he has successfully supported more than 250 projects – from legacy modernisation to AI integration.
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Practical next steps after Support for digitalization: How to use grants for new software in 2026
Support for digitalization: How to use grants for new software in 2026 addresses a practical choice for product and IT teams. Start with one clear goal: match the funding route to a realistic scope, budget, and delivery plan.
Check the current process, the data involved, and the result users need. Then record the main risks and define a small first step. This keeps the decision easy to review and gives your team a shared basis.
For implementation support, our software funding advice connects the article's guidance with architecture, delivery, and stable operations. Engineering and project ownership stay with our team in Leer, Germany.
This post belongs to Contributions. Browse the related Contributions articles or use the English software blog for other topics.
When budget is the next question, the software cost calculators provide planning ranges. The IT glossary explains key terms, while in-depth technology guides cover wider decisions.
If the topic affects a live project, book a technical consultation or send the context through our project contact form. We usually reply within one working day.
