Subsidies

Apply for funding now!

Subsidies for telematics - consulting, hardware, software, licences and training

 

What is subsidised?

In Austria and Germany, companies benefit from targeted support programs that effectively promote the introduction of telematics systems.

Particularly noteworthy is the Federal Office for Logistics and Mobility (BALM) in Germany, which generously supports modernization measures in the transport sector. Austrian companies also benefit from similar initiatives: The Austrian Federal Economic Chamber, the federal states, and the AWS offer grants for SME digitization projects, including targeted investments in innovative telematics solutions.

Take advantage of these subsidies to optimize your processes and drive digitization in your company!

Subsidies for digitalisation in Austria

In Austria, companies have access to funding opportunities for digitization projects. The central federal program is KMU.DIGITAL 4.0 (including KMU.DIGITAL & GREEN), which offers subsidized status/potential analyses and strategy consulting, as well as grants for the implementation of digitization measures based on these analyses.

We try to keep you up to date as best we can, but we also recommend taking a look at the respective state portal, as programs and budgets may vary from state to state.


Find funding now

Subsidies for digitalisation in Germany

In Germany, SMEs can take advantage of grants or low-interest loans for digitization projects (e.g., software, IT security, process digitization), often supplemented by consulting services, depending on the project.

There are also various grants available from the federal states, e.g.:

  • Bavaria: Digitalbonus.Bayern (new edition, valid until December 31, 2027).
  • Baden-Württemberg: Digitalization Bonus Plus – the grant variant ran until June 30, 2025, after which the support will be bundled via digitalization financing (loans).
  • Brandenburg: Brandenburg Innovation Voucher (BIG – Digital) as a grant for digitalization projects (e.g., consulting, implementation, training).

 

Find subsidies now

▶️ FAQ subsidies DE

Subsidies for further training

The further training funding programme supports companies in the qualification of their employees through various non-statutory measures. Funded programmes include:

  • Preparatory courses
  • Telematics training
  • Training on legal regulations in road haulage and labour law
  • Driver safety training


These programmes help companies in Austria and Germany to expand their skills and effectively promote the use of telematics systems.

Promotion of further training for employees in Austria

Promotion of continuing vocational training for employees in Germany

 

Start your free funding check now

  • Identification of suitable funding programmes
  • Customised funding applications
  • Legally compliant submission
  • Performance-related remuneration
  • Expert team of leading scientists, engineers and financial experts
     

Book consultation

 

Successful funding advice

Work with us to apply for government funding for your digitalisation project, research and development. Our funding experts will support you in identifying and applying for this funding so that you can concentrate on your core business.

 

The following applies to all subsidies:

  • Applications must be submitted before the start of the project!

  • The combination of several programmes is possible, but subject to conditions.

 

FAQ: Telematik-Förderungen in Deutschland (2026)

1) What funding opportunities will be available for telematics/GPS tracking in 2026?

For companies in Germany, there are typically three options available in 2026:

  • BALM funding program “Environmental Protection and Safety” (formerly De Minimis): particularly relevant for road freight transport with heavy commercial vehicles > 3.5 t.
  • KfW/ERP Digitalization Subsidy Loan (loan): financing of digitalization investments (e.g., hardware/software) – depending on the project, also telematics.
  • State programs (digital bonus, digitalization premiums, etc.): depending on the state, budget, and subsidy logic. The subsidy database offers a good starting point.
2) Will the federal program “Digital Jetzt” still exist in 2026?

No. “Digital Jetzt – Investment Support for SMEs” is limited until December 31, 2023, and it is no longer possible to apply for application quotas.
Tip: For 2026, check BALM, KfW/ERP loans, and/or state programs instead.

3) Who is the BALM grant 2026 intended for?

For companies that carry out commercial road haulage in accordance with the German Road Haulage Act (GüKG) and are owners/keepers of heavy commercial vehicles (> 3.5 t GVW) registered in Germany.

4) When does the application process for the 2026 BALM funding period begin?

The application period for 2026 begins on April 14, 2026, at 9:00 a.m. (according to the BALM announcement).

5) Which telematics measures are typically eligible for funding under BALM?

In principle, measures that improve environmental protection and safety are eligible for funding; the specific items eligible for funding are listed in the catalog of measures/appendices to the guideline.
Telematics may be included if it is listed as a measure in the catalog (e.g., to increase efficiency/safety). Ultimately, the official catalog/guideline is always decisive.

6) Are hardware, software, and ongoing telematics costs eligible for funding under BALM?

Depending on their position in the catalog of measures, equipment/facilities (hardware) and “other measures” may be eligible for funding. The decisive factor is the classification in the catalog of measures. 
Important: Work may not begin before approval has been granted (the conclusion of the contract is often considered the start of the project).

 

How much is the subsidy (rate & cap)?

According to the Federal Ministry of Transport:

  • Subsidy up to a maximum of 80% of the expenditure for the measure.
  • Calculation based on a vehicle rate (currently €2,000 per vehicle).
  • Absolute upper limit: €33,000 per company/year.
7) How does the application process work at BALM?
  • Applications must be submitted electronically via the BALM portal.
  • Payment will generally be made upon presentation of proof of use.
  • Documents/application forms should be provided in good time before the start date.
8) What is the ERP digitalization subsidy loan—and is it suitable for telematics?

The ERP Digitalization Loan (KfW) finances digitalization projects—from new hardware and software to digital business models (depending on the design). 
Telematics may be included depending on the project logic (e.g., digital processes, data platform, networking, IT security).

Is this a grant or a loan?
The ERP program is a loan – i.e., repayment via your house bank. It is not a classic grant program like the BALM program.

9) How can I quickly find out whether my telematics project is eligible for funding?

A pragmatic checklist:

1. Am I involved in road haulage with >3.5 t? → Check BALM first.

2. Is it a digitization project (hardware/software/processes)? → Check KfW/ERP digitization.

3. Is there a suitable subsidy in your federal state? → Search the subsidy database (keywords: “digitization,” “telematics,” “vehicle fleet,” “IT security”).

4. Very important: For many programs, the rule is “apply before investing/signing a contract.”

10) Why are deadlines/timing so critical for telematics subsidies?

Because subsidy programs often stipulate that

  • projects may only commence after approval (otherwise there is a risk of rejection).
  • BALM has a fixed start date (April 14, 2026, 9:00 a.m.) – and experience shows that the budget can be quickly allocated.
 

FAQ – Telematics subsidies in Austria (2026)

What funding opportunities will be available in Austria in 2026 for telematics and digitalization?

The following options are particularly relevant for companies in 2026:

  • KMU.DIGITAL 4.0 (including KMU.DIGITAL & GREEN): subsidized consulting and, depending on the tender/budget, implementation support.
  • aws Digitalization: Overview of aws programs that support digitalization projects (subsidy/financing depending on the program).
  • Federal states: ongoing calls and programs depending on the federal state (different priorities, budgets, deadlines).
Is telematics (e.g., GPS tracking/fleet management) generally eligible for funding?

Telematics may be eligible for funding if it is clearly justified as a digitization measure (e.g., process digitization, data usage, IT/cybersecurity, efficiency improvements). The decisive factors are always the funding objective and the eligible costs of the respective program.

What is SME.DIGITAL 4.0 (and SME.DIGITAL & GREEN)?

KMU.DIGITAL is the central Austria-wide program for supporting SMEs in digitization projects. It comprises modules for consulting and implementation; in addition, there is the KMU.DIGITAL & GREEN track (digitization + sustainability).

How much are the subsidies for KMU.DIGITAL (consulting & implementation)?

For guidance (according to the company service portal/transparency portal):

  • Status and potential analysis: 80% subsidy, max. $400 per topic/tool
  • Strategy consulting: 50% subsidy, max. $1,000 per topic/tool
  • Implementation: 30% subsidy, max. $6,000 (depending on the funding period)
What is the quickest way to find out whether our project is eligible for funding?

A quick practical check:

1. Is the project suitable for KMU.DIGITAL consulting/implementation?

2. Is telematics clearly described as a digitalization/process or data topic?

3. Is there currently a suitable call for proposals in the federal state?

4. Do not commission before submitting your application (check the timing in advance).