Estonia significantly supports the digital transformation of businesses

The Estonian government has significantly increased funding for the business digital transformation program to accelerate automation and the adoption of digital technologies and robotics.

The amendments to the digital transformation regulation, which came into effect on January 20, 2025, include the following:

• Increased funding: The maximum grant amount has risen from €300,000 to €400,000.
• Higher support percentages: The state support percentage for intangible assets has increased from 50% to 70%.
• Simplified application process: The DNSH (Do No Significant Harm) assessment requirement has been removed.
• Extended application period: The maximum eligible project period has been extended until May 31, 2026.

Who Can Apply?

Legal entities registered in the Estonian Commercial Register can apply if their average turnover in the previous two financial years, based on annual reports submitted to the register, is at least €200,000 in their main field of activity.

Applications will be accepted in two rounds:

• One for manufacturing and mining companies (€46.5 million budget).
• Another for companies in other sectors (€10 million budget).

Funding Opportunities

Support can be used for:

1. Acquiring material assets necessary for automation, including software systems or those integrated with machine learning or vision systems.
2. Developing and implementing intangible assets and digital technologies, including funding contractual research projects, purchasing or licensing knowledge from external sources at market conditions, and covering patent costs.
3. Developing and implementing digital technologies and robotics, as well as organizing necessary automation training for employees.
4. Purchasing, developing, and implementing digital technologies and robotics, along with advisory services required for automation.
5. Covering salaries of employees and contract-based workers involved in digital technology and robotics development, implementation, and automation.

Project Requirements

• The maximum project duration is 18 months.
• Applicants must demonstrate the necessary qualifications and resources for project implementation.
• Some sectors are not eligible for support, and applicants must meet specific financial and legal requirements (see program regulation for details).

Digitalization Roadmap

The program encourages companies to create a Digitalization Roadmap (DTK) – a strategic document that provides an overview of the company’s business model, supply chain, and production or service delivery process. The roadmap identifies opportunities for improvement through digitalization and outlines a three-year implementation plan.

Existing digital diagnostics reports can be updated to align with DTK requirements. The AI feasibility assessment service developed by AIRE also meets DTK requirements. For more information, visit:

https://aire-edih.eu/en/service/ai-suitability-assessment/

More Information

For detailed information, application guidelines, and informative materials (including recordings from the September 6, 2022, info session), visit:
https://eis.ee/toetused/digipoorde-toetus/