Mobility of the future: Strengthen Germany as a centre of innovation for autonomous driving

Call for funding based on the "Development of digital technologies" funding programme

Submission deadline until 15.01.2026, 12:00 noon (deadline)

Content framework

Autonomous on-demand shuttles can be used to better connect rural and suburban areas to public transport, alleviate the shortage of drivers and create new mobility services. However, there has been a lack of scalable business models and a standardised technical basis to date. This is where the new call for funding based on the "Development of digital technologies" programme comes in: Funding will be provided for a demonstration project that develops and tests a manufacturer-independent communication and control level - as the key to the widespread introduction of autonomous shuttles in public transport.

Application

The deadline for submissions is 15 January 2026, 12:00 noon. Sketches must be submitted via PT-Outline. Further information on the application can be found in the call for proposals and the funding programme.

Deadlines

  • 15.01.2026 - Deadline for submission of outlines; the submission deadline (12:00 noon) is a cut-off deadline!
  • 01.08.2026 - planned start of the project

Contact person

For content-related and technical questions

Dr. Frank Otten, Ralf Rohrbach

T +49 228 3821-1102
homepage: DLR Projektträger

Contact person

For administrative questions

André Röttgen

T +49 228 3821-1102
homepage: DLR Projektträger