On July 22, 2026, another webinar in the “Funding in a Nutshell” series took place, this time on the topic of AI in the grant application process. Valerie Horn from BAIOSPHERE AGENCY / the Bavarian AI Agency guided participants through the presentation, which focused on how AI tools can be used to support the grant application process without taking on unnecessary risks—from the initial structure to linguistic revisions.
Horn highlighted three areas where AI can actually lighten the load in day-to-day grant application work: drafting texts more quickly, brainstorming and structuring, and understanding call texts more quickly. She also clearly identified risks where results may sound convincing at first glance but can be shaky in terms of content. To ensure safe use, Horn recommended a three-step approach: classify your own content (public, internal, or confidential) before issuing prompts; select a suitable tool—preferably one developed in-house—and clearly define the objective of the query. During use, it is important to review raw data before inserting it and to issue targeted prompts. After receiving the output, the next steps include fact-checking, internal documentation of tool usage, and—with an eye toward transparency requirements—verifying compliance with the applicable guidelines of the respective funding agency.
Valerie Horn’s conclusion: AI is a powerful aid for structure, wording, and brainstorming—but users must remain critical when it comes to facts, data protection, and originality. Ultimately, humans remain crucial: in-house expertise in grant funding is essential for AI to be used effectively in drafting and submitting applications—the responsibility for the application still lies with the applicant.
NOTE
The event was part of the Digital Innovation Ostbayern (DInO) project, one of three European Digital Innovation Hubs (EDIH) in Bavaria focused on digital transformation in SMEs and public administrations. As part of DInO, the Cluster Mobility & Logistics provides support for the services “Innovation Ecosystem & Networking” and “Support to Find Financing and Investment.” BAIOSPHERE AGENCY / Bavarian AI Agency is a project partner in DInO.