Austrian Life Sciences Programme

Through the targeted application of funding formats tailored to the Life Sciences sector, the Austrian Life Sciences Call 2023 is designed to support R&D activities along the entire development path (bench to bedside) in order to meet the high capital requirements typical of the industry. It should also play a role in maintaining Austria’s attractiveness as a research location for conducting clinical studies, so that it remains internationally competitive, and establishes more sustainable, robust, innovative, and high-quality health and care systems that put people at the centre.

Consequently, the Austrian Life Sciences Call 2023 has the following objectives:

Objective 1: Increasing Austria’s attractiveness as a research location

High development costs, long development times and great technological development risks are particular challenges faced by companies in the Life Sciences sector. In order to meet these challenges and maintain Austria’s attractiveness as a research and development location for companies, relevant funding opportunities are needed along the entire value chain. Research and development (R&D) of new, effective, high quality, safe, as well as available and affordable medicines and medical devic es which address unmet public health needs are key to public healthcare provision. To prevent a brain drain and increase Austria’s attractiveness as a research location, funding must be available to cover both early as well as later development phases.

Objective 2: Increasing Austria’s competitiveness as a location for clinical studies

Clinical studies are a key component in translating new medical findings to healthcare practice. They contribute to an efficient and effective healthcare system focused on the needs of the patient and society as a whole and stimulate a competitive healthcare sector.

In view of the falling number of applications for drug studies, it is important to create an awareness among all stakeholders that global pharmaceutical companies select clinical study centres on the basis of international competition. As the priority always lies in patient benefits and safety, the regulatory requirements in the Life Sciences industry mean that, compared to other industries, drug development is not only a long-winded process, but also complex, risky, and above all, capital intensive. When selecting study centres and locations, some of the most important factors for companies in the Life Sciences industry include rapid implementation, reliability, patient numbers and quality, plus attractive financing options.

Topics and project running times

• Digitalisation of health aspects (diagnostics, telemedicine, medical devices etc.)
• Development of new, effective, high-quality, safe, available and affordable medicines and medical devices
• Interventional phase I and II clinical studies and clinical trials of medical devices in accordance with EU regulations
• Flagship Projects in the field of clinical research.

The project running times are 12 to 18 months (company projects industrial research, research and development), 12 to 24 months (clinical studies), 24 months (flagship project)

Budget and Calls 2022, 2023

In 2022 and 2023, the budget for the Austrian Life Sciences Programme totals 50 million Euros.

Until the submission deadline of 21/12/2023 (for Flagship Projects in the field of clinical research 30/6/2023), the funding instruments "company projects industrial research" and "company projects experimental development" as well as "clinical trials" and "flagship projects" will be offered in the recent Austrian Life Sciences Call 2023.