COMET-Centres 2025: Excellent open-topic research

Funding is provided for a multi-year research programme at a competence centre that aligns with the strategic interests of both science and industry. The research topics are open in terms of subject matter; however, each individual project should have a clearly defined focus.

The sole recipient of funding (and contracting party) is the COMET centre itself, which leads the consortium. This consortium must include at least one research institution and a minimum of five independent companies from both Austria and abroad.

In the event of a grant approval, COMET centres must be established as independent legal entities.

Federal and provincial funding: up to EUR 3 million per year (in a 2:1 ratio)
Funding rate: 50% (fixed rate); a special regulation applies to existing K2 centres.

The remaining financing must be provided as follows:
Contribution from participating companies: at least 40%
Contribution from scientific partners: at least 5%

Project duration: up to eight years (four + four); initially, funding is requested for the first four-year period.

The specific submission criteria are outlined in the COMET Centres Guideline (= Instrument Guideline) and, for this particular call, in the Call Guideline.

Funding applications may only be submitted via eCall. Co-financing by the federal provinces follows a 2:1 ratio (federal: provincial) and must be applied for in advance through the respective provincial authorities.

The online information session took place on 18 March 2025. The presentation slides can be found below under "Notes and Links."

The evaluation panel meeting and funding decision are scheduled for 2 June 2026. Prior to that, hearings are planned for May 2026.