COMET Competence Centers conduct application-oriented, cutting-edge research at the highest level. They focus on areas of strategic importance to the Austrian economy and develop solutions for key future challenges. Their research activities follow a plan jointly defined by science and industry, with a medium- to long-term perspective. The implementation and success of these plans are regularly evaluated.
COMET Centers are funded by the Republic of Austria—specifically the Federal Ministry for Innovation, Mobility, and Infrastructure (BMIMI) and the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs, Energy, and Tourism (BMWET)—as well as by the participating federal provinces, companies, and research organizations. The program is managed by the Österreichische Forschungsförderungsgesellschaft (FFG).
The COMET Program
The COMET program brings together scientific expertise and technological know-how across three funding lines. Within COMET, companies and research partners collaborate on clearly defined topics, enabling the direct transfer of new knowledge into innovative prototypes. Subsequently, marketable products shall be developed.
COMET Centers generate fresh research momentum, initiate new product, process, and service innovations, and thereby strengthen the innovation capacity of companies. Together, they work on key future technologies such as energy, high-tech materials, circular economy, artificial intelligence, life sciences, microelectronics, production technologies, robotics, and quantum technology.
They enhance Austria's position as a research and business location and play a crucial role in education and in training the next generation of scientists.