The spectrum ranges from the initial idea to the start of the project to the specific research project and market launch. Companies of all sizes (including start-ups and companies in the process of being established) can submit applications at any time. The application is evaluated technically and economically by experts from the FFG. Funding decisions are made continuously several times a year.
Funding for entry to research
Exploring research and development topics or innovation potential and taking the first steps in project preparation work best with Innovation Voucher. SMEs benefit from the Patent.Voucher.
Funding for R&D projects and market launch (experimental developement, industrial research
Research and development projects (also in cooperation with companies or scientific partners) can be carried out in various configurations - right up to market launch:
- General Programme Funding for company projects with commercialization potential without thematic restrictions, including substantial support for startups
- Small Scale Project Funding for “smaller” R&D company projects for SMEs and startups
- Collective Research Funding for pre-competitive industry research projects (including CORNET)
- Frontrunner Funding for internationally oriented R&D projects with a focus on sustainable and/or digital transformation of the economy
- Markt.Einstieg Funding for SMEs to market finished project developments
Funding for the life sciences sector and for science transfer
- Austrian Life Sciences for the promotion of companies in the life sciences sector (call for proposals principle)
- BRIDGE Initiative as a cooperation project between science and industry (call for proposals principle)
Funding for disruptive innovations
Since 2021, the European Innovation Council (EIC) has also been promoting innovations with disruptive effects. The FFG accompanies the expedition into a better future, from the preparation to the scaling of disruptive and radical innovations.
Expedition Zukunft The FFG accompanies the expedition into a better future, from the preparation to the scaling of disruptive and radical innovations.
SME funding
Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and startups play a central role in Austria's economy. In order to facilitate entry into continuous research and innovation activities and to improve the quality of research projects, the FFG bundles coordinated SME funding measures. Look up SME fundings (in German only).
Startup funding
The General Programme offers startups considerable financial support by funding up to 70 % of project costs and deferring loan repayment until five years after the end of the project. High-tech startups also benefit from a 5% bonus. This support facilitates market entry and enables initial sales, especially in times of difficult financing conditions, and supports the implementation of technically demanding and economically promising projects.
Transformation Initiative
The Transformation Initiative supports the development of products, services and processes that contribute to transformation within value and supply chains (enhancing resilience in production), sustainable transformation (e.g., alternative energy sources, use of secondary raw materials), as well as digital transformation and the creation of new business areas and business models.
The FFG is a technology-neutral funding agency. Our focus is clearly on civilian applications, and we support research on security, conflict, and crises that addresses economic, environmental, cultural, and societal threats and risks. Read more about the dual-use potential in research funding.