DIVERSITEC 2026

Funding is provided for organisational development measures for diversity, equality and inclusion (DEI), as well as activities to strengthen the innovation culture.

DIVERSITEC projects enable the participation of women in research, technology and innovation, and support female careers.

The following are umbrella terms for eligible measures:

• Diversity management
• Innovation management and innovation culture
• HR development, onboarding & mentoring
• New work & leadership
• Employer branding & public relations
• Diversity training & inclusion training
• Gender equality plan

Further tailor-made measures are also possible.

Projects should have a sustainable impact within your organisation. This can only be achieved if the measures are structurally anchored.

This requires DEI competencies and innovation-promoting structures that are widely established and long-term within the company. A diverse portfolio of measures from different areas is recommended.

The "Call Guidelines" provide several concrete examples of possible activities. These examples are intended for inspiration. You are welcome to implement additional ideas tailored to your company.

• Companies of any legal form (e.g. AG, GmbH, KG, OG etc.), with the exception of the legal form "GesbR", with a need for highly qualified personnel in research, development, and engineering
• Non-university research institutions (within the scope of their economic activities)

...with a scientific-technological focus and with operations or a branch in Austria.

Not eligible for funding:

• Micro-enterprises with fewer than ten employees and annual turnover or balance sheet total of no more than EUR 2 million
• Universities
• Universities of Applied Sciences
• Private universities
• Individual researchers.

Tip for micro-enterprises: Use the Diversity Cheque – a tailored funding offer that specifically supports SMEs in actively strengthening diversity and equality in their company and thus sustainably increasing their innovative capacity.

• Maximum EUR 50,000 per project
• Funding rate: 50 % to 70 % (depending on company size, de minimis aid)

Before submitting a DIVERSITEC project, you must carry out an initial analysis of your company's situation regarding diversity, equality and inclusion. Assess your current status with regard to DEI-related factors (e.g. staff structure, recruitment and promotion processes, corporate and innovation culture) and identify strengths and weaknesses. Based on the results of this analysis, you define the objectives and measures for your DIVERSITEC project and your funding application.

Tips: 

• The Diversitec DEI Check can provide an initial assessment of your current DEI status. Using this tool, you can see at a glance which areas of your organisation are already strong and where there is still room for improvement.
• In addition, small and medium-sized enterprises can access the Diversity Cheque to receive a professionally facilitated diversity analysis of their company prior to commencing a DIVERSITEC project.

Each application will be assessed according to the following three evaluation criteria:

1. Quality of the funding application
2. Suitability of funding applicants
3. Relevance of the funding application

Submission is only possible electronically via FFG's eCall system.

• Please complete all sections in eCall.
• Upload all required attachments (see "Call Guidelines").
• Submit your application via the "Finalization" menu item. You will then receive confirmation by email.
• Subsequent editing after submission is not possible.

Do you have questions? Feel free to arrange a consultation – ideally before submitting your application.

We will review your funding application (on an ongoing basis after submission) and notify you as soon as a decision has been made.