Deadline Date: April 30, 2026
The Innovation Funding Program supports small and medium-sized enterprises and start-ups from all sectors in developing new products, technologies, and services through targeted financial support and free consultations.
The program focuses on the development of new products, the introduction of new technologies, personnel costs, external consulting and development services, certifications, initial patent applications, investments in construction measures, machinery, equipment, patents and intellectual property rights, prototype construction, trials and test series. This funding opportunity is aimed at existing small and medium-sized enterprises as well as start-ups that are working on innovative projects. Project partnerships may also include universities, universities of applied sciences, associations, non-university research institutions, and institutions from the education and social sectors, enabling collaboration across different areas of expertise.
Eligible costs under the program include personnel expenses, external services, and investments related to hardware, machinery, equipment, software, licenses, and materials necessary for the implementation of the innovation project. The minimum project size required for funding is €30,000. The maximum funding amount available per project is €300,000. The funding rate is set at 45 percent for small enterprises and 35 percent for medium-sized enterprises. Additional financial incentives are available in the form of a women’s bonus of €10,000 for projects demonstrably led by a qualified woman, and a start-up bonus of €5,000 if a company is founded as part of the project.
An advance payment of up to 50 percent of the approved funding amount can be requested, provided that semi-annual progress reports are submitted during the project implementation. The maximum project duration is two years, allowing sufficient time for development, testing, and implementation.
Applications must be completed in full through the online system, followed by confirmation of the accuracy of the submitted information. Required documents include an application confirmation, a de minimis declaration, and the most recent annual financial statement or income and expenditure statement.
For more information, visit Vienna Business Agency.
