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Direct R&D Funding
FFG Basisprogramm
Funding for research, technology, and innovation in Austria — €190 million annually for your projects
Five Funding Offers at a Glance
The Austrian Research Promotion (FFG) Basic Program offers tailored support for every phase of your innovation project – from the initial idea to market launch. With a total budget of 190 million Euros per year, five different funding instruments are available.
Project.Start
Potential assessment of your R&D idea with up to 6,000 EUR funding
Basic Program
Development projects with up to
3 million EUR funding for commercialization
Small Project
Experimental development for SMEs and startups up to 90,000 EUR
Collective Research
Pre-competitive industry research with up to 325,000 EUR
Market.Entry
Marketing support for completed developments up to 120,000 EUR
Project.Start: The First Step to Innovation
Potential Assessment for Your R&D Project
Before investing in an extensive research and development project, Project.Start allows you to have the potential of your idea professionally assessed. This funding supports you in the preparation and planning of your in-house R&D endeavor.
  • Maximum Funding: EUR 6,000
  • Funding Rate: up to 60% grant
  • Duration: maximum 6 months
  • No cooperation required
Ideal for companies looking to develop their innovation ideas structurally and minimize risk.
Basic Program: Development Projects with Market Potential
The core of Austrian Research Promotion (FFG) funding: corporate projects in experimental development that lead to commercially viable products, processes, or services – including digital solutions.
1
Extensive Funding
Up to 3 million EUR through a combination of grants, loans, and guarantees, with up to 70% funding intensity. The maximum net present value is 60%.
2
Flexible Duration
Total project duration of maximum 60 months, with funding typically provided in 12-month segments.
3
No Cooperation Required
You can carry out your project independently – collaborations are possible, but not mandatory.
4
All Company Sizes
Both SMEs and large enterprises can utilize this funding to strengthen their innovative power.
Micro-project: Fast Funding for SMEs
Uncomplicated Support for Smaller Projects
Specifically designed for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and startups: The Micro-project enables experimental development with reduced administrative effort.
Up to 90,000 EUR Grant
Maximum funding rate of 60% for your development costs
18 Months Project Duration
Sufficient time to implement your innovation
Independent Implementation
No cooperation required – you maintain full control
Collective Research: Joint Research for the Industry
Pre-competitive research projects whose results benefit the entire industry. Collective Research promotes collaboration and knowledge transfer between companies and research institutions.
01
Cooperation Project
Multiple partners collaborate on industry-relevant research questions
02
High Funding Rate
Up to 65% subsidy with a maximum of 325,000 EUR funding
03
Long-term Projects
Up to 60 months total duration, funding in 12-month increments
04
Industry-wide Benefit
Results are available to all industry members
Market.Entry: From Development to Market Success
Marketing Funding for SMEs
Available from 01.09.2025: Market.Entry supports small and medium-sized enterprises in marketing completed project developments. This de minimis funding closes the gap between successful development and market entry.
  • Maximum Funding: 120,000 EUR
  • Funding Rate: up to 40% or 60% (Gender/Social)
  • Duration: maximum 18 months
  • No cooperation obligation

Important: Market.Start was closed on 31.03.2025. From 01.09.2025, Market.Entry is available as de minimis funding.
Strategic Objectives of the Funding
The Austrian Research Promotion (FFG) Basic Programs are aligned with Austria's research, technology, and innovation (FTI) policy goals and support the transformation of the Austrian economy in key areas.
Sustainability & Climate
Special consideration of projects with positive climate and environmental impacts to support the green transformation
Digital Competence
Expansion of digital skills and promotion of digital products, processes, and services
Crisis Resilience
Strengthening resilience and increasing independence, especially in supply chains
Innovation & Competition
Increasing research, technology, and innovation activities to strengthen international competitiveness
Funding for all Company Sizes
The Austrian Research Promotion (FFG) Basic Program offers tailored support for various company sizes – from startups to SMEs and large corporations.
Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs)
Broadening the research and innovation base and supporting new business formations. SMEs receive assistance with the potential evaluation of R&D projects and with the market launch of new products and services.
Large Corporations
Strengthening research competence and building up and expanding an international technology leadership position. Large corporations are crucial for Austria's international competitiveness.
Startups & Founders
Special support for young companies in developing innovative solutions and entering the market. Promoting innovation dynamics through new players.
Submission and Important Information
Submit Anytime via eCall
Submissions are made exclusively electronically via the eCall portal. You can submit your project at any time – there are no fixed deadlines. The submission includes several online elements:
  • Content description of project contents
  • Work plan with work packages and project management
  • Consortium and expertise of participants
  • Costs and financing per partner
  • Optional attachments (max. 5 pages)
Language: German or English possible
Total Budget
190 million Euros per year for all FFG Basic Programs
Submission Deadline
Possible at any time – no fixed deadlines
To the Portal
https://ecall.ffg.at
Diversity as an Innovation Driver
Diverse teams can be more innovative and productive due to their variety and different perspectives.
A team composition that considers gender and diversity dimensions can ensure higher quality projects and, consequently, better research results, products, and services. The impact of project results on people is thus considered, for example, by taking into account different needs in the use or manufacturing of products.
Different Perspectives
Diverse viewpoints and experiences
Higher Innovation
More creative and productive solutions
Better Results
Compelling solutions for society and economy
FFG supports you with special funding! Information can be found on the website for Equality and Diversity. The program DIVERSITEC offers tailor-made funding for measures to promote greater diversity, equality, and inclusion.
FFG Funding: Application & Optimization
The FFG offers various funding programs to support innovation and research. Successful application and strategic project management are crucial for maximizing the benefits of these valuable grants.
Application Process
Navigate FFG guidelines and criteria carefully to ensure your application meets all requirements for a successful funding approval.
Project Management
Implement efficient planning and execution to utilize FFG funds effectively, achieve project milestones, and ensure impactful outcomes.
Reporting & Documentation
Maintain thorough records and adhere to FFG reporting obligations to facilitate smooth audits and successful project completion.
To gain the optimal benefit, align your project timeline with FFG call schedules and leverage available advisory services. Exploring combinations of FFG programs or integrating funding with other national or international initiatives can further enhance your project's financial foundation.

Looking for additional funding opportunities? The seminar "Förderungen - finden, ansuchen, abwickeln" (23.10.2025 - 24.10.2025) offers comprehensive insights.