AI Austria Initiative – AI Module for Companies and Growth
AI Austria Initiative – The AI Business and Growth module supports start-ups, SMEs, and large enterprises in Vienna with initial implementation, innovation, and knowledge development in the field of Artificial Intelligence. The three subprograms AI-Start, AI-Adoption, and AI-Knowledge are available online for applications until 31.12.2026.
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Grant criteria
Funding objective
Development of AI as a key technology in companies through the promotion of initial implementation (AI-Start), innovative AI projects (AI-Adoption), and knowledge building (AI-Knowledge). The goal is the responsible use of artificial intelligence, strengthening innovation capacity, and creating a sustainable AI ecosystem in Austria.
Eligible expenses
- Consulting services
- Implementation services
- Personnel costs
- Material costs
- Third-party costs
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Non-eligible expenses
- Acquisition of real estate
- Non-project-related costs
- Value-added tax (if deductible input tax)
- Costs incurred before application submission
Eligible to apply
- Companies
- Founders
Funding requirements
- Application before project start
- Company headquarters in Austria
- Compliance with the ceilings according to GBER or de minimis
- Application via aws Fördermanager
Documents required for application
- Project description
- Financing plan
- Business plan
- Integral planning
- Cost breakdown
Evaluation criteria
- Innovative content of the project
- Scaling potential
- Responsible use of AI
- Preparation for EU AI regulation
- Contribution to sustainability
- Feasibility within the company
Description
As part of the AI Austria Initiative – Module "AI Companies and Growth," Austria Wirtschaftsservice in Vienna specifically supports the responsible introduction and expansion of artificial intelligence in companies of all sizes. Start-ups, SMEs, and large enterprises with headquarters or operations in Vienna can benefit from three coordinated subprograms: AI-Start supports the initial use of AI, AI-Adoption enables the implementation of innovative AI projects, and AI-Knowledge is aimed at companies wishing to comprehensively deepen their expertise in AI. The funding covers 50% to 80% of eligible costs – up to a maximum of €150,000 per project – with a project duration of 9 to 18 months. Recognized expenses include consulting and implementation services, personnel costs, material and third-party costs, as well as qualification measures, whereby the application must be submitted via the aws funding manager prior to project commencement. A prerequisite is a fundable project according to the provisions of the De-minimis Regulation or GBER, as well as compliance with the respective funding limits.
Project selection is based on binding criteria, including innovation content, scaling potential, responsible AI use, preparation for the EU AI Act, contribution to sustainability, and practical feasibility. Applicants must submit a project description, a financing plan, a business plan, an integral planning document, and a detailed cost breakdown. The initiative offers not only financial support but also professional guidance to establish a sustainable AI ecosystem in Austria. The application deadline is December 31, 2026; companies with forward-looking AI projects are encouraged to take advantage of the funding opportunities.
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