AI Mission Austria and AI Green

AI Mission Austria and AI Green is a funding initiative jointly supported by aws, FFG, and FWF, based in Vienna, which supports excellent basic research in the field of artificial intelligence as well as ecological issues. The program offers Austrian educational institutions ongoing submission opportunities and grants to strengthen Austria’s position as a leading AI research location. Up to €3.8 million is available, with projects focusing on ecological topics under the title AI Green receiving additional funds. The target group comprises doctoral researchers from all disciplines at Austrian research institutions; the program places special emphasis on supporting women and early-career researchers. Requirements include a doctorate (completed within the last 5 years), artistic-scientific qualification, and at least a 50% employment at a research institution. Supervision by experienced mentors is mandatory for certain tracks to ensure career development and skills building.

Funding is provided for up to 36 months with project lump sums covering personnel costs and consumables; infrastructure, publication costs, and overheads are excluded. Only Austrian host research institutions are eligible to apply via the electronic portal elane; financing is provided solely through grant funds. Scientific abstracts, project descriptions with clear research questions, innovative character and methodological plans, as well as proof of qualification and mentoring, must be submitted. An ongoing peer-review process guarantees rapid evaluation based on criteria such as innovation content, relevance, and impact potential. Once all documents are uploaded, the FWF board of trustees decides on the award. The initiative remains open indefinitely, thus offering flexible funding opportunities for pioneering AI and environmental research projects in Austria.