aws Manufacturing Transfer of Energy and Environmental Technologies in Start-ups

The aws Manufacturing Transfer of Energy and Environmental Technologies for Start-ups offers technology-oriented founders and young SMEs throughout Austria the opportunity to bring their innovative developments in the fields of energy efficiency, renewable energies, and environmental technologies to series production maturity. As a non-repayable grant, the program supports up to 45% of eligible expenses – up to a maximum of €400,000 – and accompanies the industrial implementation within a project duration of up to 24 months. The funding covers personnel costs, external development and consulting expenses, material costs, as well as tangible and intangible investments. With a success rate of around 50% and an average approval time of 1–2 months, the program aims to strengthen economically significant projects with a high likelihood of implementation.

Eligible to participate are small and medium-sized enterprises up to six years after founding, with their registered office or place of business as well as the project location in Austria. A prerequisite for the grant is the application submission prior to project commencement, compliance with de minimis aid limits, and an economically stable status without being classified as a “company in difficulty.” Submissions are possible until 31 December 2026. The processing is carried out via the aws Funding Manager, within which aws issues a binding funding commitment after formal and substantive review. Through this targeted support, young companies can successfully make the leap from the prototype phase to industrial series production and make a sustainable contribution to energy and climate protection.