aws-Proof of Concept (2025-2028)
Funding of feasibility studies for in principle patentable research and development results of Austrian research organizations. Ongoing application submission possible. Valid from 15.01.2025 to 31.12.2028.
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Grant criteria
Funding objective
Implementation of proof of concept projects to demonstrate the feasibility of fundamentally patentable research and development results, identify application areas, and accelerate the knowledge and technology transfer from publicly funded research.
Eligible expenses
- Personnel costs
- Material costs
- Indirect eligible costs (overhead, 25%)
- Third-party costs (e.g., patent costs within large projects)
Non-eligible expenses
- Costs incurred before application submission
- external management and consulting fees
- contract research
- certification costs
- ongoing fees for intellectual property rights
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Eligible to apply
- Companies
- Public Institutions
- Educational Institutions
Funding requirements
- Registered office or place of business in Austria
- Research results with potential for patenting
- Proof of a valid cost accounting system upon initial application
Documents required for application
- Project description
- Proof of valid separation accounting
Evaluation criteria
- Outstanding patentable invention/development (30%)
- Commercialization potential and application assessment (30%)
- Chances for proof of feasibility through implementation (40%)
Description
The aws Proof of Concept funding (valid from 15.01.2025 to 31.12.2028) is aimed at Austrian research organizations, companies, and public institutions with headquarters or operations in Vienna. The objective is the financial support of feasibility demonstrations for in principle patentable research and development results from public research. Over a period of 12 to 24 months, up to 75% of eligible project costs are covered – up to €20,000 for “Proof of Concept Small” and up to €80,000 for “Proof of Concept Large.” Eligible costs include personnel expenses, material costs, indirect costs (a flat rate of 25% on personnel and material expenses), as well as selected patent costs in the large program. Non-eligible costs include, among others, contract research, certification and enforcement costs, as well as external management and consulting fees. For first-time applicants, proof of a valid separation accounting is a prerequisite.
The measure supports the analysis of commercialization potentials, the identification of concrete application areas, and accelerates knowledge and technology transfer. Applications can be submitted continuously via the aws funding manager; for large projects, submission deadlines are 30.04.2025 and 30.10.2025, with new applications for small projects accepted from 01.01.2026. Selection is based on clear criteria: patentability (30%), commercial potential (30%), and feasibility chances (40%). Interested applicants submit a project description and the required accounting proof. This funding specifically supports the often critical step between research results and market launch and contributes to strengthening Austria’s innovation location.