aws Seedfinancing - Deep Tech Module
Funding for deep tech start-ups in Austria with up to 80% subsidy (90% with gender bonus) and a maximum of €1 million funding. Applications possible until 31.12.2026.
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Grant criteria
Funding objective
Support for deep tech startup and scale-up projects based on applied research and development through milestone-financed conditionally repayable grants and innovation coaching for the commercial implementation of pre-series products, products, and services.
Eligible expenses
- Personnel costs
- Third-party costs
- Material costs
- Other project-related costs
Non-eligible expenses
- Costs incurred before application submission
- Non-specific building equipment
- Vehicles
- Invoice receipts under EUR 50 excluding VAT
Eligible to apply
- Companies
- Founders
Funding requirements
- Independent SME according to EU definition
- TRL 6 project based on applied R&D
- Proof of concept or prototype available
- Application before project start
- At least 10% equity contribution (5% with gender bonus)
Documents required for application
- Project description
- Business plan
- Financing plan
- Proof of identification
- Resumes of the project team
Evaluation criteria
- Innovation potential
- Growth/Employment
- Environmental relevance
- Social impact
Description
The aws Seedfinancing – Deep Tech Module supports young high-tech start-ups with a substantial research and development focus throughout Austria. Companies in the founding and scale-up phase, whose projects are based on TRL 6 and aim to bring innovative pre-series products or services to market maturity, receive a conditionally repayable grant of up to 80% of eligible costs (gender bonus: 90%), with a maximum of €1 million (without gender bonus €889,000). Eligible costs include, among others, personnel costs, third-party costs, material and project-related expenses. Requirements include proof of at least 10% equity contribution (gender bonus: 5%), company status as an independent SME according to the EU definition, an existing prototype/proof of concept, and submission prior to project start. The project must promise substantial innovation leaps, demonstrate high growth potential, and pursue market-appropriate internationalization strategies. Applications are accepted continuously via the aws funding manager until 31.12.2026.
In addition to the grant, participants receive industry-specific consulting and innovation coaching worth up to €6,800 to optimize business and intellectual property strategies. Disbursement is milestone-based, with 10% of the grant withheld until the final report. In the event of economic success (profit or sale), partial repayment is envisaged. Decisions are made by an independent expert panel through several jury sessions per year. Thus, aws Seedfinancing – Deep Tech Module supports Austrian deep-tech founders in successfully bringing technologically advanced innovations to market and building sustainable growth.
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