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aws Seedfinancing - Deep Tech Module
Low-interest, conditionally repayable grant for deep-tech startup and scale-up projects in Austria with ongoing application submission.
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Grant criteria
Funding objective
Support for deep-tech startup and scale-up projects based on applied research and development aimed at the development of pre-series products, products, and services up to economic market maturity (TRL 6).
Eligible expenses
- Personnel costs
- Third-party costs (service procurement)
- Material costs
- Other project-related costs
Non-eligible expenses
- Costs incurred before the application submission
- Routine modifications of existing products or processes
- Non-specific building equipment
- Investments in non-operational equipment and facilities
- Incremental innovations
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Eligible to apply
- Companies
- Founders
Funding requirements
- Fewer than 50 employees
- Annual turnover or balance sheet total under €10 million
- Application before project start
- Application within 54 months of establishment
- Business model with exceptionally high technological challenge
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Documents required for application
- Proof of identification
- Resumes of the project team
Evaluation criteria
- Technological challenge and degree of innovation
- Growth potential
- Competence and commitment of the team
- Fulfillment of SME independence criteria
Description
The aws Seedfinancing – Deep Tech Module supports Austrian small enterprises and start-ups in the realization of deep-tech projects based on applied research and development. Projects from areas such as digitalization, ICT, physical sciences, green tech, quantum technology, and life sciences, which are in a development phase up to economic market readiness (TRL 6), are eligible for funding. The program provides a low-interest, conditionally repayable grant, with a funding rate that can range between 80% and 90% of eligible costs depending on the gender bonus. The maximum funding amount is up to €889,000 (without gender bonus) or up to €1,000,000 (with gender bonus). Applications can be submitted continuously via the aws funding manager and are aimed at companies with fewer than 50 employees, an annual turnover or balance sheet total under €10 million, and an equity ratio of at least 10% provided by shareholders. The project duration ranges from 48 to 84 months, with disbursements made in tranches upon reaching predefined milestones.
Eligible costs include personnel expenses, third-party costs for purchased services, material costs, and other project-related expenses. Costs incurred before the application, routine product modifications or incremental innovations, as well as receipts under €50 excluding VAT, are not eligible. Evaluation is based on the technological challenge, level of innovation, growth potential, and team competence. Compliance with the EU SME independence criteria and the GBER thresholds is a prerequisite. Applications require submission of proof of identification and CVs of the project team. Austria Wirtschaftsservice Gesellschaft mbH (aws) manages the program and supports applicants with sector-specific consulting, intellectual property advice, and coaching on the path to successful market launch.
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