COMET Competence Centers (2015-2020): Tyrolean Funding Contribution

The COMET Program – Competence Centers (2015–2020) is a long-term funding initiative of the State of Tyrol and the Federal Ministry of Labour and Economy, operating in the regions of Tyrol and Vienna. Its goal is the establishment and further development of competence centers where science and industry jointly design a high-quality research and innovation program. Through flexible funding rate corridors, the program adapts to the requirements of both strategically demanding, high-risk basic research and practice-oriented, application-related projects. Thus, the initiative makes a significant contribution to increasing the intensity of research, technology, and innovation in Austria while ensuring a high relevance of the results for industry.

Eligible for funding are existing competence centers and networks as well as newly formed consortia of companies, universities, and research institutions. Applications are accepted continuously, as the program is designed without a deadline. Key evaluation criteria are scientific excellence and the industrial applicability of the planned research projects. Grants are provided for medium- to long-term research projects with high innovation potential. Interested organizations receive professional support from the implementing partners in Tyrol – including the Location Agency Tyrol – and benefit from close guidance throughout the entire duration. This program is aimed at all those who wish to establish or expand cooperative research structures and place value on sustainable impulses for Austria’s economic location.