Grant

Global Incubator Network Austria

Funding the participation of Austrian start-ups in international acceleration programs in the GIN target regions with grants of up to EUR 15,000. Applications possible until 05.01.2027.

Business Financing Consulting Foreign Trade Business Establishment

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Grant criteria

Application Deadline:
01.03. - 05.01.2027
Application level: Advanced
Region: Austria (nationwide)
Company size: Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs)
Funding amount: up to €15,000
Funding rate: 80% - 90%
Project start from: 01.03.2024
Project duration: 1 month

Funding objective

Promotion of the internationalization of domestic start-ups through financial support and consulting services for participation in tailored 1–4-week acceleration programs in selected startup hotspots in Asia, to facilitate market entry, networking, investment, and knowledge transfer.

Eligible expenses

  • Travel expenses
  • Costs for setting up and operating exhibition stands
  • Consulting services
  • Market development costs
  • Participation fees
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Non-eligible expenses

  • Acquisition of real estate
  • Overhead costs
  • Personnel costs

Eligible to apply

  • Companies
  • Founders

Funding requirements

  • Headquarters or place of business in Austria
  • Phase: Growth
  • Company age not older than 7 years after market entry
  • Innovative product or service
  • Proven, scalable business model
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Documents required for application

  1. Project description
  2. Founders' CVs
  3. Financing plan
  4. Proof of startup age

Evaluation criteria

  • Innovative content of the business model
  • Scalability and market readiness
  • Traction (initial customers/revenues)
  • Export and internationalization potential

Description

The Global Incubator Network Austria (GIN) enables domestic start-ups in the growth phase to advance their internationalized development through tailored outbound programs in the most innovative hubs of Asia (Singapore, Hong Kong, Israel, Japan, Mainland China, South Korea). GIN supports this with acceleration courses of up to four weeks, which include intensive ecosystem tours, targeted workshops on market and cultural differences, individual mentoring, as well as networking with potential investors, corporates, and partners. Austria Wirtschaftsservice GmbH (aws) funds this participation as a non-repayable grant covering up to 80% of eligible costs (maximum €15,000). A gender bonus increases the funding rate up to 90%, provided that founders holding more than 25% of the company shares are actively involved. This aims to enable Austrian innovations to establish a foothold not only in Europe but also in the dynamic markets of Asia and to forge valuable strategic partnerships.

Eligible costs include travel expenses, trade fair booth costs, project-related consulting and market entry costs, and participation fees. Requirements include a company headquarters in Austria, a company age of no more than seven years, a proven scalable business model with initial traction, and a clear interest in internationalization in the GIN target regions. Applications can be submitted via the aws online platform until January 5, 2027. Selection is made through a risk-based, four-eyes principle procedure based on innovation content, market maturity, traction, and internationalization potential. The grant is paid out upon submission of proof of use. GIN thus strengthens the competitiveness of Austrian start-ups, promotes technology- and knowledge-intensive ventures, and creates attractive development prospects in international growth markets.

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