Ideas!Rich - Funding for Innovation in SMEs
Funding for Styrian SMEs for the development and implementation of new digital and sustainable products, services, or business models. Grants up to €75,000 (Modules XS and XL). Applications possible until 30.06.2027, submission in cut-off mode.
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Grant criteria
Funding objective
Ideen!Reich supports small and medium-sized enterprises in Styria in strengthening their innovative capabilities by providing grants for the development and market launch of new digital and sustainable products, services, or business models.
Eligible expenses
- Internal personnel costs
- Project-related material costs
- External consultancy costs
- Use of R&D infrastructure
Non-eligible expenses
- Marketing costs
- Travel expenses
- Fees and charges
- Acquisition of equipment and machinery
Eligible to apply
- Companies
Funding requirements
- SMEs with headquarters and operations in Styria
- Proof of trade license in Styria
- Application submission before project start
- Adherence to cut-off dates
- Compliance with the EU de minimis regulation
Documents required for application
- Project description
- Cost plan
- Proof of financing
- Proof of business premises
- Proof of personnel costs
Evaluation criteria
- Innovative content of the project
- Economic potential
- Implementation potential
Description
The Funding Initiative Ideen!Reich is aimed at micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises with headquarters and operations in Styria. The objective is to strengthen innovation capabilities in the development of digital and sustainable products, services, or business models. Eligible costs include internal personnel expenses, project-related material costs, external consulting fees, and the use of R&D infrastructure. Marketing costs, travel expenses, fees and allowances, as well as acquisitions of machinery and equipment, are not eligible for funding. Submissions are accepted in cut-off mode until 30.06.2027, with each project running for up to twelve months. Funding rates range between 30% and 70%; in the XS module, up to €20,000 in eligible costs with a maximum grant of €14,000 are possible, while the XL module covers up to €150,000 with a ceiling of €75,000.
Companies with a trade license and operations in Styria meet the funding requirements, provided the application is submitted before the project start and in compliance with the de minimis threshold. Evaluation is based on the level of innovation, economic potential, and implementation potential. A regional bonus of 10% rewards projects outside Graz, while digitalization and sustainability initiatives are each supported with an additional 10% bonus. Manufacturing and craft enterprises as well as business-related service providers are explicitly addressed. Interested companies can submit their application via the SFG funding portal and rely on expert support throughout all phases – from consultation and application submission to accounting.