Impulse Program PROTO-TYPICAL Lower Austria
PROTO-TYPISCH NÖ supports Lower Austrian companies in the development, construction, and testing of prototypes for new products up to market readiness. Applications can be submitted during the funding period from 15.04.2026 to 30.06.2026.
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Grant criteria
Funding objective
Projects are funded in which a prototype for a new product is developed, constructed, and practically tested. We are looking for initiatives with a clear development and testing logic, where technical challenges still need to be resolved. The goal is to prepare for further commercialization of the project findings in the market, particularly through mass production, sales, or licensing.
Eligible expenses
- Personnel costs for R&D staff
- Material costs for prototype construction
- External services (e.g., contract research, patents, scientific consulting)
- Depreciation of capital equipment (proportional)
- Flat-rate overhead costs (20% of eligible personnel costs)
Non-eligible expenses
- Invoices not addressed to the grant applicant
- Leasing or hire-purchase acquisitions
- Cash discounts and rebates
- Value-added tax (if input tax deduction is applicable)
- Travel expenses
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Eligible to apply
- Companies
Funding requirements
- Active business license at the project location in Lower Austria
- Economic center of the company in Lower Austria
- No credit or insurance institutions, no research institutions, and no non-profit organizations
- Company must not be in difficulty according to GBER
Documents required for application
- Application via the Lower Austria Economic Development Portal
- Project description
- Project cost breakdown
- Quotes
- Annual financial statement/balance sheet of the last fiscal year
Evaluation criteria
- Innovative content of the prototype
- Clarity and comprehensibility of the development and testing logic
- Exploitation and market opportunities
Description
The Impulse Program PROTO-TYPICAL NÖ supports Lower Austrian companies in the development, construction, and practical testing of prototypes up to market readiness. Within the submission period from April 15 to June 30, 2026, SMEs from the commercial sector whose economic center and operational location are in Lower Austria may submit applications. Projects with clearly structured development and testing logics, where technical issues still need to be resolved, are eligible for funding. The goal is to create a basis for series production, sales, or licensing, thereby strengthening innovation capacity and reducing development risks at the economic location of Lower Austria. Funding is provided as a non-repayable grant amounting to up to 25% of eligible expenses, with a maximum of €50,000 per project. The duration of a project must not exceed 24 months.
Eligible costs include personnel expenses for R&D staff, material costs for prototype construction, external services (e.g., contract research, patents, scientific consulting), proportional depreciation on capital equipment, as well as flat-rate overhead costs (20% of eligible personnel expenses). Ineligible costs include, among others, leasing and hire-purchase acquisitions, travel expenses, VAT where input tax deduction applies, and the purchase of real estate. The jury evaluates submitted projects based on their degree of innovation, comprehensibility of development and testing logic, as well as market and exploitation opportunities. The application must be submitted via the Lower Austria Economic Development Portal, uploading the following documents: application, project description, cost breakdown, quotations, and the annual financial statement/balance sheet of the last fiscal year. Selection takes place after the deadline; early submission is advisable to ensure compliance with all requirements.
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