Innovation in SMEs - Investment Promotion (NÖWTF)
Funding of investments in fixed assets from €20,000 for small and medium-sized enterprises in Lower Austria for the implementation of R&D projects into production. Applications possible until 31.12.2026.
Discover your potential with AI support
- Find out if this grant matches your project
- Develop your application together with AI
- Get matched with many more suitable grants
Grant criteria
Funding objective
Funding of investments in capital goods for the implementation of self-developed product and process innovations in SMEs in Lower Austria.
Eligible expenses
- Acquisition of tangible assets
- Acquisition of intangible assets
Non-eligible expenses
- Leasing or hire purchase
- Patent costs
- Financing costs
- Costs for land acquisition
- Used assets
- Show more
Eligible to apply
- Companies
Funding requirements
- SMEs in the commercial sector
- Project volume at least €20,000
- Submit application before project start
Documents required for application
- Application via economic development portal
- Project description (guideline)
- Overall cost breakdown
- Annual financial statement/balance sheet
- Officially approved building plan
- Building and commercial authority approval notices
- Applications to other funding agencies with completion letters
Evaluation criteria
- Technical project implementation risk
- State of the art
- Sustainability criteria
Description
The investment promotion "Innovation in SMEs" of the Lower Austria Economic and Tourism Fund supports small and medium-sized enterprises with headquarters or business premises in Lower Austria in transferring self-developed product and process innovations into industrial application. For project volumes starting at 20,000 euros, acquisitions of tangible and intangible assets are subsidized with a one-time grant of up to 10% of the eligible costs (maximum 50,000 euros). It is essential that the investment directly serves the implementation of a research and development project into production and involves a clear technological leap as well as a technical implementation risk. Eligible are, in particular, new machines, equipment, software licenses, or patents that will be used long-term at the location. Excluded are, among others, leasing and hire-purchase costs, patent costs, financing costs, land acquisition, used assets, in-house services, and travel expenses.
Applications can be submitted via the digital economic promotion portal Lower Austria by no later than December 31, 2026, provided they are submitted before the project start. The application must be accompanied by a project description, a breakdown of total costs, the annual financial statement or balance sheet of the last fiscal year, as well as officially approved construction plans and approval notices. Evaluation is based on the technical project implementation risk, state of the art, and sustainability criteria. The objective is to sustainably strengthen the research and development location Lower Austria, promote value creation, and secure jobs in the regional economy. The funding agency reviews the completeness of all documents and decides on the grant. A longer project duration can be approved upon request; in case of partial non-fulfillment of the requirements, a proportional repayment or reduction of the funding is possible.
Ready to secure your funding?
Register now and let our AI guide you through the application process – from eligibility check to finished application.