Innovation Funding "SpeedUp"

The innovation funding program “SpeedUp” supports commercial enterprises with headquarters and operations in the federal state of Salzburg in initiating, expanding, and accelerating operational research and development projects. Projects aimed at the development or significant improvement of innovative products, services, or production processes with a high degree of novelty and relevant market potential (TRL phases 2–7) are eligible for funding. Applications can be submitted continuously until the budget is exhausted; cooperative projects with partners outside Salzburg are permitted, but only the costs of the Salzburg partners are funded. A minimum company history of two years and project implementation within the state of Salzburg are prerequisites. Evaluation criteria include regional economic significance, economic feasibility and profitability, as well as the level of innovation of the project.

The funding is provided as a non-repayable grant with a base funding rate of 20% (individual projects) or 25% (cooperations), whereby SMEs, medium-sized, and large enterprises can apply for bonuses (up to 50% for SMEs, 40% for medium-sized, and 35% for large enterprises). The maximum eligible amount per company is €120,000 (minimum volume €30,000). Eligible expenses include personnel costs/entrepreneurial salary, material and consumables, intangible investments (licenses, patents), external development and consulting costs, as well as travel expenses. Additional premiums (up to 10%) are awarded for Green Deal contributions, young companies, involvement of research institutions, or gender-sensitive measures. The objective is to strengthen the market opportunities and transformation capacity of Salzburg companies and sustainably increase the competitiveness of the regional economy.