Preseed I Seed Financing - Deep Tech Program Line
Funding to support highly innovative deep tech start-ups (pre-seed and seed financing) in Vienna. Ongoing applications until 30.09.2026, grants of up to EUR 1,000,000 possible.
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Grant criteria
Funding objective
Economically sustainable founding, development, and initial growth of competitive, technology-oriented deep tech start-ups, as well as the transfer of university-based research results into marketable products, processes, or services.
Eligible expenses
- Personnel costs
- Instruments and equipment
- Building and land costs
- Travel expenses
- Contract research and studies
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Non-eligible expenses
- Project preparatory costs
- Private pension provision
- Non-specific building equipment
- Vehicles
- Real estate acquisition
Eligible to apply
- Individuals
- Founders
- Companies
Funding requirements
- Application before project start
- Headquarters and predominant value creation in Austria
- Fulfillment of the SME definition at the time of funding approval
- Proof of Concept or TRL evidence (Preseed TRL3, Seed TRL6)
- At least 10% own funds (5% with gender bonus)
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Documents required for application
- Application form online
- Project description
- Financing plan/cost plan
- Business plan
- Proof of identification
- Curricula vitae
- Proof of concept
- De minimis declaration
Evaluation criteria
- Innovation potential
- Growth and employment
- Environmental relevance
- Social and societal impacts
Description
Preseed | Seed Financing – Deep Tech Program Line supports highly innovative deep-tech start-ups in Vienna from pre-foundation to scale-up phase. The goal is the economically sustainable development of technology-oriented companies based on substantial scientific findings. Projects with high innovation potential in the fields of Life Sciences (including medical devices/digital health), information and communication technologies, as well as environmental and climate protection technologies, which demonstrate realistic market opportunities within scalable business models, are funded. Selection is based on the criteria of innovation potential, growth and employment, environmental relevance, as well as social and societal impact. This program transfers research results from universities and research institutions into marketable products, processes, or services and sustainably strengthens international competitiveness.
Funding is provided in the form of non-repayable grants of up to EUR 1,000,000 per project with a funding rate of 80%–90% of eligible costs (gender bonus up to 100%). Users can submit applications continuously until 30.09.2026 via the AWS Funding Manager; decisions are made quarterly and no later than 31.12.2026. The project duration is 12–60 months. Eligible costs include personnel expenses, instruments and equipment, building and land costs, travel expenses, contract research, consulting costs, material and auxiliary costs, overhead flat rate, as well as in-kind contributions. Requirements include, among others, application before project start, TRL proof (Preseed TRL 3, Seed Financing TRL 6), at least 10% own funds (5% with gender bonus), compliance with the SME definition, location in Austria, no insolvency, and adherence to the de minimis threshold.
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