Start.R&D&I
Support for the preparation of R&D&I activities in Carinthian companies with grants of up to €75,000. Applications can be submitted until 31.12.2026.
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Grant criteria
Funding objective
Support for the preparation of research, development, and innovation (R&D&I) in companies to explore new subject areas, outline cooperation projects, and initiate R&D activities.
Eligible expenses
- Personnel costs
- Entrepreneurial salary
- Operating and material costs
- Investments
- External services
Non-eligible expenses
- Travel expenses
- Hotel and catering costs
- Value-added tax
Eligible to apply
- Companies
Funding requirements
- Headquarters and project implementation in Carinthia
- Project start not before application submission
- Companies of all sizes
Documents required for application
- Project description
- Financing plan
- Participation confirmation
- Summary activity report
- Project accounting
- Receipts
Evaluation criteria
- Innovative content of the project
- Sustainability aspects
- Relevance to the target group
Description
Start.F&E&I offers Carinthian companies of all sizes the opportunity to prepare research, development, and innovation activities for the first time or in greater depth. Funding is provided for concepts to identify innovation potentials, the development of new R&D topics, the initiation of cooperation projects, as well as the qualification of employees for technological challenges. Up to €75,000 in eligible costs – ranging from personnel costs and entrepreneur salaries to material and equipment costs, investments, and external services – can be covered by a non-repayable grant of 50% to 70%. Companies from all sectors must have their headquarters and a significant project share in Carinthia; the project start date must not precede the date of application submission. The duration of the funded project is a maximum of 24 months, and funding applications can be submitted until December 31, 2026, depending on available budget.
The focus is on practical support provided by the Carinthian Business Development Fund (KWF), which assists with individual initial consultations, milestone definitions, and tailored event formats. Through close collaboration with regional and national partners such as the FFG, aws, and research institutions, know-how is built up and access to advanced funding instruments is facilitated. The funding aims to enhance competitiveness and future viability, to transform innovative ideas into marketable products, processes, or services, and to sustainably strengthen technology transfer at the economic location of Carinthia.
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