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Top 10 Government Grants for Startups in Austria in 2025

Top 10 Government Grants for Startups in Austria in 2025
Austria is a thriving hub for innovation, offering a wide range of government grants to support startups.

These grants are designed to foster innovation, sustainability, and economic growth without requiring founders to give up equity.

Below is a detailed guide to the top 10 government grants available in 2025, including eligibility criteria, funding amounts, and application deadlines.
Try our AI Grant Finder and Application Writer to quickly find an EU grant that is right for your startup, and have it write a draft of your application.

1. aws Creative Impact

  • Funding Amount: Up to €200,000 non-repayable grant, covering 50-70% of eligible project costs.
  • Eligibility: Startups and small businesses developing innovative products or services.
  • Benefits: Covers salaries, material costs, subcontractor fees, and overheads.
  • Application Deadline: Rolling basis.
  • Official Website: aws Creative Impact

2. aws Growth Investment

  • Funding Amount: €300,000 to €400,000 non-repayable grant.
  • Eligibility: Startups focusing on strengthening market position through innovation.
  • Benefits: Funds machinery, prototypes, and technical equipment.
  • Application Deadline: Rolling basis.
  • Official Website: aws Growth Investment

3. FFG Impact Innovation

  • Funding Amount: Up to €75,000, covering 50% of project costs.
  • Eligibility: SMEs, startups, and non-profits working on R&D projects.
  • Benefits: Supports the creation of new products, services, or processes.
  • Application Deadline: Rolling basis.
  • Official Website: FFG Impact Innovation

4. Markt.Start

  • Funding Amount: Up to €250,000 as a low-interest loan (0.75% annually).
  • Eligibility: Startups and SMEs with a successful Proof-of-Concept (POC).
  • Benefits: Funds go-to-market strategies and customer acquisition.
  • Application Deadline: Rolling basis.
  • Official Website: Markt.Start

5. aws Preseed

  • Funding Amount: Up to €200,000, covering 100% of POC expenses.
  • Eligibility: Deep tech startups in ICT, Life Sciences, Physical Sciences, or Green Tech.
  • Benefits: Supports market research, feasibility studies, and product development.
  • Application Deadline: Rolling basis.
  • Official Website: aws Preseed

6. aws Seedfinancing

  • Funding Amount: Up to €800,000 repayable grant.
  • Eligibility: Deep tech startups with fewer than 50 employees and less than €10 million in annual sales.
  • Benefits: Bridges the financing gap for product development and market entry.
  • Application Deadline: Rolling basis.
  • Official Website: aws Seedfinancing

7. FFG Start-up Funding

  • Funding Amount: Up to 70% of total project costs as a soft loan.
  • Eligibility: Startups and SMEs in any sector.
  • Benefits: Repayment starts 5 years after project completion.
  • Application Deadline: Rolling basis.
  • Official Website: FFG Start-up Funding

8. Startup Grant by Vienna Business Agency

  • Funding Amount: €8,000 per person (up to 3 people).
  • Eligibility: Individuals with a startup idea, not currently self-employed, and residing in Vienna.
  • Benefits: Includes coaching, consultation, and networking services.
  • Application Deadline: January 1 to February 28, 2025.
  • Official Website: Startup Grant

9. Innovation Funding by Vienna Business Agency

  • Funding Amount: Up to €300,000, covering 45% of costs for small businesses and 35% for medium-sized enterprises.
  • Eligibility: SMEs and startups developing innovative products or technologies.
  • Benefits: Funds personnel costs, external services, and prototype construction.
  • Application Deadline: March 31, June 30, September 30, December 31, 2025.
  • Official Website: Innovation Funding

10. EIC Accelerator

  • Funding Amount: Grants up to €2.5 million and equity investments up to €10 million.
  • Eligibility: Startups and SMEs with innovative products or services.
  • Benefits: Supports high-risk innovations with market disruption potential.
  • Application Deadline: Full application deadlines on March 12, 2025, and October 1, 2025.
  • Official Website: EIC Accelerator
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Conclusion
Austria’s government grants for startups in 2025 provide a robust framework for innovation and growth.

From equity-free funding to low-interest loans, these programs cater to a wide range of industries and project sizes.

Startups are encouraged to explore these opportunities to accelerate their growth and contribute to Austria’s thriving innovation ecosystem.
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2025-01-14 07:36 Top in 2025