How do I find out whether my development proposal is eligible for funding?

Your funding expert can tell you whether your development proposal meets the formal funding requirements during a consultation. Matthias Heilbrunner and Edina Elezi provide consultations on Innovation Funding.

What's the procedure for obtaining Innovation Funding?

To receive funding, you will need to submit a funding application. Consult with your funding expert to get the information you need, submit your application online, and – this is important – don't make any investments until after you've submitted a complete application. This is because Vienna Business Agency only provides funding to projects that start after submission of the application.

Who is eligible for Innovation Funding?

Innovation Funding is available to existing small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) from all business sectors and founders in Vienna.

Innovation Funding can be used to help cover personnel costs, costs for consultation and development work, for the acquisition of necessary hardware and software, machines, devices, installations, and licenses, for example. We fund development proposals that clearly do not form part of the regular daily business operations. Make the cost calculation for your development proposal as detailed as possible.

When will I find out whether my innovation proposal will be funded?

The decision is made by a jury based on well-defined assessment criteria. Generally, it takes around three months to find out whether your development proposal will receive funding.

What is the maximum amount of Innovation Funding that I can receive?

You can be awarded a maximum of 300,000 euros per development proposal. Ask your funding expert about the funding details before you submit your application.

What minimum value must my innovation proposal have to qualify for funding?

Your project must be worth at least 30,000 euros to qualify for Innovation Funding.

What is a funding rate?

The funding rate is the percentage of a development proposal's eligible costs that will be funded. The funding rate varies depending on the type of funding. To give you an example: If the funding rate is 45% and we recognise 100,000 as your project costs, the Vienna Business Agency will pay 45,000 euros. The maximum funding rate for Innovation Funding is 45%.

Where do I submit my application for Innovation Funding?

You can submit your funding application via our online portal – it's convenient and always available. To do so, you must register on our website and create a profile. In your profile, select "My submissions" and "Submit now". Funding accounts will also be settled via our online system.

What documents do I need to apply for Innovation Funding?

You are required to submit a duly completed funding application along with an application confirmation certifying that the information you have provided is true and accurate. Our online system automatically generates this application confirmation as soon as you have finished completing the application form. You will also be required to provide a de minimis declaration, your latest financial statements, and/or an income statement.

What is a partnership application, and can it be submitted for Innovation Fund?

Yes, partnership applications are possible. In case of a partnership submission, two companies or organisations submit a joint funding application. The lead company submitting the application is responsible for allocating the respective share of the funding amount granted to its partners.

Innovation Funding

Are you looking to develop a new product in your company or roll out a new technology? We provide Innovation Funding to assist small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in all business sectors in developing innovative products, technologies, and services. Get in touch with our team to book a cost-free consultation.

What is funded?

Innovation Funding is provided to help cover personnel costs for the development and implementation of innovative solutions, consulting and development costs, patent costs, investments for required machines and equipment, as well as costs for intellectual property rights and licenses. We also provide funding for structural modifications or materials for the construction of prototypes.

Facts about Innovation Funding

Maximum funding amount:	300,000 euros per development proposal
Funding rate:	45% for small businesses, 35% for medium-sized enterprises
Minimum project value:	30,000 euros
Who is eligible?	Existing small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), as well as companies in the process of being founded. Universities, universities of Applied Sciences, assosciations and independent research institutes or institutes in the field of education and social work can be project partners.
Bonus:	Women's bonus: 10,000 euros. Startup bonus: 5,000 euros. The women's bonus is awarded if your development proposal is managed by a woman with the necessary qualifications. If a new company is founded as part of the development proposal, we'll also pay a startup bonus.
Business sectors:	All business sectors.
Eligible costs:	Costs for personnel and external services, for the acquisition of necessary hardware, digital communication systems, machines, devices, installations, and systems as well as software and licenses, and non-personnel and material costs.
Upfront payment:	Up to a maximum of 50% of the approved funding amount can be paid up front. Don't forget your biannual progress report on your development proposal.
Maximum project duration:	2 years
Assessment:	An independent jury will assess your submission and provide a recommendation for your development proposal's funding.
Documents for your submission to receive Innovation Funding:	You will need a duly completed funding application and an application confirmation. You will also be required to provide a de minimis declaration, your latest financial statements, and/or an income statement.
Legal basis under European state aid law:	GBER Articles 22, 25, 28, 29 and de-minimis
Submission deadlines:	31 March, 30 June, 30 September, 31 December 2025