aws Funding Programs for Startups in Austria: Preseed and Seedfinancing Compared

The aws funding programs Preseed and Seedfinancing support technology- and impact-oriented startups with non-repayable grants. Depending on the development stage and project type, there are suitable models ranging from early ideas to market readiness.

In this article, we show you which grants exist and how much funding you can receive – so you can find out whether one of these programs fits your project.

The funding offer is divided into four variants:

• Preseed targets companies in the early founding phase.
• Seedfinancing supports startups that already show first results and are younger than 5 years.
• Innovative Solutions funds projects with social or ecological impact.
• Deep Tech focuses on technology-intensive projects with high development efforts.

1. Preseed – Innovative Solutions

Objective: Support for innovative business ideas with social impact and high market potential. The focus is on the first Proof of Concept in the pre-founding and early founding phase.

Funding amount: Up to €89,000, or up to €100,000 with Gender Bonus.

Conditions: 80% of eligible costs, 10% own contribution. With Gender Bonus: 90% of eligible costs, 5% own contribution.

Eligible costs: Personnel, third-party, material, and other project-related costs.

Duration: Max. 1 year

Success rate: 10%

2. Seedfinancing – Innovative Solutions

Objective: Support for projects that, after achieving Proof of Concept, aim for market maturity and market entry.

Funding amount: Up to €356,000, or up to €400,000 with Gender Bonus.

Conditions: 80% of eligible costs, 10% own contribution. With Gender Bonus: 90% of eligible costs, 5% own contribution.

Eligible costs: Personnel, third-party, material, and other project-related costs.

Duration: Max. 2 years

Success rate: 10%

3. Preseed – Deep Tech

Objective: Support for deep-tech projects in the pre-founding phase or within 6 months after company incorporation, based on high technological-scientific innovation.

Funding amount: Up to €267,000, or up to €300,000 with Gender Bonus.

Conditions: 80% of eligible costs, 10% own contribution. With Gender Bonus: 90% of eligible costs, 5% own contribution.

Eligible costs: Personnel, third-party, material, and other project-related costs.

Duration: 1 to 2 years

Success rate: 25%

4. Seedfinancing – Deep Tech

Objective: Support for deep-tech projects advancing from prototype development to market readiness.

Funding amount: Up to €889,000, or up to €1,000,000 with Gender Bonus.

Conditions: 80% of eligible costs, 10% own contribution. With Gender Bonus: 90% of eligible costs, 5% own contribution.

Eligible costs: Personnel, third-party, material, and other project-related costs.

Duration: 2 to 5 years

Success rate: 25%