FFG Basisprogramm 2026: Up to 3 Million Euros for Innovative Development Projects

In a Nutshell

• Up to €3,000,000 in funding as a mix of grants, loans, and guarantees
• Funding rate typically 50%, up to 70% for startups
• Technology-neutral and industry-independent
• Continuous submission via FFG eCall

The Basisprogramm of the Austrian Research Promotion Agency (FFG) is one of the most important funding instruments for companies developing innovative products, processes, or services. The funding is technology-neutral, flexible, and specifically targets startups and companies in the founding phase.

What Is the Basisprogramm?

The FFG Basisprogramm supports experimental development projects with a high degree of innovation and technical uncertainty. The goal is to support companies - regardless of industry or technology field - in implementing research and development.

Funding is provided as a mix of grants and loans, with guarantees for bank loans available for larger projects. Startups benefit from particularly attractive conditions.

Who Can Apply?

• Companies of all sizes based in Austria - from SMEs to large enterprises
• Startups with a concrete innovation and a well-defined solution approach
• Companies in the founding phase

The programme is open to all topics and industries. Startups in a very early idea phase without concrete implementation plans are not eligible. Also excluded are federal government organisations and companies in financial difficulty.

Funding Details at a Glance

What Is Funded?

Funded projects must have:

• a high degree of innovation
• technical development risk
• economic or societal exploitation potential

The goal is the development of new products, processes, or services that surpass the current state of the art and are not yet available on the market.

Typical topic areas:

• Digitalisation and software development
• Environmental and climate protection
• Circular economy
• Life Sciences, MedTech, AI
• Industry 4.0 and new materials

Eligible Costs

The Basisprogramm covers all relevant development costs:

• Personnel costs (e.g. developers, project managers, R&D staff)
• Infrastructure usage (e.g. laboratories, technical facilities)
• Materials and supplies
• Travel costs (e.g. to partners, trade fairs, test sites)
• Third-party costs (e.g. external developers, consultants, studies)

Why Is the Basisprogramm Especially Interesting for Startups?

Startups benefit in multiple ways:

• Flexible repayment: The interest-free loan only needs to be repaid 5 years after project completion.
• High funding rate: Up to 70 percent of project costs can be funded.
• 5 percent bonus: High-tech startups receive an additional grant bonus of 5 percent.
• Technology-neutral: All forward-looking topics are eligible.

Key Submission Criteria

A successful application requires:

• a clear, innovative project objective
• a detailed work and timeline plan
• high technical risk
• a comprehensible exploitation concept
• secured remaining financing

The project should represent a genuine innovation that goes beyond the current state of the art. At the same time, it must be uncertain whether the planned solution is technically feasible - there must be a certain degree of uncertainty regarding its success.

Fazit

For startups working on an innovative idea with a clear implementation plan, the FFG Basisprogramm is an excellent opportunity to receive up to 3 million euros in public funding without giving up company shares.