FFG Kleinprojekt Funding: Up to €90,000 Grant for Innovative Developments
Do you want to develop a new product, process, or service, but are still at the early stage? Then the FFG Kleinprojekt funding is an exciting opportunity to realize your innovation project with public funding—quickly, flexibly, and without thematic restrictions.
Especially for startups, small businesses, or young founding teams, this funding program offers a low-threshold entry into research funding. Here, you’ll learn how the funding works, which costs are covered, and what to keep in mind when applying.
What is the FFG Kleinprojekt?
The Kleinprojekt within the framework of the FFG Basisprogramm supports small development projects with high innovation potential. The focus is on so-called experimental development, i.e., the phase between an idea and a functional prototype.
The content is open to all topics. Projects in almost all technology fields are eligible, for example:
- Digitalization
- Environmental and energy technologies
- Sustainability and circular economy
- Mobility
- Materials development
- AI, robotics, MedTech, and more
Who can apply?
The program is aimed at:
- Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs)
- Companies in the founding phase
- Startups
Collaboration with research institutions is possible, but not mandatory.
Funding details at a glance
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Funding amount | Up to €90,000 as a non-repayable grant |
| Funding rate | 45% for small enterprises35% for medium enterprisesUp to 60% for research cooperation |
| Duration | 12 to 18 months |
| Submission | Ongoing via the FFG eCall system |
| Board meetings | 7 per year – important to note deadlines! |
What is funded?
All experimental development steps are eligible, for example:
- Concept and feasibility studies
- Development and testing of prototypes
- Preparation for market readiness
- Innovations beyond the current state of the art
Which costs are eligible?
The Kleinprojekt can fund:
- Personnel costs for in-house staff
- Use of R&D infrastructure (e.g., labs, test systems)
- Material and equipment costs
- Travel costs related to the project
- Third-party costs, e.g., external development partners or services
Why is this funding particularly attractive?
For startups and small businesses, the Kleinprojekt offers:
- Low entry barriers: No consortium required, no thematic limitation
- High funding rate: Up to 60% grant
- Short project duration: Ideal for agile projects
Especially for companies working with the FFG for the first time, the Kleinprojekt is an ideal entry point into the funding landscape.
What should you consider when applying?
Even though the funding is low-threshold, you still need a clear project plan with:
- A concrete goal
- A realistic time and resource plan
- A demonstrable degree of innovation
- Economic exploitation potential
This means: Your project should address a relevant problem for which there is currently no proven solution, and it should be uncertain whether your approach will actually work.
Our conclusion
The FFG Kleinprojekt is the perfect funding program for smaller, high-risk development projects with innovative character. Particularly for startups, the straightforward access and high grant rate are real advantages.
