FFG Life Sciences: Up to €3 Million for R&D Projects

What to expect in this issue

• Deep Dive - FFG Austrian Life Sciences Programme
• StartMatch News - #glaubandich Challenge
• FörderRadar - New and expiring grants

🤿 Deep Dive: FFG Life Sciences Programme – Up to €3 Million in Funding

In our Deep Dive, we regularly present a financing or funding topic in detail. Today:

Companies researching and developing in the Life Sciences sector should know about the FFG's Austrian Life Sciences Programme. With a total budget of €45 million, the programme funds innovative R&D projects and clinical studies by Austrian companies through the end of 2026.

What Is Being Funded?

The programme is divided into three funding instruments:

1. Industrial Research Projects – up to €1,000,000

Early-stage R&D projects that serve as the basis for innovative products, processes, or services.

2. Experimental Development Projects – up to €3,000,000

Projects aimed at developing market-ready products, processes, or services.

3. Clinical Studies – up to €3,000,000

Interventional Phase I and Phase II studies according to ICH-GCP standards.

Which Topics Are Funded?

• Digitalisation with health aspects – diagnostics, telemedicine, medical devices
• Pharmaceuticals & medical devices – new, effective, safe, and affordable solutions

Who Can Apply & Until When?

Austrian companies of all sizes are eligible to apply. Submissions are accepted on a rolling basis until 18 December 2026 via the FFG's eCall system.

Why Is This Relevant?

For Austrian companies at the intersection of technology and health, this programme offers an attractive opportunity to finance larger R&D projects.

🗞️ StartMatch News: #glaubandich Challenge

We participated in the #glaubandich Challenge by Erste Bank this week.

In the FinTech category, we were one of 8 startups that got to pitch their product. A high-caliber jury then asked critical questions and selected a winner. This time we didn't win, but we still made great new connections and are keeping our fingers crossed for everyone still in the race 🤞

📡 FörderRadar: New and Expiring Grants

Important news about grants in Austria.

These Grants Are Open for Submission

BRIDGE 2026/1 – Grundlagennahe Kooperationsprojekte
Open since 11.03.2026 - Submission deadline 11.06.2026

Praktika für Studentinnen 2026
Open since 09.03.2026 - Submission deadline 08.05.2026

These Grants Are Expiring Soon

Take Off Ausschreibung 2025
Submission deadline only until 11.03.2026

COIN KMU-Innovationsnetzwerke 2025
Submission deadline only until 27.03.2026

Digitale Technologien und digitale Lösungen für den Menschen
Submission deadline only until 14.04.2026

Digitaler Zwilling Österreich 2025
Submission deadline only until 15.04.2026

Best of luck with your projects!

Best regards,
Robert & your StartMatch Team 👋