GeneralJanuary 19, 2026
FFG Kleinprojekt 2026: Up to 88,500 Euros in Grants for Innovative Developments
The FFG Kleinprojekt funding offers startups and SMEs in 2026 a low-barrier entry into research funding - fast, flexible, and open to all topics.
The first months of founding a company are often the hardest. These three early-phase funding programmes provide money, advice, and hands-on support in 2026.
In a Nutshell
- AMS Startup Programme: Continued unemployment benefits during the founding phase
- Vienna Founding Scholarship: €8,000 per person plus coaching and incubator access
- FFG Projekt.Start: Up to €6,000 for preparing an R&D project
The first months of founding a company are often the hardest. Ideas need to be tested, business models refined, and first steps financed. Fortunately, Austria offers targeted early-phase funding programmes that address exactly these challenges.
In this article, we present three programmes that support the transition into self-employment with money, advice, and hands-on help in implementing a business idea.
The Austrian Public Employment Service (AMS) offers the Startup Programme as comprehensive support for people who are currently unemployed and have a well-founded business idea.
| Feature | Info |
|---|---|
| Target group | Unemployed persons with a concrete business idea and professional qualifications |
| Duration | Typically 6 months |
| Financial support | Continued payment of unemployment benefits during the programme |
More information: AMS Startup Programme
The Founding Scholarship is ideal for people in Vienna with an innovative, scalable business idea who are not currently self-employed. It offers not just money but also coaching, access to networks, and support through the Founders Lab incubator.
| Feature | Info |
|---|---|
| Target group | Individuals (max. 3) with innovative ideas, residing in Vienna (min. 6 months) |
| Scholarship | €8,000 per person (in 3 instalments) |
| Duration | 6 months |
| Submission deadline | 15 July to 15 September 2026 |
| Requirement | Participation in Founders Lab & mandatory coaching |
More information: Founding Scholarship by Wirtschaftsagentur Wien
The FFG's Projekt.Start programme is aimed at startups and SMEs that want to prepare a future R&D project (e.g. in the Basisprogramm or through aws). The funding serves to analyse potential and carry out initial planning - an ideal entry point into innovation funding.
| Feature | Info |
|---|---|
| Funding | Max. €6,000 (60% of max. €10,000 costs) |
| Target group | SMEs and startups |
| Submission | Continuously possible |
| Duration | Up to 6 months |
| Industries | All technology fields (e.g. digitalisation, climate, environment, energy, circular economy) |
More information: FFG Projekt.Start
In the early phase, targeted funding programmes are often crucial for turning an idea into a viable business model. Whether transitioning from unemployment to self-employment, applying for a scholarship in Vienna, or seeking an entry into innovation funding - there is suitable support for every starting point.
StartMatch helps find the right funding and submit a successful application. More information and a free initial consultation are available at www.startmatch.ai.
The FFG Kleinprojekt funding offers startups and SMEs in 2026 a low-barrier entry into research funding - fast, flexible, and open to all topics.
The FFG Basisprogramm is one of the most important funding instruments in 2026 for companies developing innovative products, processes, or services.
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