aws and FFG: Rodmap to fund your Startup in austria

aws vs. FFG: Which Austrian Funding Institution is Right for Your Startup?

Austria offers one of the most startup-friendly public funding landscapes in Europe — thanks in large part to two key institutions:

• The Austria Wirtschaftsservice (aws): Austria’s federal development and financing bank
• The Österreichische Forschungsförderungsgesellschaft (FFG): The national agency for research and innovation funding

Both offer non-dilutive funding in the form of grants, loans, guarantees, and other financial instruments. But they differ in focus, process, timing, and the type of innovation they support.

This guide will help you understand the key differences, similarities, and how to decide which one fits best for your current stage, project type, and startup strategy.

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🚩 The Core Difference: Market vs. Research Orientation

TL;DR:

• If you have a business-ready solution and are focused on execution and market growth, aws is likely the better fit.
• If you’re developing core technology with a strong R&D component, the FFG is probably your go-to.

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🧪 FFG in Depth: Research-Driven Tech Development

The FFG is ideal for companies working on scientific and technological innovation that requires R&D effort — including deep tech, biotech, engineering, AI research, materials science, etc.

Key Programs:

• Projekt.Start: €10k to prepare a future FFG project
• Basisprogramm: Non-competitive, flexible R&D grant (up to 60%)
• Life Science Calls: Competitive grants for biotech/medtech
• Eurostars / Eureka / Horizon Europe: For international collaboration
• COMET / Bridge / TALENTE: For academic collaboration or long-term R&D

Ideal For:

• Teams building new IP or platforms
• Tech validation in labs or relevant environments
• Collaborative research (e.g., with universities)
• Innovations with long development cycles

Strengths:

• High grant rates (up to 70% in some calls)
• International cooperation mechanisms
• Non-dilutive capital to extend technical runway

Considerations:

• Often complex applications (technical + scientific)
• Requires TRL clarity and documentation
• Less focused on go-to-market and traction

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🚀 aws in Depth: Business-Driven Innovation and Scale-Up Support

The Austria Wirtschaftsservice (aws) is the federal development bank — focusing on commercialization, startup growth, and funding readiness.

Key Programs:

• Preseed: Up to €200k for very early-stage deep tech ideas
• Seedfinancing: Up to €800k for startups with product/market potential
• Disruptive Technologies / Green Transition / Digital Innovation Calls
• IP Start / IP Bonus / Patent Grant: For strategic IP development
• aws Guarantees: Risk-sharing with banks for working capital
• aws Gründerfonds: Direct equity co-investment

Ideal For:

• Startups with a first product or MVP
• Companies preparing for Series A / internationalization
• Ventures with clear market traction or pilot use cases
• Technology-backed business models with high scalability

Strengths:

• Focus on execution, business model, and go-to-market
• Often lighter applications than FFG (especially Preseed/Seed)
• IP and growth capital support (not just grants)
• High alignment with investor logic and private co-financing

Considerations:

• Funding decisions are highly dependent on team and traction
• Lower focus on early-stage technical development
• Most programs are milestone-based and result-driven

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🧭 Decision Guide: FFG vs. aws — What's Right for You?

Ask yourself the following questions:

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🔄 Combined Strategy: aws + FFG as a Funding Stack

Many successful startups in Austria use both institutions — but in the right sequence.

A typical path:

1. Projekt.Start (FFG) to prepare an R&D application
2. Basisprogramm (FFG) to fund prototype & validation
3. Preseed (aws) to fund market analysis or MVP
4. Seedfinancing (aws) to support go-to-market and growth
5. FFG or aws calls (depending on roadmap, sector, and TRL)

The key is to understand where you are today, and build a modular funding strategy that fits your product, market, and team stage.

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✅ Want to Know What Fits Your Startup?

Start for a free 60 seconds Fundability Check and get:

• A clear assessment of your startup’s current TRL and funding readiness
• A tailored recommendation: FFG, aws, or hybrid funding stack
• Insights on how to structure your roadmap and pitch to win grants

👉 Or just talk to me about your funding

Don’t waste time on the wrong program. Let’s find the right one — and get your funding strategy on track.