Österreichische Forschungsförderungsgesellschaft (FFG)

What they fund

• Strategic Technology Fields — The FFG funds research and development across specific strategic topics including Advanced Materials, Chips and Electronic Systems, Digitalization, Energy, Research Infrastructure, Advanced Production Technologies and Robotics, and Artificial Intelligence and Data Innovation [1].
• Expanded Sector Coverage — Additional funded topics include Advanced Manufacturing and Robotics, Competitive Enterprises, Environment, Europe and International cooperation, Life Sciences, and general Digitization [2].
• Innovation Projects — The organization provides an overview of funding opportunities, services, and events tailored to these topics, indicating a focus on project-based innovation support [1].
• Success Stories as Proof Points — The website highlights "success stories" to demonstrate the impact and outcomes of funded projects, serving as a key resource for prospective applicants to understand the scope of supported innovation [2].

Investment thesis

The FFG exists to fund applied research, development, and innovation projects that drive the economic transformation of Austria, specifically targeting the twin transitions of digitalisation and sustainability. It acts as the national bridge between research institutions and enterprises, ensuring Austrian companies remain internationally competitive through R&D investment.

• Strategic Agenda: Prioritises climate-relevant projects (64% of funding in 2022) and digitalisation (50% of funding in 2022), alongside mobility and life sciences [1].
• Innovation Support: Compensates for size disadvantages by funding SMEs and startups equally, with a record 103 Mio. Euro invested in startups/scale-ups in 2023 [2].
• International Integration: Facilitates Austrian participation in Horizon Europe, EIC Accelerator, and ESA programmes, leveraging EU/ESA funds to boost national R&D [2].
• Infrastructure: Funds critical digital infrastructure, including broadband expansion, to ensure rural regions are included in the digital economy [1].

Credibility: 2023 annual report showing 4.9 Mrd. Euro total investment volume, with 81% of direct FFG funding going to enterprises [2].

Value add

• Network Access: Provides access to a large network of research institutions, experts, and international partners [3].
• Consultancy: Offers tailored national and international services to support project development and application [3].
• Credibility: FFG funding signals innovation strength, helping companies win talent and attract further investment [1].
• Follow-on Eligibility: Successful projects may qualify for follow-on funding or participation in larger EU programmes [2].

Fit verdict: Ideal for Austrian R&D-driven companies seeking non-dilutive funding for product/process innovation or infrastructure.

Founder diligence script:

• Does my project align with the twin transitions (digital/green) or a specific call theme?
• Do I have a research partner or consortium if required by the call?
• Is my company legally established in Austria and capable of implementing the project there?
• Have I checked the specific call text on ffg.at for eligibility thresholds and deadlines?
• Can I demonstrate the economic or societal impact of my innovation?

Portfolio focus

• Climate-Relevant Projects: 75% of FTI funding in 2023 was invested in climate-relevant projects, totaling 581 Mio. Euro [2].
• Digitalisation: 65% of funding in 2023 went to digitalisation projects, including broadband infrastructure [2].
• Startups/Scale-ups: 103 Mio. Euro invested in 2023, focusing on Deeptech, Greentech, and Life Science [2].
• Space Technology: Increased ESA budget by 30 Mio. Euro, supporting projects like the PRETTY satellite [2].
• Success Stories: Funded projects include Smart Home Energy (SHE), impaQt, UpNano, DemoPlay, Pop*Up, and SocialAI [3].