aws Seedfinancing - Innovative Solutions

aws Seedfinancing - Innovative Solutions is a funding program by Austria Wirtschaftsservice (aws) that supports innovative, impact-oriented start-up projects across all industries except deep tech. The program targets already established independent micro and small enterprises (partnerships or corporations) within five years of incorporation that have developed an existing proof of concept and first prototypes, aiming to achieve market maturity and launch. Successful applicants receive a non-repayable grant covering up to 80% of eligible costs up to EUR 356,000, which can increase to 90% and up to EUR 400,000 under a gender bonus if women collectively hold more than 25% of company shares. The funding is disbursed in milestone-based tranches over a two-year project term, complemented by IP coaching, innovation protection consulting, and access to subsequent funding networks.

Applications must be submitted online via the aws Fördermanager platform. Submissions undergo a formal and content evaluation followed by a presentation before an expert jury.