Complete Guide 2026
AI Funding Austria 2026 —
The Complete Guide
Austrian SMEs leave millions in AI and digitalisation funding unclaimed every year — not because it does not exist, but because the landscape is complex. This guide covers every relevant programme, eligibility criteria, and how to apply.
The funding gap
Why Austrian SMEs leave funding on the table.
Austrian federal and regional funding for AI and digitalisation is substantial — but most small businesses never apply. The two most common reasons: they do not know the programmes exist, or they find the application process too complex to navigate without dedicated support.
A typical SME AI project — a potential analysis, an automation implementation, or an AI strategy — can receive 30–80% in subsidies. That means a €3,000 consulting project becomes a net cost of €600–2,100. This guide removes both barriers: awareness and complexity.
Key programmes at a glance
AWS Digitalisierungsprämie
Micro & small enterprises
KMU.DIGITAL
SMEs up to 250 employees
SFG Steiermark
Styrian businesses
FFG Basisprogramm
R&D / innovation projects
WKÖ DigiCheck
All Austrian businesses
Programme 1
AWS Digitalisierungsprämie
The AWS Digitalisierungsprämie (Austria Wirtschaftsservice) is the most accessible federal digitalisation funding for micro and small businesses. It covers investments in digital infrastructure, software, and — increasingly — AI-powered tools and automation.
The programme operates as a non-repayable grant — not a loan. Eligible costs include software licences, implementation consulting, training, and hardware directly tied to a digitalisation project. The maximum grant is €3,000 per project, with a subsidy rate of up to 30% of eligible costs.
Eligibility criteria
- Micro or small enterprise (under 50 employees, under €10M turnover)
- Registered and operating in Austria
- Project start after application submission
- Minimum eligible project cost: approx. €1,000
- No outstanding tax or social insurance arrears
Max. funding
€3.000
non-repayable grant
Subsidy rate
30%
of eligible costs
Processing time
4–8W
weeks approx.
Programme 2
KMU.DIGITAL
KMU.DIGITAL is the flagship digitalisation funding programme of the Austrian Federal Ministry for Digital and Economic Affairs. It provides subsidies of 30–80% for consulting, analysis, and implementation — including AI strategy, automation, and software integration.
The programme has two levels: Level 1 (Basisanalyse) covers a structured digitalisation status review — up to €2,000, 80% subsidy. Level 2 (Umsetzungsprojekte) covers implementation projects — up to €8,000, 30–50% subsidy. For most KI-consulting engagements, both levels are applicable.
What is covered
- Level 1: Digitalisation status analysis (external consulting)
- Level 2: AI strategy consulting and roadmap development
- Level 2: Software implementation and integration costs
- Level 2: Employee training related to digital tools
- Level 2: Data management and process automation
Important: Partner consultants
KMU.DIGITAL requires that consulting services are provided by a registered KMU.DIGITAL partner consultant. We are in the process of registering as a partner — ask us about the current status in your initial consultation.
Max. funding (L2)
€8.000
non-repayable grant
Subsidy rate
30–80%
L1: 80% · L2: 30–50%
Target group
Up to 250 employees
Austrian SMEs
Programme 3 — Styria-specific
SFG — Steirische Wirtschaftsförderung
The SFG (Steirische Wirtschaftsförderungsgesellschaft) is the Styrian regional development agency and provides a range of funding instruments specifically for Styrian businesses. For AI and digitalisation projects, the most relevant programmes are SFG Betriebsansiedelung & Expansion (for investment projects) and the SFG Digitalbonus.
Unlike federal programmes, SFG funding is applied for directly through the SFG and is subject to Styrian state budget. The application requires a project description, cost plan, and business presentation. We recommend contacting SFG early and ideally attending a free initial advisory session.
Contact & application
SFG — key facts
Target group
Styrian businesses of all sizes
Focus areas
Digitalisation, innovation, investment, exports
Funding type
Grants, low-interest loans, equity
AI projects
Covered under digitalisation and innovation programmes
Combinability
Often combinable with AWS and KMU.DIGITAL (check individual case)
First step
Free initial advisory session at SFG
Programme 4 — R&D / Innovation
FFG Basisprogramm
The FFG (Österreichische Forschungsförderungsgesellschaft) Basisprogramm is the right choice if your AI project involves research and development — not just the adoption of existing tools. If you are developing custom AI models, novel automation approaches, or data science applications, the FFG offers substantially higher funding amounts.
Minimum project cost for FFG applications is typically €50,000+. The application process is more involved than AWS or KMU.DIGITAL — a project plan, technical description, and economic impact analysis are required. However, subsidy rates of 25–55% on costs that can run into hundreds of thousands make the effort worthwhile for the right projects.
FFG funding is relevant for: custom machine learning model development, proprietary AI-based product development, AI integration in a manufacturing or industrial context, and data science research for business intelligence.
FFG Basisprogramm — key facts
Funding amount
From €50,000 (no upper limit)
Subsidy rate
25–55% of eligible costs
Application window
Rolling (year-round submissions)
Complexity
High — dedicated project officer assigned
Best for
Custom AI development, R&D-heavy AI projects
Website
ffg.at/basisprogramm
Programme 5 — Free first step
WKÖ DigiCheck — free digital audit
The WKÖ (Wirtschaftskammer Österreich) offers a free DigiCheck to every Austrian business — regardless of size, sector, or location. The DigiCheck is a structured advisory session (typically 1–2 hours) that assesses your current digital maturity across several dimensions and identifies which funding programmes are applicable to your situation.
The WKÖ DigiCheck is an ideal first step before applying for KMU.DIGITAL Level 1. In many cases, the DigiCheck consultant can refer you directly to the KMU.DIGITAL programme and support your application. It is available through every WKÖ regional chamber — in Graz, through WKO Steiermark.
What the DigiCheck covers
- Current digital maturity assessment (structured questionnaire)
- Identification of your highest-impact digitalisation opportunities
- Overview of applicable funding programmes for your company
- Referral to KMU.DIGITAL certified consultants
- Written summary of findings (in some regions)
- Available in Graz via WKO Steiermark — free of charge
Quick reference
How much funding could my project get?
Indicative amounts — actual eligibility depends on project scope, company size, and annual turnover.
| Project type | Typical cost | Best programme | Indicative funding |
|---|---|---|---|
| Digitalisation status check (DigiCheck) | Free | WKÖ DigiCheck | Free |
| AI potential analysis (consulting) | €890 | KMU.DIGITAL L1 | up to €712 (80%) |
| AI strategy & roadmap (consulting) | €1,490 | KMU.DIGITAL L2 | up to €745 (50%) |
| Software implementation / automation | €3,000–10,000 | AWS + KMU.DIGITAL L2 | up to €3,000–8,000 |
| AI integration (custom dev + consulting) | €5,000–20,000 | KMU.DIGITAL L2 + SFG | up to €4,000–8,000+ |
| Custom AI model development (R&D) | €50,000+ | FFG Basisprogramm | 25–55% of eligible costs |
* Amounts are indicative. Actual funding depends on company size, annual turnover, prior de minimis usage, and project-specific criteria. Always verify current programme conditions at aws.at, kmudigital.at, and sfg.at.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions about AI funding in Austria.
Can I apply for multiple funding programmes at the same time?
Yes, in many cases cumulation is possible — but not unlimited. AWS and KMU.DIGITAL are subject to the de minimis regulation (max. €300,000 in 3 years). SFG funding can often be combined with federal programmes, as long as the total subsidy rate does not exceed the permitted maximum. We review your specific combination in the initial consultation.
Do I need to apply before the project starts?
For almost all programmes: the funding application must be submitted before the project begins (contract conclusion, invoicing). Retroactive funding is generally not granted. Exception: WKÖ DigiCheck can be applied for at any time, as it is a free advisory service.
What counts as an "AI project" for funding purposes?
For most Austrian funding bodies, "AI" also covers broader digitalisation measures: introduction of cloud software, process automation, data analysis tools, and concrete AI solutions (ChatGPT integration, machine learning, NLP). Pure hardware purchases without a software component are usually excluded. The exact demarcation is clarified during the application process.
How long does the funding process take?
This varies considerably by programme. AWS Digitalisierungsprämie: 4–8 weeks. KMU.DIGITAL: 4–10 weeks. SFG: 6–12 weeks. FFG Basisprogramm: 8–16 weeks (more complex application). Plan this lead time into your project planning. We support you with the application to avoid supplementary requests.
Can I get funding for external consulting costs (e.g. AI consulting)?
Yes — consulting services related to AI and digitalisation are eligible under KMU.DIGITAL, SFG, and partly also AWS. This includes consulting fees for AI strategy development, potential analyses, and implementation support. At KMU.DIGITAL level 1, consulting services are exclusively what is funded.
Related
KI-Readiness Assessment
Before applying for funding, find out which level of AI maturity your business is at — and which service is the right fit.
Take the free quizRelated
AI Consulting Graz
Local AI consulting that includes a funding eligibility check — so you know from the start how much subsidy your project could receive.
View AI consulting