FFG: New 'Frontrunner' funding strengthens technology and accelerates transformation Initiative to accelerate the application of key technologies
With the realignment of the 'Frontrunner' initiative, the Federal Ministry for Innovation, Mobility and Infrastructure (BMIMI) and the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs, Energy and Tourism (BMWET) are launching another impulse to strengthen Austria's innovation and industrial location. From now on, technology-oriented companies will be supported through a uniform funding scheme that specifically enables contributions to digital and sustainable transformation.
The initiative is aimed at internationally active companies looking to consolidate or expand their technological leadership through ambitious innovation projects.
"Research, technology, and innovation are the driving forces for a sustainably attractive economic location and Austria's competitiveness. However, research isn’t an end in itself; it must aim to develop practical and marketable solutions. This is exactly where the new 'Frontrunner' funding comes in, helping to bring key technologies into application. The range is wide, spanning from mobility to future infrastructure. We are creating an innovation environment that enables bold ideas and brings international pioneering projects from Austria to life," explains Peter Hanke, Federal Minister for Innovation, Mobility and Infrastructure.
"Innovation is the crucial engine for economic dynamism, new jobs, and long-term competitiveness. With the ‘Frontrunner’ funding, we create targeted incentives for companies to invest in technology-driven innovations, thereby strengthening Austria's position in the global market. Those who invest in tomorrow's key technologies today secure the prosperity of the day after tomorrow. We are setting a strong signal: Austria stands for innovative strength, entrepreneurial progress, and a forward-looking economic location," emphasizes Wolfgang Hattmannsdorfer, Federal Minister for Economic Affairs, Energy and Tourism.
"With the new 'Frontrunner' format, we promote courageous companies whose projects make a real difference - for their industry, for the location, and for technological progress. A strong thematic expansion and special funding conditions make the programme particularly attractive," say Henrietta Egerth and Karin Tausz, directors of the Austrian Research Promotion Agency FFG.
Uniform funding format, clear access
The previously separate initiatives 'Green Frontrunner' and 'Transformative Frontrunner' have been consolidated into a single funding format. This eliminates duplicate structures, making access clearer and simpler for companies.
More flexibility, higher funding rates
In addition to thematic expansion, the new format offers attractive funding conditions: Increased cash value of funding and extended project duration of up to three years create planning certainty and enable the implementation of larger and more risky innovation projects.
Three target groups in focus
The new 'Frontrunner' funding addresses three key groups:
- Market leaders who want to secure their technological lead
- Companies looking to tap into new market segments
- Businesses aiming to become technology leaders in their field
By doing so, Austria supports not just established key figures, but also actively promotes the rise of new innovation leaders.