PIPELINEGuide
KMU.DIGITAL and aws: getting digitalization funded in Austria
Several funding programs exist in Austria for digitalization projects. The terms change regularly — current details belong on the funding agencies' websites, not in a fixed text.
Several funding programs exist in Austria for digitalization projects — such as KMU.DIGITAL or aws digitalization funding, plus regional funding in several provinces. Whether one is currently open and suitable can be found at kmudigital.at and aws.at. One rule applies to all: the application must be submitted and approved before the contract is awarded. Anyone who contracts first and then wants funding gets nothing. Plan several weeks from application to approval.
01
The mistake that costs everything
The application must be submitted and approved before the contract is awarded. Anyone who contracts first and then wants funding gets nothing. This is the most important rule and applies regardless of the chosen funding program.
02
SME.DIGITAL
The program for small and medium-sized businesses, run by the Austrian Economic Chamber. Current funding rates, limits, and whether the budget for the current funding period is still open: kmudigital.at.
03
aws digitalization funding
Austria Wirtschaftsservice programs for larger digitalization and AI projects. Which funding program fits, what deadlines apply, and how high the subsidy currently is: aws.at.
04
Regional funding
Additionally, several provinces have their own digitalization programs, some combinable, some not. Information is available from the respective regional funding agencies and Economic Chamber regional organizations.
05
Realistic lead time
Plan several weeks from application to approval. Anyone wanting to start in fall should apply in summer. Funding is a planning matter, not an afterthought.
06
What the application specifically requires
A brief project description, a cost estimate, and an assessment of expected benefits are usually sufficient for the application — a finished quote from the implementation partner is helpful, but the details are only finalized after approval. The binding checklist for each funding program is on the respective funding agency's website.
Questions
Frequently asked questions
Is the application effort worth it?
That depends on the project and the current funding amount — we'll assess it together with you based on the specific case, rather than stating a blanket figure here.
Can we use the funding for ongoing costs?
Usually not. As a rule, project costs are funded — consulting, planning, implementation. Whether ongoing costs count in exceptional cases is governed by the current funding guidelines of the respective agency.
Does the provider need to be certified?
That depends on the chosen program and is specified in its current guidelines (kmudigital.at, aws.at). This should be clarified before selecting a provider, not after.
Next step
We'll look at your starting position.
Tell us what's eating up time today. That becomes an assessment with effort and benefit — and only then an offer.