aws Innovation Protection

aws Innovation Protection — Key Technologies

Provides grants covering innovation-protection strategy development and implementation for Austrian companies.

aws Innovation Protection is a grant-plus-coaching programme operated by Austria Wirtschaftsservice Gesellschaft mbH (aws), the 100%-state-owned promotional bank of the Austrian federal government supervised by the Federal Ministry of Economy, Energy and Tourism and the Federal Ministry of Innovation, Mobility and Infrastructure. The programme funds the development and implementation of a company-specific innovation-protection strategy, covering intellectual property advisory work, patent filings, trademark registrations, and freedom-to-operate analyses. It was formerly known as aws Patent Funding (aws Patentförderung) and has been broadened and rebranded to reflect the wider IP-strategy scope.

Eligible costs range from €20,000 to €150,000 per project, and the grant covers 50–80% of those costs depending on which module applies — implying a maximum non-repayable award of up to €120,000. The remaining 20–50% is co-funded by the applicant from their own resources. Only Austrian-registered companies are eligible; sole traders and natural persons are excluded. Of the three modules, only the Key Technologies module is currently accepting new submissions (open since 12 August 2025); the Implementation and AI Knowledge sub-modules are closed to new applications. The introductory discover.IP service and free informational appointments are available year-round on a first-come-first-served basis.

Applications are submitted directly through aws.at. The Key Technologies module has an open, rolling submission window with no fixed deadline published, meaning companies can apply when their IP-strategy project is ready. Sectors with a green-technology or deep-tech dimension receive particular emphasis, though all industries are eligible for the Key Technologies track. Applicants typically engage an aws-approved IP consultant to scope eligible costs before submission, and the coaching component is bundled into the grant package rather than charged separately.