Austrian Research Promotion Agency (FFG) logo
Austrian Research Promotion Agency (FFG)

FFG Frontrunner

Funds Austrian start-ups and scale-ups building transformative innovation with Frontrunner-style support.

FFG Frontrunner 2026 is part of the Austrian Research Promotion Agency's Transformation Initiative, targeting SMEs—particularly scaleups—that are on their way to becoming established technological and innovation leaders, as well as companies already recognised as Frontrunners. The programme funds experimental development projects (TRL 5–8) that contribute to the sustainable and/or digital transfor…

Internationally oriented R&D in experimental development (TRL 5–8) contributing to the sustainable and/or digital transformation of the economy. Open to all topics within that scope.

CycleiHow often this grant runs - e.g. annually, on a rolling basis, or a one-off call.Rolling
Next deadlineiThe next date applications are due. Rolling means you can apply any time.Rolling
Decision timeiTypical time from the deadline to the funder's decision.-
Project durationiHow long the funded work is expected to run.-
Award typeiThe form of funding - grant, equity, loan, tax credit, etc.Grant
Match fundingiThe share of project costs you must cover yourself. 0% = fully funded.55%
Funding pooliThe total budget available across all awards in this round.-

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Guides for this application

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European Commission logo
Scheduled

Rethinking sustainable competitiveness beyond traditional perspectives: role and contribution of the Social Economy

🇪🇺European Commission · European Union

Funds research measuring how cooperatives, mutuals and social enterprises contribute to the EU's sustainable competitiveness.

€3M – €4MSep'27
European Commission logo
Scheduled

Consolidation of the research infrastructure landscape – development of complementarities, synergies and/or integration between a set of pan-European research infrastructures

🇪🇺European Commission · European Union

Funds complementary services, synergies and integration across Europe’s major research infrastructures.

€2M – €5MJun'27
European Commission logo
Scheduled

Consolidation of the research infrastructure landscape – individual support for evolution, long-term sustainability and emerging needs of pan-European research infrastructures

🇪🇺European Commission · European Union

Funds individual support to a single ESFRI Landmark or European Research Infrastructure Consortium to strengthen, evolve or sustain a pan-European research infrastructure.

€3M – €4.5MJun'27
European Commission logo
Scheduled

Pillar II: Talent ecosystems for attractive early research careers

🇪🇺European Commission · European Union

Funds cross-sector consortia building 'talent ecosystems' that connect researcher training with employer needs to make early research careers more attractive.

€2M – €4MMar'27
European Commission logo
Scheduled

The effective use of artificial intelligence in learning environments in pre-primary and primary education

🇪🇺European Commission · European Union

Funds long-term studies on how AI tools affect learning outcomes and wellbeing in pre-primary and primary schools.

€3M – €4MSep'27
European Commission logo
Scheduled

Persons with disabilities: opportunities for labour inclusion and social protection through the life course

🇪🇺European Commission · European Union

Funds research on closing the employment gap and fixing social-protection benefit traps for people with disabilities.

€3M – €4MSep'27