Funding opportunities in Upper Austria: Get digitization & AI projects funded in 2025

Digitalization is a decisive factor for corporate success. But technological innovations — in particular Artificial intelligence (AI) — require investments. Fortunately, there are various funding programs in Upper Austria in 2025, which financially support companies with digitization projects.

This article gives a Overview of all relevant funding opportunities in Upper Austria, is particularly effective AI-specific funding and shows how companies can successfully have their projects funded.

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What digitization funding is there in Upper Austria in 2025?

In 2025, Upper Austria offers several funding programs to support digitization projects. The following are particularly supported:

• Automation & process digitization
• Artificial intelligence & data analysis
• IT security & cybersecurity
• Digital business models & innovations
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AI funding in Upper Austria: These programs support AI projects

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1. Digital Plus 2025 — AI funding for SMEs

The funding program Digital Plus 2025 (formerly “Digital Starter”) supports companies in Upper Austria in implementing AI and digitization projects.

• Funding rate: Up to 40% the eligible costs
• Maximum funding: 8,000€
• Minimum project costs: 10,000€
• Special conditions: At least 20% of the costs must be spent on consulting or IT services be intended

What is being funded?

• Automate with AI (e.g. chatbots, machine learning, intelligent process optimization)
• Data analysis & AI-powered decision making
• Cybersecurity with AI (e.g. intelligent attack detection, automated IT security)

Who can submit the application?

• Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) based in Upper Austria
• Digital projects with clearly identifiable added value for the company

How does the application process work?

1. Define project & calculate costs
2. Submit an online application via the WKO platform
3. Review by the funding agency
4. After approval: Implement a project & submit invoices
5. Get funding

📌 Application deadline: takeoff from January 15, 2025 — submit quickly as funding is limited!

2nd FFG basic program — funding for AI research & development

The Austrian Research Promotion Agency (FFG) supports Research and innovation projects with a focus on AI.

• Funding rate: The funding usually amounts to 50% of the project costs - for startups (already in the start-up phase) up to a maximum of 70%.
• No fixed limit — depending on project scope
• Eligible for funding are:
  • AI research & development (e.g. new algorithms, machine learning models)
  • Pilot projects & prototypes with artificial intelligence
  • Collaborations between companies & universities

📌 Submission: Possible all year round, but early planning is required!

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3. AWS digitization — grants for AI projects

Die Austria Wirtschaftsservice GmbH (AWS) 2025 offers targeted funding programs for digital innovations.

• Funding rate & amount: Variable depending on project scope
• Eligible for funding are:
  • AI-powered automation
  • Intelligent data analysis & predictive analytics
  • Digital business models with an AI component

📌 Good to know: The AWS also provides Low-interest loans for AI investments.

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What funding is available for other digitization projects?

In addition to special AI funding, there are other programs for digitization projects in Upper Austria.

1. ERDF funding (EU funding program for innovation)

• Funding rate: Up to 50%
• Focus: Regional innovation funding, often also for AI applications
• Eligible for funding: Companies & research institutions

2. Other regional programs & special funding

• Business Upper Austria offers topic-specific funding, for example for Industry 4.0 and smart manufacturing.
• Some banks offer special digitization loans with favorable conditions.

Companies should Check exactly which funding is best suited to your project and submit an application in good time.

Conclusion: Use AI funding in Upper Austria now!

Digitalization is happening in Upper Austria heavily promoted — AI projects in particular benefit from attractive subsidies.

Companies should not hesitate, but should Provide early information about funding opportunities and prepare applications.

• Digital Plus 2025 offers up to 8,000€ funding for AI & digitization projects
• FFG & AWS support innovative AI research & applications
• EU funding programs offer additional opportunities for AI innovations

Who his Plan AI projects professionally and use funding, can not only save costs, but also secure long-term competitive advantages.