> ⚠️ **NOT SUITABLE FOR BERLIN-BASED COMPANIES**  
> This program requires **Austrian company/research institution** (Austrian registration).  
> **Requirement**: Company must be Austrian or research institution must be Austrian.  
> See `BERLIN_COMPANY_RECOMMENDATIONS.md` for programs suitable for Berlin-based companies.

---

# FFG - Austrian Research Promotion Agency

## Overview
FFG (Österreichische Forschungsförderungsgesellschaft) is Austria's national funding institution for industry-related research and development, offering various programs including the Eco-Cheque and other innovation funding instruments.

## Managing Body
FFG - Austrian Research Promotion Agency

## Funding Type
Grants for research and development, innovation projects, and collaborative research

## Funding Amount
- Varies by program
- Eco-Cheque 2025: Up to €5,000 for SMEs transitioning to climate-friendly practices
- Larger innovation projects: Varies by call
- Support for SMEs, startups, and research collaborations

## Deadlines
- **STATUS: OPEN** (as of November 2025)
- **Eco-Cheque 2025**: Active program (check website for current deadlines)
- **DIVERSITEC 2025**: Active program (check website for deadlines)
- Multiple programs with varying deadlines
- Continuous intake for some programs
- Check [FFG website](https://www.ffg.at/en) for current deadlines

## Eligibility
- Austrian companies (SMEs and larger firms)
- Research institutions
- Universities and research organizations
- Startups and entrepreneurs
- Must demonstrate innovation and Austrian economic impact

## Thematic Focus
- **Eco-Cheque**: Climate-friendly and environmentally sound business practices
- Circular economy and sustainability
- Innovation across all sectors
- Green technologies
- Collaborative research projects

## Relevance to City Resource Graph
- Eco-Cheque for climate-friendly business transitions
- Innovation funding for circular economy platforms
- Support for sustainable industrial solutions
- Research-industry collaboration grants
- Green technology development funding

## Links
- [FFG Website](https://www.ffg.at/en)
- [Eco-Cheque 2025](https://www.ffg.at/en/ausschreibung/oekoscheck2025)
- [DIVERSITEC 2025](https://www.ffg.at/en/diversitec/ausschreibung)
- [Funding Opportunities](https://www.ffg.at/en/fundings)
- [COIN SME Innovation Networks](https://www.ffg.at/en/call/coin-sme-innovation-networks-2024)

## Application Checklist

### Program Selection (Multiple Options)
- [ ] **Eco-Cheque 2025**: Quick funding (up to €5,000) for climate-friendly transitions
- [ ] **DIVERSITEC 2025**: Diversity and innovation programs
- [ ] **COIN SME Innovation Networks**: Network-based innovation (up to €4M available)
- [ ] Other FFG programs (check website for specific deadlines)

### Pre-Application Requirements (General)
- [ ] Verify Austrian company/research institution eligibility:
  - [ ] Austrian company (SME or larger) OR
  - [ ] Research institution/university OR
  - [ ] Startup/entrepreneur with Austrian connection
- [ ] Confirm project demonstrates innovation and Austrian economic impact
- [ ] Select appropriate FFG program for project type

### Eco-Cheque 2025 Specific Checklist
- [ ] Verify SME status in Austria
- [ ] Confirm project is climate-friendly/environmental transition
- [ ] Check maximum funding: up to €5,000
- [ ] Review [Eco-Cheque 2025](https://www.ffg.at/en/ausschreibung/oekoscheck2025) requirements
- [ ] Prepare quick, simple application (designed to be unbureaucratic)

### Required Documents (varies by program)

#### For Eco-Cheque 2025:
- [ ] Company registration (Austrian SME)
- [ ] Brief project description (climate-friendly transition)
- [ ] Budget breakdown (max €5,000)
- [ ] Proof of SME status

#### For Larger Innovation Projects:
- [ ] Company/research institution registration documents
- [ ] Detailed project description with innovation focus
- [ ] Comprehensive budget breakdown
- [ ] Project timeline and milestones
- [ ] CVs of key team members
- [ ] Partnership agreements (if collaboration)
- [ ] Market analysis and impact assessment
- [ ] Sustainability/circular economy impact description
- [ ] Technical feasibility study

#### For COIN Networks:
- [ ] Network partnership agreements
- [ ] Consortium description
- [ ] Network innovation plan
- [ ] Individual partner contributions

### Application Steps
1. [ ] Visit [FFG website](https://www.ffg.at/en)
2. [ ] Review [funding opportunities](https://www.ffg.at/en/fundings)
3. [ ] Select appropriate program:
   - [ ] [Eco-Cheque 2025](https://www.ffg.at/en/ausschreibung/oekoscheck2025) for quick climate transition
   - [ ] [DIVERSITEC 2025](https://www.ffg.at/en/diversitec/ausschreibung) for diversity innovation
   - [ ] [COIN Networks](https://www.ffg.at/en/call/coin-sme-innovation-networks-2024) for network projects
4. [ ] Check program-specific deadline
5. [ ] Register/login to FFG eCall system
6. [ ] Complete online application form
7. [ ] Upload required documents
8. [ ] Submit before deadline

### Project Alignment Checklist
- [ ] Project demonstrates innovation relevant to selected program
- [ ] Shows Austrian economic/social impact
- [ ] For Eco-Cheque: climate-friendly business practice transition
- [ ] For innovation projects: circular economy/sustainability focus
- [ ] Demonstrates environmental benefits
- [ ] Includes technical innovation component (if applicable)

### Program-Specific Notes
- [ ] **Eco-Cheque**: Quick application process, up to €5,000, ideal for small climate transitions
- [ ] **DIVERSITEC**: Focus on diversity, equality, inclusion in innovation
- [ ] **COIN**: Network-based projects, up to €4M available, requires consortium

### Post-Submission
- [ ] Save confirmation and reference number
- [ ] Monitor application status in eCall system
- [ ] Prepare for potential evaluation/interview
- [ ] Have additional documentation ready if requested

## Application Tips
- Check Eco-Cheque 2025 for quick, unbureaucratic climate transitions (good starting point)
- Explore DIVERSITEC for diversity and innovation programs
- Focus on innovation and environmental impact
- Leverage collaboration opportunities for increased funding
- Consider COIN for network-based innovation projects
- **Eco-Cheque is ideal first step**: Quick application, smaller amount, good for building track record