Green IP Supports Austria
Austrian SMEs to Benefit from Green IP Support for Sustainable Innovations
The Austrian government, in collaboration with Austria Wirtschaftsservice (aws), continues to bolster its support for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) working on sustainable innovations through its "Green IP" program. Launched in 2021, the initiative aims to fund projects in sectors such as e-mobility, renewable energy, and other environmental technologies. The second phase of the program, running from 2024 to 2026, seeks to provide ongoing assistance in the development and protection of intellectual property (IP) for green innovations.
The program responds to a critical need for funding among Austrian SMEs striving to address global sustainability challenges, particularly climate protection. Through targeted IP coaching and financial backing, Green IP helps companies develop comprehensive innovation protection strategies, ensuring their advancements are safeguarded and can contribute to the country’s economy.
Funding and Support Framework
The initiative offers several layers of support to SMEs. Along with covering patent registration and consulting costs, aws provides unbiased IP coaching, ensuring that businesses have the tools necessary to protect and promote their sustainable innovations.
Key supplementary programs, such as aws PreSeed and Seed Deep Tech / Innovative Solutions, are designed to nurture early-stage projects. Tanja Spennlingwimmer from aws highlighted the impact of these programs, stating, "When public funds are invested and subsequently reintegrated into the system, they can be used to support new startups, thereby enhancing the associated positive economic effects."
Stakeholders and Impact
The Green IP initiative targets companies in industries such as e-mobility, renewable energies, and supply chain tracking technologies. By offering financial support for international patent registrations, the program also helps SMEs improve their export potential.
The funding process is led by the Ministry of Labor and Economy as well as the Ministry of Climate, Environment, Energy, Innovation und Technology and key stakeholders who determine the grant strategy, while aws oversees application reviews and fund distribution. SMEs can participate in multiple funding programs as long as no double funding occurs.
This initiative underscores Austria's commitment to fostering innovation while supporting its national economy through sustainable technologies, positioning its SMEs to lead in the global market for green solutions.
More information via https://www.aws.at/aws-innovationsschutz/greenip/