Strategic Importance of Key Technologies
Key technologies drive innovation, competitiveness, and sustainable growth. Fields like AI, quantum technology and life sciences are central to solving global challenges and shaping future markets. Their development requires not only talent and investment but also strong protection mechanisms to ensure long-term success.
Why Innovation Protection Matters
Comprehensive IP protection—through patents, trademarks, and designs—safeguards technological advancements from imitation and enables commercialization. In patent-intensive sectors like life sciences, IP is especially critical. It protects high-value innovations and supports licensing, partnerships, and market access.
Patents as a Foundation for Startup Financing
For startups, patents are more than legal tools—they are strategic assets. A strong patent portfolio increases credibility, attracts investors, and is often a prerequisite for securing funding. Without protection, innovative ideas risk being copied before they reach the market.
Advanced.IP: Targeted Support for Startups and SMEs
On behalf of the Federal Ministry for Innovation, Mobility and Infrastructure (BMIMI), Austria Wirtschaftsservice GmbH (aws) offers the Advanced.IP funding initiative. It supports startups and SMEs in building robust IP strategies for key technologies.
- Grant amount: up to EUR 75,000
- Eligible project costs: up to EUR 150,000
- Target group: Startups and SMEs (EU definition)
Eligible Technology Fields
Advanced.IP focuses on projects that contribute to the development, application or scaling of key technologies, including:
- Advanced materials including nanotechnology
- Artificial intelligence, big data, and digital and information technologies
- Quantum technology and photonics
- Advanced microelectronics and semiconductor technologies
- Next-generation production technologies, robotics and advanced sensor technologies
- Life sciences technologies
- Technologies for energy generation, conversion and storage
- Sustainable technologies focusing on circular economy, building innovations and resource management (e.g. waste and water management)
Conclusion:
With Advanced.IP, aws empowers Austrian startups and SMEs to protect their innovations, strengthen their market position, and unlock growth opportunities in global technology sectors. Find out more at aws Innovation Protection
Contact:
Dr. Walter Koppensteiner
Email: w.koppensteiner(at)aws.at
Phone: +43-1-50175-584