Research funding for water management (Forschungsförderung Wasserwirtschaft)

What you get

You get a direct grant (not a loan) for a research project in water management, meaning the study of drinking water, wastewater and river ecology. How much is covered depends on the type of research: up to 100% of eligible costs for basic research whose results are published freely, up to 50% for applied research with a commercial partner, and up to 25% for pre-competitive development towards market maturity. You can earn extra percentage points if two independent firms cooperate, if a company works with a research institution, or if you are a small or medium-sized enterprise (up to +20 points for small firms). The total stays capped at 80%. The money comes from Austria's Federal Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, Climate and Environmental Protection, Regions and Water Management (BMLUK).

Who can apply

• Who you are: Companies, start-ups, universities and research institutions can apply. You need to be qualified to run a research project and have experienced staff.
• Topic: Your project must deal with water in Austria. Examples: protecting groundwater and surface water, clean drinking water supply, saving water, reducing pollution of water, air and soil, or improving the natural state of rivers.
• Type of work: Studies and technology development both qualify, from basic research to pilot projects tested for real-world use.
• Nationality: Any nationality can apply, and international partners can take part.
• Timing: You must apply before the project starts. Only costs that arise after you submit the application count.

How to apply

You apply online at the water research portal run by Kommunalkredit Public Consulting (KPC), the agency that handles the funding. It is worth talking to KPC before you write the application. There is no yearly deadline. You can apply at any time before your project begins, and the programme runs until 31 December 2028. Your application needs the form plus a detailed project plan with a cost estimate.

How realistic are your chances?

This is not an open student scholarship. It is project funding aimed narrowly at water and river research relevant to Austria, so only institutions and firms in that field apply. If your project clearly fits one of the named water topics and you can show a solid plan and qualified team, your prospects are good. There is no fixed deadline, and applications are assessed as they come in. Weak relevance to Austrian water management or a vague project plan is what holds applications back.