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• What is an invention?

  Inventions are new solutions to technical problems and societal challenges. Find out more on the website of the UniVie Innovation Team.
• Who is eligible?

  Individual or teams who have submitted an Invention or a Software Disclosure Form to the UniVie Innovation Team in 2024 or 2025. The invention must have been developed at the University of Vienna or, alternatively, must be owned by the University. It is not necessary for the submitted invention to have already been examined for patentability or other intellectual property rights at the time of application. Individuals must have an employment contract with the University of Vienna. PhD candidates and post-Docs are eligible.
• What are the selection criteria?

  Inventions with commercial potential, societal benefit, and potential contribution to the four “green” EU Missions (see application form). Invention or Software Disclosure Forms must have been submitted in 2024 or 2025.
• How can I apply?

  Please apply by 31.10.2025 by filling out the application form below and uploading your signed Invention or Software Disclosure Form (if not yet reported).
• How does the selection process look like?

  The selection process consists of two stages:

  In the first stage, a jury, comprising representatives from the Austria Wirtschaftsservice GmbH (aws), the Austrian Patent Office (APO), the Austrian Research Promotion Agency (FFG), and the UniVie Innovation Team, will select up to five individuals or teams. These awardees will receive suitable services provided by the APO, the aws, and the FFG Mission Management Unit. 

  In a second stage, the awardees will be invited for an interview to explain their invention and its further development in more detail. Based on this information, the Rectorate, together with the UniVie Innovation Team, will select inventions qualified for prototype funding of up to €20,000.

  (see also the question "What will be awarded?")
• What will be awarded?

  All awardees will have access to the following support services (subject to suitability): 

  The Austrian Patent Office (APO) will provide a free patent search, including a personal consultation to discuss the protectability of the invention and further possible steps to patent it. 

  The Austria Wirtschaftsservice GmbH (aws) supports with insights into market development and the competitive landscape to help align scientific innovation with real-world applications. The services include assessing potential intellectual property (IP) risks to ensure freedom to operate and protect research outcomes. To explore these opportunities in depth, a joint workshop to collaboratively identify innovation potential and address IP-related challenges will be offered. 

  The Austrian Research Promotion Agency (FFG) facilitates networking with potential industry partners and establishes connections to prospective European project and consortium partners for EU-funded initiatives.  

  Selected projects from the second evaluation phase will be eligible for prototype funding. Several projects may be supported, with a total funding budget of up to €50,000. Individual projects can receive up to €20,000 each.
• When will the inventor(s) be awarded?

  First-stage awardees will be announced in early 2026. Prototype funding decisions will follow shortly after interviews and final selection by the Rectorate and the UniVie Innovation Team.
• How can the prototype funding be used?

  The prototype funding must be used for the further development of the invention. It must be spent in 2026 and only used for consumables, service contracts and / or external expertise. It cannot be used for the employment of personnel. The UniVie Innovation Team manages the funding and administrates the cost processing (no lump sum payment).
• Will my application form and Invention or Software Disclosure Form be kept confidential?

  Yes, both your application form and Invention or Software Disclosure Form will be treated with complete confidentiality. Non-disclosure agreements will also be signed by the jury members to ensure this.
• How does the administrative process look like?

  Once the application form has been handed in, the UniVie Innovation Team will review them for completeness and eligibility before sharing them with the jury along with the evaluation guidelines. The jury will meet to evaluate submissions, select the awardees, and document the results for notification. All selected individuals or teams will be notified and invited for an interview to further elaborate on the invention and its development. 

  Based on this information, the Rectorate, together with the UniVie Innovation Team, will select inventions qualified for prototype funding of up to €20,000. 

  If you’re interested in joining the green innovation lab, the next steps will be discussed in Q4 2025 with the UniVie Innovation Team.
• What is the green innovation lab?

  The UniVie innovation labs are educational programs where participants learn the main tools and principles of entrepreneurship through a structured process. Students, doctoral candidates, and early-stage researchers go through a guided accelerated venture creation process, to eventually build and lead purposeful, sustainable ventures that benefit society.
  In the green innovation lab (upcoming 2026) researchers of multiple Austrian research institutions (lead: UniVie) contribute their inventions and work together with students who analyze applications and develop business cases. Researchers can either choose to contribute the invention and mentorship or they can also actively participate in the program.