Applications open for DIVERSITEC Innovation through Diversity in Austria

Deadline: 15-Oct-2026

The DIVERSITEC program provides funding of up to EUR 50,000 per project for organizational development measures that strengthen diversity, equality, inclusion, and innovation culture in science and technology companies and non-university research institutions in Austria. The program supports measures that improve equal opportunities, increase women’s participation in research and innovation, and create sustainable organizational structures that promote diversity and innovation.

About the DIVERSITEC Program

The DIVERSITEC initiative aims to strengthen innovation by supporting organizations that actively use diversity as a source of new ideas while promoting equal opportunities. The program is designed for science and technology companies and non-university research institutions that want to improve their organizational culture through diversity, equality, and inclusion (DEI) measures. Funded projects should contribute to an innovation-friendly culture while creating better opportunities for women in research, technology, and innovation. What Does DIVERSITEC Support? DIVERSITEC supports organizational development measures that combine DEI with innovation and organizational improvement. Funded activities can address areas such as: - Diversity management. - Innovation management. - Innovation culture. - Human resources development. - Employee onboarding. - Mentoring. - New work strategies. - Leadership strategies. - Employer branding. - Public relations. - Diversity and inclusion training. - Gender equality plans. - Other tailor-made organizational development measures. The program welcomes customized measures when they contribute to the objectives of diversity, equality, inclusion, and innovation. Supporting Women in Research and Innovation A specific focus of DIVERSITEC is increasing the participation of women in research, technology, and innovation. Projects should contribute to creating better opportunities for women and supporting female career development within participating organizations. Measures such as mentoring, onboarding, leadership development, gender equality planning, and inclusive workplace strategies can help organizations create structures that support women’s participation and career progression. Strengthening Innovation Culture DIVERSITEC recognizes diversity as a potential catalyst for innovation and new ideas. Organizations can use funded measures to create an environment where different perspectives are encouraged and employees can contribute to innovation. The program therefore connects diversity management with innovation management and the development of an innovation-friendly organizational culture. Organizational Development Measures The program supports organizations in developing structures and practices that make DEI an integral part of their operations. Possible areas of organizational development include: - Human resources development. - Onboarding and mentoring systems. - Leadership approaches. - New work strategies. - Employer branding. - Public relations. - Diversity and inclusion training. - Gender equality planning. - Innovation management. Organizations may also propose tailor-made measures that respond to their specific needs. Sustainable Organizational Impact Projects funded through DIVERSITEC are expected to create sustainable changes within participating organizations. The measures should not remain isolated activities. Instead, they should become structurally embedded within the organization.

Projects should aim to establish:

- DEI competencies. - Innovation-promoting structures. - Sustainable organizational practices. - Broad adoption of implemented measures. - Long-lasting improvements in organizational culture. The goal is to ensure that the benefits of the project continue beyond the immediate funding period. How Can Organizations Create Sustainable Change? Applicants should demonstrate how their proposed measures will become part of the organization’s long-term structures and practices. Projects should consider how new DEI competencies, processes, leadership approaches, and innovation structures will be adopted across the organization. A strong proposal should therefore connect individual activities with broader organizational development. How Much Funding Is Available?

DIVERSITEC provides funding of up to:

- EUR 50,000 per project - Approximately USD 54,000 The funding is intended to support eligible organizational development measures related to diversity, equality, inclusion, and innovation culture. Who Can Apply? Eligible applicants include companies and non-university research institutions that meet the program’s requirements.

Eligible applicants include:

- Companies of any legal form, except GesbR. - Non-university research institutions within the scope of their economic activities.

Applicants must:

- Have a scientific-technological focus. - Operate in Austria or maintain a branch in Austria. - For companies, have a need for highly qualified personnel in research, development, and engineering.

Eligibility for Companies

Companies of any legal form can generally apply, with the exception of GesbR. Eligible companies must have a scientific-technological focus and demonstrate a need for highly qualified personnel working in areas such as: - Research. - Development. - Engineering. The company must also maintain operations or a branch in Austria.

Eligibility for Non-University Research Institutions

Non-university research institutions are eligible within the scope of their economic activities. These institutions must have a scientific-technological focus and maintain operations or a branch in Austria. Who Is Not Eligible? DIVERSITEC excludes several categories of applicants.

The program does not fund:

- Micro-enterprises with fewer than 10 employees and annual turnover or balance sheet total not exceeding EUR 2 million. - Universities. - Universities of applied sciences. - Private universities. - Individual researchers.