CFPs: FTI Initiative for Industrial Transformation 2026 (Austria)

Deadline: 09-Feb-2027

The RTI Initiative for Transforming Industry Austria supports innovative projects that advance climate-neutral industrial production while strengthening the competitiveness of Austrian manufacturing companies. The programme supports research, development, pilot, and demonstration projects focused on reducing industrial greenhouse gas emissions and accelerating the adoption of net-zero technologies.

About the RTI Initiative for Transforming Industry Austria

The RTI Initiative for Transforming Industry Austria is designed to support Austria’s transition toward climate-neutral industrial production. The programme aligns with the Austrian Industrial Strategy 2035 and the EU Clean Industrial Deal. It aims to accelerate the development and adoption of net-zero technologies while strengthening the position of Austrian manufacturing companies in international value chains. Supported projects are expected to contribute to climate-neutral industrial production, improve industrial competitiveness, and help diversify Austria’s role in global technology markets. What Does the Programme Support? The initiative focuses on innovative technological solutions that can contribute to the transformation of industrial production.

Priority areas include:

- Reduction of energy-related greenhouse gas emissions. - Reduction of process-related greenhouse gas emissions. - Industrial electrification. - Energy efficiency. - Circular economy approaches. - Industrial symbiosis. - CO₂-neutral gases. - Hydrogen technologies. - Carbon capture, utilisation and storage (CCUS). - Flexibilisation of industrial processes. Projects should demonstrate how their proposed innovation can contribute to climate-neutral and competitive industrial production. Research and Development Projects The programme supports standalone research and development projects with a high level of technological maturity. These projects are intended to advance innovative technologies toward practical industrial applications and contribute to technology development that can support industrial transformation. Pilot and Demonstration Projects The initiative also supports combined projects involving pilot and demonstration facilities. These projects are intended to accelerate the transfer of innovative technologies from research and development into industrial applications. Pilot and demonstration activities can help establish the technical feasibility and practical application of technologies designed to support climate-neutral industrial production. Types of Projects Supported The programme provides different project formats and funding instruments for industrial transformation.

Supported formats include:

- Cooperative research and development projects. - Flagship projects. - Pilot and demonstration plants. - Experimental development projects. - Industrial demonstration projects. The appropriate funding instrument depends on the nature and development stage of the proposed project. Climate-Neutral Industrial Production A central objective of the initiative is to accelerate the transformation of industrial production toward climate neutrality. Projects should address technological or operational challenges associated with reducing industrial emissions while maintaining or improving competitiveness. The initiative therefore combines climate objectives with the need to strengthen the Austrian manufacturing sector and its position in international markets. Industrial Competitiveness The programme aims not only to reduce emissions but also to strengthen the competitiveness of Austrian manufacturing companies.

Projects are expected to contribute to:

- More efficient industrial production. - Adoption of innovative technologies. - Stronger technology development. - Increased technology transfer. - Greater participation in international value chains. - Development of solutions for future climate-neutral industry. Who Can Apply? The initiative is open to a broad range of organisations that can contribute to industrial transformation.

Eligible applicants include:

- Companies of any legal form. - Manufacturing companies. - Construction companies. - Technology providers. - Suppliers along the industrial value chain. - Universities. - Non-university research organisations. - Research and knowledge dissemination institutions. - Other non-profit institutions capable of contributing to industrial transformation. Role of SMEs and Start-Ups Small and medium-sized enterprises and start-ups are encouraged to participate in consortia with large manufacturing companies. This collaborative approach can bring together established industrial capabilities with innovative technologies and solutions developed by smaller companies and emerging businesses. Such partnerships can help accelerate the development, testing, and industrial adoption of climate-neutral technologies. Technology Providers and Suppliers Technology providers and suppliers across the value chain can participate where their solutions contribute to industrial transformation. Their involvement can help connect innovative technologies with manufacturing applications and support the transfer of solutions from development into industrial use. Research and Knowledge Institutions Universities, non-university research organisations, and other research and knowledge dissemination institutions can participate in eligible projects. Their involvement can strengthen the research, technological development, testing, and knowledge-transfer components of industrial transformation projects. Key Technology Areas Applicants can focus on technologies and approaches that address major industrial decarbonisation challenges.

Relevant areas include:

- Electrification of industrial processes. - Improvements in industrial energy efficiency. - Circular production systems. - Industrial symbiosis. - Hydrogen and CO₂-neutral gases. - CCUS technologies. - Flexible industrial processes. - Solutions for reducing energy-related