Submit Applications open for Startclim Research Program (Austria)

StartClim is a research program that funds innovative projects addressing current questions related to Austria’s climate adaptation strategy. The StartClim 2026 call (24th edition) invites project proposals on defined thematic blocks such as climate communication, learning from adaptation measures, forest regeneration under climate change, and nature-based solutions for soil and water management. The submission deadline is 1 October 2026 at 12:00. The StartClim research program supports “setting the beginning” by funding innovative research projects. StartClim 2026 focuses on projects that take up current questions connected to Austria’s climate adaptation strategy. This call is the 24th time StartClim has been awarding projects. The source also states that even if a Werkvertrag is awarded, the project activities must be assigned to the applicant research. If you need confirmation of institutional eligibility (e.g., universities, NGOs, research institutes), consult the official Ausschreibungstext referenced on the opportunity page, as eligibility details are not fully provided in the supplied text. StartClim 2026 supports project ideas aligned with the following thematic blocks: Alternative option: For project ideas that do not fit the listed topics, applicants can submit an application on a freely chosen topic with a reference to Austria’s climate adaptation strategy. This call is designed for teams developing research that can inform how Austria responds to climate impacts. By focusing on practical adaptation themes—such as climate communication, learning from existing measures, forest regeneration, and nature-based solutions—the program supports work that aligns with Austria’s adaptation policy direction. The source instructs applicants to follow the details in the Ausschreibungstext carefully before completing the application form. Ensure your project proposal addresses the questions within the selected themes. After finishing the form, submit it by email to [contact details removed] with the subject: “StartClim2026 – Einreichung” Applicants will be informed about the funding decision by email.

Official submission deadline: 1 October 2026 at 12:00 (time zone not specified in the source). Submission period: 19 August 2026 to 1 October 2026, 12:00.

Official guidance link: The source page provides the application instructions and references the call text and thematic blocks, but the supplied excerpt does not include direct URLs to those documents. Use the official StartClim page for the latest materials: StartClim Ausschreibungen. What is the StartClim 2026 call about? StartClim 2026 funds innovative research projects addressing current questions related to Austria’s climate adaptation strategy. What is the deadline to submit a proposal? The submission deadline is 1 October 2026 at 12:00. The source does not specify the time zone. What budget is available per project? The call provides a maximum budget frame of €25,000 per project, including all taxes and ancillary costs. Is the funding rate 100%? Yes. The source states a Förderquote (funding rate) of 100%. How should overheads be calculated? Applicants are instructed to calculate 25% OH on personnel costs. What is the submission method? Applications are submitted by email to [contact details removed] with the subject “StartClim2026 – Einreichung” after completing the application form. What contract type will be used for funded projects? The source states that financial support is provided via a Werkvertrag (contract for work). Applicants are invited to request a template for internal review, and changes are not possible after submission. Review the Ausschreibungstext and the Themenblöcke for StartClim 2026 on the official StartClim call page, then prepare your project proposal to align with the specified themes (or a freely chosen topic linked to Austria’s climate adaptation strategy). Finally, complete the application form and submit it by email to [contact details removed] using the required subject line before 1 October 2026 at 12:00. For more information, visit StartClim.