Submit Applications open for Startclim Research Program (Austria)

Deadline: 01-Oct-2026

StartClim invites applications for its 2026 research program grant call, supporting innovative projects that address questions relevant to Austria’s climate adaptation strategy. The call covers multiple thematic blocks, including climate communication, learning from good adaptation measures, forest regeneration under climate change, and nature-based solutions for soil and water management. The application deadline is 1 October 2026 at 12:00. The StartClim research program supports projects that help “set the foundation” for new work. For the 2026 call, StartClim will award projects for the 24th time. The program focuses on innovative research projects that take up current questions related to Austria’s climate adaptation strategy. Applicants are encouraged to align their project proposals with the call’s specified thematic blocks. The call also allows proposals on a freely chosen topic as long as it remains connected to Austria’s adaptation strategy. StartClim provides financial support for research projects under a work contract (Werkvertrag) model. Key funding details from the source include: Currency note: The verified editorial record lists a grant size of $10,000 to $100,000, while the source text specifies a maximum budget framework of €25,000 per project. The source text is the only place where the per-project cap is explicitly stated. The source does not specify detailed eligibility criteria such as applicant organization types (e.g., universities, NGOs, companies), legal status, or individual vs. institutional eligibility.

What is specified:

Not specified in the source: eligibility requirements, exclusions, minimum qualifications, or whether individuals or organizations may apply.

The 2026 call is structured around the following thematic blocks: Additionally, applicants may submit a proposal on a freely chosen topic if it has a reference to Austria’s climate adaptation strategy. This call supports research projects that respond to current climate adaptation questions in Austria. By focusing on practical themes—such as climate communication, adaptation learning, forest regeneration, and nature-based solutions—it is designed to generate knowledge and approaches relevant to Austria’s adaptation strategy. Follow the steps below as described in the source: The source advises applicants to follow the call text instructions carefully before completing the application form. Ensure your project proposal addresses the questions in the thematic blocks. After finishing the form, submit it by email to [contact details removed] with the subject line: “StartClim2026 – Einreichung”. Applicants will be informed about the funding decision by email.

Deadline: Applications must be submitted by 1 October 2026 at 12:00 (time zone not specified in the source).

Official guidance link: The source page is the StartClim call listing: StartClim Ausschreibungen. The source text references the “Ausschreibungstext,” “Themenblöcke,” and the “Antragsformular,” but does not provide direct links to those documents within the provided excerpt. What is the StartClim 2026 call about? StartClim 2026 funds innovative research projects addressing current questions relevant to Austria’s climate adaptation strategy. What is the application deadline for StartClim 2026? The deadline is 1 October 2026 at 12:00. The time zone is not specified in the source. How should I submit my application? Submit the completed application form by email to [contact details removed] with the subject line “StartClim2026 – Einreichung.” What funding amount can a project receive? The source states a maximum per-project budget framework of €25,000 (including all taxes and ancillary costs). The verified editorial record also lists a grant size range of $10,000 to $100,000. Is the funding share 100%? Yes. The source states the funding share (Förderquote) is 100% and that 25% overhead (OH) on personnel costs should be budgeted. What thematic areas are supported in this call? The call includes thematic blocks on AI and social media in climate communication, learning from good adaptation measures, forest regeneration under climate change, and nature-based solutions for soil management, erosion reduction, and water retention. What happens after I submit my proposal? The source states that applicants will be informed about the funding decision by email. It also notes that the financial support is provided via a work contract, and that changes to the work contract are not possible after submission. Review the official StartClim 2026 call listing and the referenced Ausschreibungstext, Themenblöcke, and application form on the StartClim website. Then align your proposal with the thematic blocks (or a freely chosen topic linked to Austria’s adaptation strategy) and submit the completed application by 1 October 2026 at 12:00 following the email instructions in the call text.