Austrian Government support investments in 3-D printing

Vienna, September 30, 2020 – In the wake of the COVID-19 crisis and to create an incentive for business investments, the Austrian federal government and the state of Lower Austria have purred two funding packages to support investments in digital technologies, such as 3-D printing.

Additive manufacturing enables a quick and flexible response in dynamic environments and stimulates regional and independent production. Its flexibility and the variety of materials available make 3-D printing a superior technology for digitizing a company. The two funding packages and 3-D printing technologies contribute significantly to securing business premises, creating jobs, and strengthening Austria’s international competitiveness as a business location.

Up to 14% with the investment bonus: Submission deadline is February 28, 2021
The investment bonus usually promotes investments by 7% in the form of a tax-free, non-repayable grant. However, investments in green technologies, digitization – especially 3-D printing – and health are exceptionally supported by 14%. The investment bonus applies to tangible and intangible assets above EUR 5,000 net. All companies in Austria are eligible to apply. The Federal Ministry for Digital and Economic Affairs initially set the program’s upper limit at EUR 50 million. Still, it announced later to increase the funds to up to EUR 1 billion if necessary. With these investments in future-oriented technologies, the Austrian Federal Government underlines its extraordinary commitment to the Austrian economy’s digitization. Digital business models, including digital forms of production such as 3-D printing, have proven to be particularly resistant to crises and, in some cases, even managed to emerge stronger.

Up to 50% with the digi4KMU funding package: Submission deadline is October 31, 2020
The state of Lower Austria also illustrates its far-sighted economic strategy and supports digitization in production. The “digi4KMU-digi investment” funding package specifically underlined 3-D printing eligible for funding and funds investments of a maximum of € 50,000.00 with a grant of up to 50%. Companies can also apply for a NÖBEG liability of 80% of the bank loan up to a maximum of € 100,000.00. All existing small- and medium-sized commercial enterprises based in Lower Austria are eligible to apply. However, as the submission deadline ends on October 31, 2020, interested companies should hurry.