Deadline: 08-Sep-2026
The Vienna Business Agency is inviting applications from developers, studios, startups, companies, private individuals, and associations for innovative digital projects currently under development. The competition provides production support and special awards to creative initiatives that strengthen Vienna’s digital and creative ecosystem.
The programme supports projects across a wide range of emerging technologies and digital formats, encouraging innovation, experimentation, and the development of future-oriented digital solutions.
About the Program
The Innovative Digital Projects Competition supports creative digital initiatives that demonstrate originality, innovation, and strong development potential.
The programme focuses on:
- Games and playful media
- Augmented reality
- Extended reality
- Virtual reality
- Animation
- Visual effects
- 360° video
- Digital design for health
- Interactive storytelling formats
- Web applications
- Mobile applications
- Blockchain technologies
- Web3 applications
- Platforms for digital content publishing
- Digital distribution platforms
- Serial online content
- Digital applications for wearable IT
- Machine learning
- Artificial intelligence
- Quantum computing
- Visualisation of quantum phenomena
The competition aims to strengthen Vienna as a hub for digital creativity and technological innovation.
Program Objectives
The programme seeks to:
- Support the production of innovative digital projects
- Encourage experimentation with emerging technologies
- Strengthen Vienna’s digital and creative industries
- Promote interdisciplinary collaboration
- Foster the development of future-oriented digital products
- Increase the visibility of creative digital initiatives
- Encourage innovation in health-related digital design
- Support women-led digital projects
- Facilitate international exposure opportunities
- Promote digital entrepreneurship and creative excellence
Projects should demonstrate originality, innovation, and clear development potential.
Funding Information
Under the competition:
- Five selected projects will each receive production support of €10,000.
- One additional special prize of €10,000 will be awarded under the theme “Digital Design for Health.”
- Award-winning projects led by women will receive an additional bonus of €1,000.
- Up to five projects may be selected for the special prize supporting participation in South by Southwest 2027.
The funding is intended to support the further development and implementation of innovative digital concepts.
Eligible Project Areas
Funding may support projects involving:
- Digital games
- Playful media experiences
- Augmented reality applications
- Extended reality experiences
- Virtual reality projects
- Animation productions
- Visual effects projects
- 360° video content
- Healthcare-focused digital design
- Interactive storytelling experiences
- Web-based applications
- Mobile applications
- Blockchain technologies
- Web3 solutions
- Digital publishing platforms
- Digital distribution systems
- Serial online content formats
- Wearable technology applications
- Machine learning solutions
- Artificial intelligence applications
- Quantum computing initiatives
- Visualisation of quantum phenomena
Projects should be innovative and in active development.
Eligible Applicants
The programme is open to:
- Developers
- Studios
- Startups
- Companies
- Private individuals
- Associations
Applicants must meet at least one of the following requirements:
- Have a residence in Vienna
- Have company headquarters in Vienna
- Have a business address in Vienna
Project Requirements
Submitted projects must:
- Be predominantly developed or implemented in Vienna, or
- Demonstrate that Vienna represents a significant point of reference in terms of content or design
- Be innovative digital projects under development
- Align with one or more of the eligible project areas
Applications should clearly explain the project’s concept, objectives, and relevance to Vienna.
Expected Outcomes
Supported projects should contribute to:
- Growth of Vienna’s digital economy
- Development of innovative digital products
- Increased use of emerging technologies
- Expansion of creative digital industries
- Greater international visibility for local talent
- Advancement of healthcare-related digital solutions
- Increased participation of women in digital innovation
- Strengthened collaboration across creative and technology sectors
- New approaches to storytelling and audience engagement
- Enhanced innovation capacity within Vienna
The competition encourages projects capable of generating creative, cultural, and technological impact.
Assessment Considerations
Applications are considered based on:
- Innovation and originality of the concept
- Creative quality of the proposed project
- Relevance to eligible project areas
- Feasibility of implementation
- Development potential
- Contribution to Vienna’s digital landscape
- Strength of the project’s vision and execution
- Potential impact and audience relevance
Projects demonstrating strong innovation and clear implementation potential are likely to be viewed favourably.
Why This Program Matters
Digital technologies continue to reshape the way people create, communicate, learn, and engage with content. Supporting innovative digital projects enables creative professionals and entrepreneurs to experiment with new ideas while contributing to economic growth and technological advancement.
The Innovative Digital Projects Competition helps position Vienna as a leading centre for digital creativity by supporting projects that explore emerging technologies, expand creative possibilities, and bring innovative concepts to life.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of the Innovative Digital Projects Competition?
- The competition supports innovative digital projects under development through production support and special awards.
Who can apply?
- Developers, studios, startups, companies, private individuals, and associations that meet the Vienna eligibility requirements.
How much production support is available?
- Five selected projects will each receive €10,000 in production support.
Is there a healthcare-related special prize?
- Yes. One project under the theme “Digital Design for Health” will receive an additional special prize of €10,000.
Are there any additional awards for women-led projects?
- Yes. Award-winning projects led by women will receive an additional bonus of €1,000.
Can projects receive support for international participation opportunities?
- Yes. Up to five projects may be selected for the special prize supporting participation in South by Southwest 2027.
What are the location requirements?
- Applicants must have a residence, company headquarters, or business address in Vienna, and the project must be predominantly developed in Vienna or have a significant connection to the city.
Conclusion
The Innovative Digital Projects Competition provides valuable support to creative professionals and organisations developing forward-looking digital initiatives in Vienna. Through production funding, special awards, and international opportunities, the programme encourages innovation across emerging technologies while strengthening Vienna’s position as a dynamic hub for digital creativity and entrepreneurship.
For more information, visit Vienna Business Agency.
