Are the FAQ legally binding?
No, they are not legally binding. They merely serve to summarise frequently asked questions.

Who can submit a project for aws Digitalisation | AI-Adoption?
Pre-foundation projects and existing companies (small and medium-sized enterprises/SMEs and large companies) based in Austria are eligible to apply.
 

Can research institutions, universities, associations or consortia apply?
No.
 

Can several companies submit an application together?
No, only one company can apply for funding at a time. Application as a consortium is not possible.
 

What is an “innovative company”?
If you develop something new compared to the current state of technology and there is a corresponding risk associated with it. Or if you have invested at least 10 percent of your operating expenses in research and development in one of the last three years. The exact definition can be found in the guideline specifications. You can find this in the AI Adoption download area.
 

What is meant by “existing technical risks”?
That the concrete implementation of the project can technically fail. It is necessary to describe specifically what these risks are and how they are dealt with.
 

Should there be technical risks in the proposed project?
Yes. Innovation is risky. The funding is intended to help alleviate some of the risk. Projects without technical risk cannot be supported.
 

What is experimental development?
Experimental development is often characterised by the development of prototypes, demonstration or pilot plants. The focus is on the creation of new insights and skills. This does not include routine developments of existing products and services. The exact definition can be found in the guideline specifications.
 

What is a “young company”?
If the initial entry in the commercial register was no more than 5 years ago. The exact definition can be found under the following link in the legal basis, General Block Exemption Regulation (AGVO), Article 22.2
 

What are “small companies”?
Companies with fewer than 50 employees (full-time equivalent) and an annual turnover or balance sheet total of less than EUR 10 million. See also the EU’s definition of an SME (see Annex 1 of the General Block Exemption Regulation).

You can also find detailed information about small- and mediums-sized enterprises in the aws SME factsheet.
 

Can de-minimis and General Block Exemption Regulation funding be combined?
No. Before submitting your application for funding, you decide whether you want to be funded under de-minimis or General Block Exemption Regulation.
 

If a de-minimis framework is no longer available, can I be funded on the basis of the General Block Exemption Regulation?
Yes, if there is an unused General Block Exemption Regulation framework.
 

How do I find out if there is an unused de-minimis framework?
To do this, you need to sum up the de-minimis funding promised in your company or group of companies in the last three tax years (e.g. 2020-2022). You can find more details in the aws de minimis information sheet.
 

Where do I enter the information on the EU legal basis which I would like to apply for in the aws Funding Manager?
After the point “requested funding in section 5 of the application for funding, select the desired EU legal basis: ”de-minimis”, “General Block Exemption Regulation Art. 22” or “General Block Exemption Regulation Art. 25“.
 

Which industries or applications are explicitly excluded?
Fisheries and aquaculture, primary production of agricultural products, banking and other financing, insurance and real estate companies, local authorities and legal persons in which local authorities directly or indirectly hold more than 50 % of the shares. Furthermore, non-civilian applications are excluded.
 

What is the maximum amount of third-party costs in the project?
A maximum of 49 % of eligible project costs. Since the projects sought are self-created innovations, the majority of the services must also be provided by the company itself. Therefore, the core know-how for the project must also lie or be built up in the company.
 

Can the development of the core know-how of the project be carried out by third parties if the total third party costs remain below 49 %?
No. The core know-how of the promoted innovation has to lie in the company or has to be built up in it. This enables the best possible development and forms the basis for successful market development.
 

Are projects with external research partners preferred?
No.
 

Can the costs of implementing trustworthy AI (standard selection and implementation, communication, training, data analysis and cleansing, …) be funded?
Yes.
 

Can the costs of preparing for or implementing the EU AI Act, standards, norms, certifications be funded?
Yes.
 

How should the milestones planned?
The funding will be paid in three tranches. The first and second tranches amount to 40 % each and the third tranche is 20 % of the funded amount. Please plan this accordingly in the template “Integral planning”.
 

Are overhead expenses eligible?
No. Flat-rate compensation of overhead expenses is not possible with this funding.
 

Is there a key for how personnel and non-personnel costs must be distributed?
No. The distribution results from the requirements of the respective project.
 

What is meant by “own contribution”?
At least 20 percent of the total eligible costs are to be contributed to the project “in cash”.
 

Can the equity also be contributed by fictitious company wages or salary waivers?
No. The own contribution must be demonstrably provided in money and used in the project.
 

What can the “own contribution” be used for?
For eligible costs in accordance with the guideline specifications.
 

Can investments already made before the application, such as a computer optimised for AI calculations, be fully funded or aliquot funded to the extent of depreciation over the project term?
No.
 

Which documents are mandatory for an application for funding?
For everyone: 

• Business plan (according to the template)
• Integral planning (according to the template)
• Copies of identity documents of the applicant, the authorised signatories and the beneficial owners

For existing companies, additionally:

• Financial statements of the last two financial years
• Full-time equivalent employees of the company or group of companies.

Do the “Business Plan” and “Integral Planning” templates have to be used?
Yes, the templates are mandatory. This is necessary to make it possible to compare all projects.
 

How many pages should the business plan have?
A maximum of 20 pages. This is also stated in the introduction of the mandatory template to be used.
 

The maximum length of the 20-page business plan is too short, what can I do?
Briefly and concisely discuss the headings of the template. Try to avoid redundancies in the text and use references if necessary.
 

The maximum length of the 20-page business plan is too long, can you alternatively upload a paper or an existing pitch deck?
No. Use of the template is mandatory.
You are welcome to upload additional documents, but these are not part of the set of documents, which is mandatory for assessment by aws.
 

Does the business plan have to be exactly 20 pages long?
No, if you can discuss all the headings of the template and describe your project in fewer pages, the business plan can also be shorter. The length of the business plan – apart from the formal maximum length of 20 pages – is not an evaluation criterion according to the guideline specifications.
 

Is a general pitch deck sufficient instead of the business plan and/or integrated planning?
No. Please use the mandatory templates; this is the only way to compare the different projects in a call procedure.
 

What should be the distribution of the pages in the business plan on the different topics?
This is up to you to decide. However, be sure to cover all the topics given by the headlines.
 

Can I upload the plan balance sheet and plan profit and loss statement as an attachment?
Yes. In this case, a summary must be included in the business plan under 8.1.3 a) and b) reference must be made to the additionally uploaded attachment.
 

Is it possible to submit documents after the deadline for submissions?
No.
 

Can questions in the application be answered in English or can documents be made available in English?
Yes, the submission documents and the presentation to the jury can be made in English. The aws is also happy to provide advice in English. However, the processing of the funding - from the application to the funding agreement to the compilation of the invoice and the final report - always takes place in German.
 

Is there a checklist for submitting the application?
Yes, please refer to Figure 1 at the end of the FAQ.
 

Can the funding be combined with aws Seed Financing Innovative Solutions?
Yes, generally speaking, that is if the project content is different.
No, if the same project content is to be funded.
 

Can the funding be combined with aws Seed Financing Deeptech?
Yes, generally speaking, that is if the project content is different.
No, if the same project content is to be funded.
 

Can the funding be combined with AI Start-up, AI Knowledge or AI Marketplace?
Yes, generally speaking, that is if the project content is different.
No, if the same project content is to be funded.

Do the innovations have to have been internally developed using trustworthy AI?
Yes.
 

Do new AI technologies need to be developed internally?
No. The use of state-of-the-art technologies is basically sufficient. If the specific project requires further developments, this increases the degree of innovation.
 

How important is the use of AI in the proposed project?
Very important. We are looking for projects that are made possible for the first time through the use of AI or where this brings significant improvements to the status quo of previous solutions.
 

Can a research project on “Implementing a Trustworthy AI” be submitted?
No, the funding is aimed exclusively at the entrepreneurial development and implementation of concrete products, services or business models based on trustworthy AI.
 

Can a research project on the topic of “Implementation or preparation for regulations, standards, norms and certifications in the field of trustworthy AI” be submitted?
No, the funding is exclusively aimed at entrepreneurial implementation or preparation for legal regulations, standards, norms and certifications.
 

We already use classic algorithms or an existing software solution and would like to supplement them with an AI system. Should we submit the application?
Yes, if the AI project can solve problems for the first time and/or lay the foundation for new business models.
No, if only minor improvements are possible and/or there are no significant new business opportunities.
 

We already have an AI system in place and want to exclusively implement or prepare for regulations, standards, norms and certifications in the field of trustworthy artificial intelligence. Technical development is no longer happening, should we submit the application?
No. The experimental character of the project must continue to apply. The implementation or preparation for regulations, standards, norms and certifications are a necessary focus of the project, but not sufficient by themselves.
 

What is a data strategy?
A detailed plan of how data is handled.
 

What can a data strategy look like?
There are many ways to build a data strategy. Please choose an approach that suits your project. Examples of procedural models for this can be found, for example, under Data driversor Kathrin-Mathis, etc.
 

What is meant by trustworthy AI?
Trustworthy AIs are lawful, ethical, and respect the following elements (page 17f):

1. Priority of human action and human oversight, e.g. safeguarding the right to self-determination
2. Technical robustness and safety, e.g. resistance to attacks and security breaches, recovery plan and general safety, precision, reliability and reproducibility
3. Protection of privacy and data quality management, e.g. respect for privacy, quality and integrity of data, and data access
4. Transparency, e.g. traceability, explainability and communication
5. Diversity, non-discrimination and fairness, e.g. avoiding unfair distortions, accessibility and universal design and stakeholder involvement
6. Social and environmental well-being, e.g. sustainability and environmental protection, social impact, society and democracy
7. Accountability, e.g. verifiability, minimisation and reporting of adverse effects, trade-offs and remedies.

Are there any templates on how to make an AI system trustworthy?
In addition to the ALTAI checklist, there is also the draft of the VDE Spec90012 ; which offers a practical approach.

The Fraunhofer Institute for Intelligent Analysis and Information Systems (IAIS) also offers a “Guideline for the design of trustworthy artificial intelligence”.
 

Why is it important that AI systems be trustworthy?
Because trustworthy systems will find greater acceptance among users. Without acceptance, possible opportunities of AI systems for companies and society cannot be realized.
 

What is meant by “technical and social robustness”?
All measures taken in the project must not cause any harm, from either a technical or a social point of view, and must only make positive economic and social contributions.
 

What is meant by “technical robustness and safety”?
This refers to the technical robustness and security of the AI system in accordance with the guidelines for trustworthy AI.
This does not include general IT security topics such as the use of the latest software versions, backup strategies or protection against internal or external hacking.
 

What is meant by “ethical principles and values”?
The use of AI requires more than just compliance with the laws. It is also important to consider how socially critical questions and challenges that were identified during or before the start of the project are dealt with. The principles laid down in the project for dealing with sensitive issues such as fairness, racism, discrimination, etc., are explained here.

For this purpose, we recommend referring to the EU guidelines (page 16f). The four ethical principles

1. Respect for human autonomy;
2. Damage prevention,
3. Fairness and
4. Explainability

are outlined in detail there. See also, e.g. “Ethik in KI und Robotik” [Ethics in AI and Robotics], Hanser Verlag, 2019.
 

Should open standards and interfaces be used in the projects?
Yes. The use of open standards and interfaces can make a significant contribution to trustworthiness, interoperability and scalability.
 

What is the EU AI Act?
The EU AI Act is intended to regulate the use of AI systems in the EU. The current draft can be found here.
An overview presentation by the Commission is also available.
 

If the EU AI Act is not yet in force, why is it already useful to prepare for it as a company?
Since essential principles such as the risk classification of AI applications, human oversight, protection against discrimination, prohibition of certain AI applications and others have already become established as robust elements in the discussion. Accompanying the EU AI Act, the EU is already preparing further regulations such as the EU AI Liability Directive in order to comprehensively regulate the use of AI.
The timely preparation for this ensures planning security in companies and can significantly strengthen competitiveness.
 

What other regulations are relevant for AI?
Different regulations may apply to the respective areas of application, please check your relevant legal framework in individual cases. In the field of medical technology, for example, this can be the Medical Devices Regulation or the planned new EU Machinery Regulation.

It is also worth taking a look at the planned AI Product Liability Directive , and the General Data Protection Regulation.
 

What is the “risk pyramid” of the EU AI Act?
In the current draft of the EU AI Act, AI systems are divided into four categories:

1. Unacceptable risk, Article 5, e.g. social scoring). These are forbidden.
2. High risk, Article 6.2 and Annex III of the AI Act, e.g. medical technology, human resources, transport, justice. These are allowed, but compliance with AI regulation up to ex-ante assessments is required. See in particular Annex IV to the AI Act.
3. Medium risk, Article 52, e.g. chatbots, AI-generated video content, emotion recognition. These are allowed, but there are information and transparency obligations.
4. Small or low risk, article 69, e.g. spam filters, video games, offline heating control. These are allowed without restriction.

What EU requirements are planned for AI high-risk systems?
These include, among other things: (as of 12/2022) compliance, establishment of a risk management system, creation of data and data governance processes, required technical documentation, retention obligations, transparency and information obligations towards the users of the AI systems, effective control and supervision by humans as well as accuracy, robustness and cybersecurity rules.
 

Where can I make an initial self-assessment of the risk level of my AI system?
By classifying your project according to the classification of the EU AI Act.  There are also first online tools, such as Deloitte’s AI Act Risk Self Assessment, but note that this is only intended as support and the current state of the EU AI Act must be taken into account.

Another help can be the Risk Classification Template of the Initiative for Applied Artificial Intelligence.
 

What standards and norms are there for AI?
For this, the platform Industrie 4.0, in cooperation with aws, offers an overview, incl. a list of selected AI-related forums.

At the EU level, AI Watch offers a good overview in its publications.

The AI Standards HUB also provides a good starting point for research.
 

What is the difference between a norm and a standard?
Norms are regulations that are published by standardisation organisations such as ISO and go through the corresponding processes of these organisations.
Standards are regulations that typically have a harmonising effect and are also recognised in an industry, but have not gone through a defined norming process of an organisation that deals with norms.
 

What certifications are available for AI?
This area is in continuous development. Please observe current trends in your area. Enclosed you will find some already known certification initiatives:

Currently, among others, "Trust you AI" from the Know-Center and partners, “Trusted AI” from TÜV Austria in cooperation with JKU, IEEE with CertifAIEd™ are active. In the project “Certified AI”, the Fraunhofer Institute in Germany also offers an AI test catalogue.
 

Why are trustworthy AI and the preparation for or implementation of regulations, standards, norms and certifications more important in the evaluation than innovation and growth?
Because it is the core of the program to show the possibilities of a trusting use of AI. Furthermore, by supporting the preparation for the upcoming EU AI Act, the first standards that are being developed or also certifications are to be made possible and thus the competitiveness of the companies is to be strengthened.
 

What is meant by “legality” of AI?
That all relevant framework conditions, such as laws, norms, etc., are complied with.
 

How do I “explain” e.g. a decision by a deep learning system?
The concrete explanation of a decision, e.g. in machine learning or deep learning systems, is not possible and is the subject of current research.

Depending on the possible consequences of decisions of such AI systems, alternative explanatory approaches are needed. How extensive these should be can be made dependent on how “critical” the decisions are. See, for example, the Criticality Pyramid and a risk-adapted regulatory system for the use of algorithmic systems (S177f, German Data Ethics Commission Export Opinion, 2019), which can also be found in the current draft of the EU AI Act.

Based on this, it is possible to e.g. determine the framework conditions, system boundaries, (human) supervision, etc. under which decisions are made. Accordingly, these must be communicated transparently.
 

How to implement “trustworthy AI” in companies?
The Rating List for trustworthy AI offers practical checklists for this purpose.

For example, the white paper “Building the organisation for scaling AI” (19/02/2020) shows how to get from a basic AI strategy to organisational embedding.
 

Do funded projects need to use guidelines to achieve trustworthy AI?
Yes.
 

Which trusted AI guidelines can be used?
The selection is in the responsibility of the project, as long as the core elements for a trustworthy AI are fulfilled according to the guideline specifications.
 

Where can you find guidelines for trustworthy AI?
The Ethics guidelines for trustworthy AI provide guidelines with checklists for concrete implementation. 
Furthermore, there is a comprehensive collection of guidelines under this link. When selecting guidelines, pay attention to their practical applicability for your project.
 

Can you also use your own guidelines for trustworthy AI?
Yes, as long as they meet the core elements of trustworthy AI according to the guideline specifications. This must be set out accordingly in the business plan.
 

Is it enough to simply classify the project in accordance with the EU risk pyramid in order to meet the project focus of preparation for or implementation of AI regulation, standards, norms or certifications?
No. In addition to the first assignment and explaining the reasons for the assignment, the program also deals with the concrete development and implementation of the resulting consequences. This must be reflected in the description of the project in the business plan and in the concrete implementation in the integrated planning.
 

Is it sufficient, for example, to cite a relevant standard, a norm or a certification in order to meet the project focus of preparation for or implementation of AI regulation, standards, norms or certifications?
No. In addition to the identification and explanation of the reasons for the selection, the program is about the concrete implementation. This must be reflected in the description of the project in the business plan and in the concrete implementation in the integrated planning.
 

Where can I find examples of AI applications and who works in this environment?
The 19 projects funded by the aws call “Digitalisation of Trustworthy Artificial Intelligence (KIplus)” offer a wide range of applications. You can find them here. There you select “aws Digitalisation – Artificial Intelligence” in the drop-down field “Programme”.
 

Where can I find technology providers on the subject of AI?
Visit the aws AI Marketplace for a wide range of vendors.
 

Can Asimov’s “3 Laws of Robotics” be used as trusted AI guides?
No.

How are the projects invited to the jury meeting selected?
All applications received on time will be checked for compliance with the formal requirements (see AI Adoption Checklist).

All projects that meet these formal requirements are assessed and ranked according to four criteria: 1) innovation, 2) growth, 3) trustworthy AI, legal frameworks, standards, norms, certifications and 4) implementation. The best projects will be invited for presentation before the jury.
 

Does the amount applied for make a difference in the likelihood of receiving funding?
No. The selection is based on the selection criteria of the call, see in the guideline specifications under 7.3.
 

By when will you know whether you will be invited to the jury presentation?
The respective schedule will be published on the aws website for aws Digitalisation | AI Adoption I.
 

How does the jury procedure work?
The selected project team will be invited to the jury presentation by the aws. It may be assumed that the jury is already familiar with the project plans. For each proposed project, 10 minutes are expected to be available for the presentation and 10 minutes for questions from the jury. The jury evaluates according to the assessment criteria, compiles a ranking and makes a jury recommendation.
 

Does the presentation take place in front of the jury online or on site?
In principle, an on-site presentation is planned. If necessary at short notice, it can be switched to an online presentation.
 

Who should be present at the jury presentation by the project team?
The essential members of the team, so that all jury questions can be answered well. This is typically 2–4 people.
 

When will the results of the jury presentation be announced?
The respective schedule will be published on the aws website under aws Digitalisation | AI Adoption.
 

Are projects in the context of the coronavirus or from the health sector preferred?
No. All projects are assessed on the basis of the same requirements from the call.

In what period of time can costs be recognised?
Costs incurred can only be accepted during the project period, i.e., between the date of project start and the date of project end. The duration of the project can be found in the funding agreement.
 

From what point in time can costs be supported?
Costs are eligible (see guideline specifications 6.1) after signing the agreement from the reference date and within the project term.
Costs from before the reference date cannot be funded. For example, reference date 01/06/2023 but rent will be billed from 01/05/2023. Rental costs before 01/06/2023 are not eligible.
 

Can a service be funded if the service is performed before the reference date, but the invoice is only issued after that date?
No, both the service and the invoice and payment must be within the project period.
 

What should be done if it turns out that a project cannot or should not be continued?
Possible options include:

• Termination of the project by a request for termination to the aws.
• Alternatively: Submit modified replacement project to the aws for approval within the framework of the objectives of AI adoption (pivot) with justification.

Can the costs of implementing trustworthy AI (standard selection and its implementation, communication, training, data analysis and cleansing, ...) be funded?
Yes.
 

Can the costs of preparing for or implementing EU AI regulations, standards, norms or certifications be funded?
Yes.
 

Are overhead expenses eligible?
No. Flat-rate compensation of overhead expenses is not possible with this funding.
 

Are rents and other current payments eligible?
Yes, but only if these are clearly project-related costs and they are more than 150 euros net. The relationship to the project must be documented.
 

Only costs clearly attributable to the project are eligible. How do I prove this?
You document the costs attributed to the project, e.g. by setting up your own cost centre and making additional postings for the proportional share of costs.

On request, you submit the settlement for the cost centre during the billing check and explain the system, e.g. how are rental costs attributed to the project?
 

Can costs for patents be charged?
No. In the case of eligible costs, a reference to experimental development must be given, therefore patent costs are not eligible, as these are already attributable to the implementation of commercialisation.
 

Are start-up costs eligible?
No. In the case of eligible costs, there must be a link to experimental development, so start-up costs are not eligible as they are for implementation.
 

Are travel expenses eligible?
Basically yes, if there is a clear reference to experimental development, e.g. drive to the pilot project. However, the total travel costs must be at least EUR 150 (net) in order to be eligible.
 

How should travel expenses be entered in the settlement file?
Travel expenses are billed as a collective item, which must amount to at least EUR 150 (net). Costs for transport, overnight stay etc. should not be listed separately. The documents should be submitted in a PDF (including per diems).
 

Is there a key for how personnel and non-personnel costs must be distributed?
No. The distribution results from the requirements of the respective project.
 

Within a project, the costs shift between personnel, non-personnel costs and third-party costs compared to the funding agreement. What can be done?
As long as the original objective of the project can continue to be achieved or better achieved and the approved funding amount is not exceeded, the costs applied for can be shifted between personnel, material and third party costs.

If the shifts are:

• less than 40 % of the total project cost: the reports shall record and justify the postponements.
• greater than 40 % of the total project costs: application with justification for postponement including updated cost structure must be submitted to the aws via the funding manager. The reports shall record any approved shifting.

Example: Total project costs 100k €, of which € 70k personnel costs, € 20k non-personnel costs and € 10k third-party costs. 40 % of the total project costs thus correspond to € 40k.
Case 1: Personnel costs fall from € 70k to € 50k, in return, third-party costs rise to € 40k and non-personnel costs remain the same at € 10k. à Shift is less than 40 % and shall be noted in the report with justification. Case 2: Personnel costs fall from € 70k to € 20k, in return the third-party costs rise to € 40k and the non-personnel costs to € 40k à shift is greater than 40 % and to be approved by the aws.

It should be noted that third-party costs cannot be the focus of the changed use of funds (max. 49 %) and the implementation of the project does not have to be carried out primarily by third parties, but predominantly by the beneficiary.
 

Must time sheets be kept for aws?
No. The programme management is impact-oriented and the payment of funds is based on the success-dependent milestones.
 

Can flat-rate overhead expenses be promoted?
No.
 

What personnel costs are eligible for funding?
Only the costs actually incurred and approved under the funding agreement can be funded. The personnel costs must be documented with the corresponding wage account statements and proof of payment.
 

Can personnel costs for the founders of a start-up also be promoted?
Yes, but here the maximum eligible costs are limited with the Austrian Science Fund (FWF) Senior Post Doc rate valid at the time of the funding commitment. The currently valid personnel cost rate can be found here.
 

Can employees who are also financed from other budgets but also work on the project be billed as personnel costs?
Yes, to the exact extent that they have worked for the project in question. The methodology used, e.g. cost centre accounting, must be explained and, if necessary, proven. For this purpose, the aws can also coordinate with other funding agencies.
 

How can the personnel costs be proven?
Personnel costs are to be documented by the payroll statements of all persons included in the settlement for the entire settlement period and the proof of payments to the employees and relevant bodies (tax office, social security, etc.). You can find specific examples in the template for cost accounting.
 

Do hourly rates have to be calculated when settling personnel expenses?
No.
 

When should the settlements and milestone documentation be submitted?
In accordance with the contractually agreed periods: at the 1st and 2nd milestone immediately after falling due. At the 3rd and last milestone no later than 2 months after the end of the project period.
 

Are there any more detailed explanations concerning settlement?
Yes, in principle, the provisions of the Guideline apply mutatis mutandis, unless other provisions have been made in the contract, the guideline specifications, and in the directive.
Please also note the explanations in the template for proof of costs.
 

How should the personnel costs be settled?
In general, settlement is performed on a monthly basis (refer to the guidelines above). In addition to the name of the person, the settlement period must also be specified in the invoice compilation. The extract from the payroll account of the accounting department must reflect the corresponding period of time.
 

When must different price quotes be obtained?
Whenever it is in line with the principle of economic and resource efficiency. In individual cases, the respective internal tendering regulations of the companies can be applied. They must be made available in the event of an audit together with the obtained quotes, upon request.
 

What is meant by ”... a detailed description of the working time spent” in the case of notes on fees?
That is a description that provides greater clarity and more detail of the specific services provided and the time spent on them. These also form the basis for a possible third-party comparison, i.e. the costs must be customary for the market and comprehensible.
 

Can costs for the catering at events be funded?
Yes, if the event is primarily attended by external persons and the content of the event serves for the further experimental development of the project. For example, service design or technical workshops with potential customers.

No, if it concerns internal events and/or general marketing, sales or information events.
 

Can internal services be billed?
Only if appropriate evidence is presented, these are in accordance with the arm’s length principle, and have been approved.
 

Can invoices issued to other companies, to partner companies or to companies in the same group of companies be recognised as part of the funding?
No. Only invoices made out to the beneficiary of the funding can be accepted.
 

Can costs for SAAS (Software as a Service) solutions be funded?
Yes, if these are required for development and implementation as part of the project and the costs per invoice are greater than EUR 150 (net). The distinction from general (non-project-related) company activities must be clearly presented.
 

Can invoices under EUR 150 be included in the settlement?
No. Exception: In the case of travel, individual documents below EUR 150.00, which in total must again be above EUR 150.00 (net), can be accounted for collectively in the travel expense reports.
 

How fixed are the payments according to the milestone plan?
The payment tranches are defined as part of the funding agreement. These can only be modified in justified cases, after application and approval in the context of a an amendment to the agreement.
 

When is the payment made?
After implementation, documentation and positive examination of the requirements set per milestone in accordance with the funding agreement section “Disbursement of the funding”.
 

How is payment made?
Directly to the bank account specified by the company in the application.