With the information event “AI Ecosystems 2026”, the Austrian Research Promotion Agency FFG, together with the Federal Ministry for Innovation, Mobility and Infrastructure (BMIMI) and the AI Factory Austria AI, brought together key stakeholders from Austria’s AI landscape.
The focus was on the“AI Ecosystems 2026” call for proposals, current developments in the fields of hybrid AI and green AI, and the targeted networking of future project partners.
The event offered companies, research institutions, start-ups and public-sector organisations the opportunity to learn about current funding opportunities, exchange experiences from successful projects, and initiate new collaborations for future research and development projects.
FFG presents call and key focus areas
Following the opening remarks by Michael Wiesmüller (BMIMI) and the introduction of AI Factory Austria AI:AT by Karl Kugler, the event’s technical program began.
As the national funding agency for industry-oriented research and development, the FFG presented the “AI Ecosystems 2026” call for proposals and provided insights into the thematic priorities, objectives, and funding framework.
Presentation of the “AI Ecosystems 2026” Call for Proposals – Bao-Chau Pham
The call is intended to support collaborative research and development projects and, in doing so, to sustainably strengthen the innovative capacity of Austria as an AI location. Its explicit objective is the substantial technological advancement or new development of core AI technologies within the call’s focus areas of Hybrid AI and Green AI.
BMIMI sets strategic priorities for the further development of AI in Austria
The BMIMI emphasised the importance of high-performing AI ecosystems for Austria’s technological competitiveness and digital sovereignty.
Panel Discussion From left to right: Marta Sabou, Lukas Holzmann, Marina Luketina, Roman Rössler, Daniela Murhammer-Sas
A key element of the program was the panel discussion on the Hybrid AI funding initiatives 2024 and 2025.
Moderated by Daniela Murhammer-Sas (BMIMI), Marta Sabou (Vienna University of Economics and Business), Roman Rössler (voestalpine), and Marina Luketina (University of Applied Sciences Upper Austria), and Lukas Holzmann (x-tention) discussed their experiences from funded research and development projects and current developments at the intersection of artificial intelligence, research, and application.
The discussion showed that successful AI innovations emerge above all where scientific expertise, industrial application know-how and interdisciplinary collaboration come together.
Green AI continues to gain importance
In addition to hybrid AI, the event also focused on the topic of green AI. Participants gained insights into current developments in sustainable and resource-efficient AI systems, as well as their growing relevance to research and industry.
Keynote Presentation: “Green AI” — Bernhard Geiger
In addition, Bernhard Geiger (Know Center) presented the research and development service GAINS and highlighted the potential of sustainable AI approaches for future innovation projects.
Matchmaking lays the groundwork for new projects
A particular focus was placed on direct exchange between potential project partners. In the match-making sessions on Hybrid AI and Green AI, moderated by Markus Proske (FFG) and Bao-Chau Pham (FFG), participants established new contacts, discussed project ideas and explored potential consortia for future calls.
The high level of participant engagement highlighted the need for formats that promote networking, knowledge exchange and the development of joint innovation projects.
Working together for a strong Austrian AI Ecosystem
With the “AI Ecosystems 2026” event, FFG, BMIMI and AI Factory Austria AI once again demonstrated the importance of collaboration between funding bodies, research institutions, companies and ecosystem partners for the further development of artificial intelligence in Austria.
By combining strategic input, concrete information on funding opportunities, practical examples and targeted networking, the event laid the groundwork for future research and innovation projects and will help to sustainably strengthen Austria as a hub for AI.
About the “AI Ecosystems 2026” call – submit your proposal now!
The “AI Ecosystems 2026” call supports collaborative research and development projects that contribute to the substantial technological advancement or new development of core AI technologies in the focus areas of Hybrid AI and Green AI. Funding is available for collaborative industrial research projects, ranging from EUR 100,000 to EUR 1 million per project.
Project proposals can be submitted via the FFG eCall until 6 October 2026, 12:00 noon.
Submit now: AI Ecosystems 2026 | FFG
