Investing in future technologies? Then your financing may now become cheaper. New terms for aws (Austria Wirtschaftsservice, the federal promotional bank) erp loans and guarantees have applied since 1 October 2026. Here is what you should know before submitting your application.
What has happened? New impetus for investment in Austria
With the Council of Ministers' resolution of 30 September 2026 and the guarantee guideline applicable from 1 October 2026, aws is specifically promoting investment in key technologies.
Basis: Industrial Strategy 2035. Nine technology fields have been defined as key technologies – those investing in them receive better terms.
Two levers: a lower interest rate on the erp loan and reduced fees for aws guarantees.
The nine key technologies: does your project qualify?
- Artificial intelligence and data innovation
- Chips, electronic components and systems
- Advanced manufacturing technologies and robotics
- Quantum technology and photonics
- Advanced materials
- Life sciences & biotech
- Energy and environmental technologies
- Mobility technologies
- Space and aviation technologies
aws erp loan: interest rate reduced
−25 basis points compared with the standard terms.
For funding applications from 1 October 2026 – where the investment can be allocated to one of the nine key technologies.
The application date is decisive. Applications from 1 October 2026 are what count. Ongoing projects should be aligned accordingly.
aws guarantees: reduced guarantee fee possible
≈ 0.15 percentage points p.a. reduction in the standard case.
For applications from 1 October 2026, aws may offer reduced guarantee fees. The extent depends on the company's rating and the term of the guarantee.
For the time being, this applies only to guarantees under the Guarantee Act (Garantiegesetz) – i.e. from a loan volume of EUR 1 million.
ERP annual programme 2026: more funds for investment
EUR 500 → 550 million lending volume increased.
The reason is the high demand for aws erp loans. This makes additional financing resources available to Austrian businesses.
My advice: additional funds do not mean unlimited funds. If you are planning a project, do not postpone your application.
What matters: eligibility is decided by the documentation
I know from my audit and advisory practice that the technology link must be presented in a comprehensible way – otherwise the preferential terms remain theoretical.
What aws and the bank want to see
Current annual financial statements, robust financial projections and a clear allocation of the project to a key technology.
Rating and term determine the size of the fee reduction – good documentation is your basis for negotiation.
Action required: what you should review now
- Clarify the technology link: does your project fit one of the nine key technologies?
- Mind the application date: the preferential terms apply to applications from 1 October 2026.
- Choose the instrument: erp loan, guarantee from EUR 1 million, or a combination.
- Optimise rating and term: prepare annual financial statements and financial projections.
- Involve your principal bank and aws early: coordinate the documentation together.
Conclusion
The terms are better. Making use of them is up to you.
Since 1 October 2026, anyone investing in key technologies has been getting better financing conditions – provided the project and the application are properly prepared.
Questions? Contact me directly. I will clarify with you whether your project meets the requirements and which financing is right for you.