FACTORY -
The Incubation Program
FACTORY is our structured 12-month incubation program. It is aimed at innovative, growth-oriented startups that are already founded or about to be founded.
Our add-on FACTORY+ (AplusB South-West) also supports research-, technology-, and innovation-based startup projects with high growth potential – with special additional services and support options.
Our goal: your market entry – solid, guided, and connected.
Apply here! (until September 14)
The application consists of an online form and a pitch deck.
The Incubation Program FACTORY
- Coaching & Roadmap
Your personal startup coach will support you over 12 months – along clearly defined goals outlined in your individual roadmap. - Workshops & Peer Learning
Regular trainings on business development, go-to-market, legal, investment readiness, and more – combined with learning formats alongside other startups. - Mentoring
You will receive individual support from an experienced business leader who will guide you as a mentor over the course of 12 months. - Access to the startup ecosystem
Networking with investors, companies, research institutions – including media visibility, event participation, and access to additional startup-relevant benefits. - State funding up to €25,000
For eligible projects, the Province of Salzburg provides financial support.
The FACTORY+ add-on
Startups with a strong focus on RTI (research, technology, innovation) receive additional benefits:
- Up to € 10,000 in extra funding (State of Salzburg)
- € 2,000 budget for strategic experts/external consulting
- Access to in-depth RTI-related training (IP, legal, and impact workshops) and the AplusB network (nationwide incubator network with a focus on high-tech innovations)
- Coworking at Startup Salzburg included
Is FACTORY(+) right for you?
You can apply if you…
- pursues an innovative, technology- or knowledge-based business model
- euer Startup vor max. fünf Jahren gegründet habt oder eine Gründung in den kommenden Monaten geplant ist
- You founded your startup no more than five years ago or plan to do so in the coming months.
- formed a founding team and assigned roles
- have your company headquarters in Salzburg or are planning to move here
- are prepared to actively engage in coaching, training, and mentoring for 12 months
- want to intensively promote your startup and have the necessary time resources to do so
You can also apply for FACTORY+ (AplusB) if …
- pursues a research, technology, or innovation-based project
- have sound, defensible core expertise as the basis for the company (e.g., specialized knowledge or patentable technology)
- your business model is geared toward above-average growth and scaling
RTI-based startup projects (FACTORY+) ideally meet one or more of these criteria:
- High level of innovation and unique technological features
- Risk-intensive R&D activities in an academic context
- Intellectual property, technology transfer, or spin-offs from research institutions
- Specialized knowledge gained through scientific experience
- Research collaborations with universities or non-university institutions
You can find a complete list of criteria in the FACTORY / FACTORY+ admission criteria (PDF – German).
Ready for FACTORY / FACTORY+? Your path to the program
Want to get your startup off to a flying start? Now is the time. Participation is free of charge, but places are limited.
From the initial info call to the program kick-off, the application process takes just a few steps:
Everything you need to know for your application
- The application consists of two parts: the application form and an annotated pitch deck.
- Use the pitch deck template (PPT) as a basis for your annotated pitch deck.
- Format note: Your pitch deck should be submitted in this format – with slides + notes view for explanations: Pitch Deck with Notes View (PDF – German)
- Additional documents:
Ask anything about FACTORY(+): Come to the Q&A session!
On Friday, August 29, from 9:00–10:00 a.m., our coaches will answer your questions about FACTORY(+).
Simply log in online, ask questions, and prepare yourself optimally for your application!
Questions? We are here for you.
Startup Salzburg Team
welcome@startup-salzburg.at
+43 5 7599 722 85
You can of course also find advice and guidance for your application at all Startup Salzburg Service-Points.
