DIGITAL.PLUS 26: Secure Funding for Your Digitization Project

codeaware GmbH

codeaware GmbH

June 1, 2026

Digitization remains a decisive lever for many companies to make processes more efficient, use data more effectively, and strengthen IT systems. With DIGITAL.PLUS 26, the Upper Austrian Chamber of Commerce (WKOÖ) and the state of Upper Austria are again offering a funding opportunity for small and medium-sized enterprises in Upper Austria in 2026.

The program supports digitization projects that make a substantial contribution to a company’s competitiveness. Minimum investment costs are 12,000 euros. The grant covers up to 35% of eligible project costs and is capped at 7,000 euros.

Who can apply for DIGITAL.PLUS 26?

The funding is aimed at small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with a registered office in Upper Austria and active membership in the Upper Austrian Chamber of Commerce. Solo entrepreneurs may also fall under the SME definition.

Important: Companies that themselves offer digitization services or IT solutions in the requested subject areas are not eligible for this funding. In addition, only one project can be submitted per WKOÖ member.

Another exclusion applies to earlier funding programs: companies that have already received funding from Digital Starter 2023, Digital Starter 2024, or DIGITAL.PLUS 2025 cannot apply for DIGITAL.PLUS 26 according to WKOÖ.

Which projects are eligible?

DIGITAL.PLUS 26 supports projects in three central areas:

1. Automation and digitization

   • Digitizing internal and external processes
   • Automating workflows in administration, production, sales, or customer service
   • Reducing manual work and media breaks

2. Data management and artificial intelligence

   • Structuring and better using existing company data
   • Building data models, dashboards, or analytics solutions
   • Using AI to improve processes or support decisions

3. Secure IT systems and cybersecurity

   • Improving IT security
   • Protecting business-critical and production-relevant data
   • Securing existing or new digital work environments

Projects assigned to digital marketing are not eligible under DIGITAL.PLUS 26.

Which costs are relevant?

The program supports both the conceptual design and the implementation of digitization projects. Consulting and/or IT services must account for at least 20% of the eligible project-related total costs.

Eligible costs primarily include project-related external services and investment costs, provided they directly serve the submitted digitization project. Internal efforts, personnel costs, and standard hardware or standard software according to the funding guidelines are not the focus.

Submission and deadlines

Applications can be submitted online between June 1, 2026 and November 2, 2026. Before submitting an application, a self-check is provided to determine whether the company and the planned project are generally eligible.

Settlement is possible from October 1, 2026 and must be completed by March 31, 2027 at the latest. This includes uploading a final report, invoice, and proof of payment.

Turn a funding opportunity into a concrete digitization project

The funding is the starting point, but the real value comes from a project that noticeably reduces work, makes data more usable, or automates recurring tasks in day-to-day operations. This is where it pays to speak with a technical partner early: many companies already have processes that can be improved significantly with a focused, manageable project.

Typical starting points for a DIGITAL.PLUS 26 project with codeaware include:

• Custom software solutions when off-the-shelf software does not properly reflect your processes
• Interfaces between existing systems so data no longer has to be entered manually several times
• Digital workflows and internal tools to organize approvals, orders, documentation, or reporting more efficiently
• Data platforms and dashboards that consolidate information from ERP, CRM, web shops, or other systems
• AI-supported features, for example for analysis, assistance systems, or automation of recurring tasks
• IT security measures when existing systems need to become more robust and better protected

We support you not only with technical implementation, but also with sharpening the project idea. Together, we clarify which problem should be solved, which features are actually necessary, which systems need to be connected, and what a sensible project scope can look like. This is especially important because the funding application requires a clear description of goals, benefits, costs, and external services.

Why now is the right time

The submission deadline runs until November 2, 2026, but good digitization projects rarely happen on the side. Offer preparation, project description, technical scope, and internal decisions take time. Starting early makes it easier to plan the project properly, check funding eligibility, and then move into implementation without unnecessary delays.

DIGITAL.PLUS 26 can be the right entry point for a project that may have been on your agenda for some time: fewer spreadsheets, fewer manual transfers, better data quality, faster processes, or a digital tool that fits your company exactly.

Let’s talk about your project

codeaware GmbH develops custom software, interfaces, web applications, and digital tools for companies. If you are considering using DIGITAL.PLUS 26 for a concrete project, we can help turn the initial idea into an implementable plan.

Contact us at office@codeaware.at or through our contact form. In an initial conversation, we clarify whether your idea can be scoped in a technically meaningful way and which next steps are needed for the offer, project planning, and implementation.