Austria launches up to €100 million anchor investment for growth fund, aiming to channel half‑billion euros into biotech

Austria's government announced a new national Startup & Scaleup Fund as part of the 2027/2028 budget, with an anchor investment of up to €100 million.

The public money is designed to attract private capital at a 1:4 ratio, potentially delivering up to €500 million in growth financing for Austrian companies.

Although the fund is not limited to biotech, industry groups such as Biotech Austria are urging that most of the capital be directed to life‑science firms, leveraging the country's strong research hubs and nondilutive funding environment.

Analysts note that Austria has been described as a "hidden champion" in science and technology, and the new fund could further cement its reputation in the global biotech landscape.