When circular economy becomes child's play:
How aws supports creative start-ups in their growth
In a world where sustainability and education are becoming increasingly important, it is often the creative industries that lead the way with bold ideas. But innovative projects need not only vision, but also support. This is precisely where the aws Seedfinancing – Innovative Solutions funding program comes in. aws Seedfinancing is part of a multi-stage funding line from aws that specifically supports impact-driven startup ideas – from the initial sketch to market launch. While "Preseed" focuses on validating initial prototypes, "Seedfinancing" supports young companies in successfully bringing their developed ideas to market.
Founders in the creative industries are particularly familiar with the dilemma: They have the idea, the motivation, and perhaps even a first prototype. But how to turn this into a sustainable, growing company? This remains a mystery for many – especially when faced with overwhelming funding opportunities. This is where the aws Seedfinancing – Innovative Solutions program comes in.
Make your idea a reality
The aws funding program "Innovative Solutions" is aimed at founders who want to create social or ecological added value with their projects. Whether sustainable design, digital platforms with social impact, or reimagined production processes – this is about genuine innovations with substance.
The aws Seedfinancing – Innovative Solutions funding not only closes financing gaps but also provides expertise, networks, and visibility. The program supports project sponsors from the successful validation of the proof of concept to market entry – on an equal footing, practical, and focused on sustainable success.
What is particularly valuable is that “Innovative Solutions” focuses not only on technological breakthroughs, but also on social impact and sustainability – criteria that are often taken for granted in the creative industries.
For many creative minds, this is precisely the decisive impetus to bring their idea from the notebook into real life – such as the Graz-based start-up Papperlapapp .
Big ideas for our little ones
The mission of Papperlapapp.co is as charming as it is meaningful: The team, led by Managing Director Elisabeth Flik, MA, develops high-quality, sustainable cardboard play furniture that allows children to play creatively, discover, and co-create – entirely without plastic, but with plenty of imagination. This creates a real alternative to plastic and composite materials. Only much better – stable, durable, and recyclable!
What began as a lovingly designed project developed, with the support of the aws, into a future-oriented start-up with a growing product range, professional production processes and a clear vision: to give children the tools they need to explore a sustainable, creative world through playful design.
Earning with attitude
For anyone in the creative industries currently tinkering with an idea, the AWS funding could be just the lever they need to take the next step. Because good ideas alone aren't enough – they need support, space to develop, and people who believe in them. And who knows – maybe the next silly project is already in the works.
Do you have an idea with potential impact?
Find out more about the AWS "Innovative Solutions" funding program and get your project off the ground. Find out more here: www.aws.at
