New ICS Project DiGEM: Substantial Funding Budget for Styrian Companies!

On September 1, 2025, we began implementing the new Digital Gateway Emerging Markets project (DiGEM for short). With a total funding budget of more than €1.2 million – co-financed by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) – Styrian companies now have access to a unique support program, initially running until August 2027, to help them leverage the diversification potential of emerging markets and successfully expand into them!

With DiGEM, the ICS addresses key future topics for export-oriented companies:

• Market diversification & internationalization
  Support with market research, localization consulting, feasibility studies, and resilient supply chain management – specifically for entering high-growth emerging markets.
• Digitalization in export
  Funding for AI implementations, process development, and compliance measures, combined with targeted employee training.
• International skilled worker recruitment
  Recruiting, intercultural training, and know-how development to sustainably secure access to global talent.

MEASURES & OFFERS:

• Emerging Markets Fit-Check as a self-assessment tool for individual market readiness!
• 75% direct funding for individual consulting services in the project focus areas listed above
• Emerging Markets Boot Camps for building know-how in small groups
• Trade missions to at least two emerging markets for direct market exploration

Target Group

The program is primarily aimed at Styrian SMEs, but also at large companies with internationalization ambitions in emerging markets. Overall, more than 100 companies are expected to benefit from the various offers – ranging from initial consultations to group training sessions and tailor-made coaching.

DiGEM is co-financed via SFG Steirische Wirtschaftsförderung with funds from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF). For more information on the IBW/ERDF & JTF program, visit www.efre.gv.at“

The project sponsor is

Steirische Exportservice GmbH
A 100% subsidiary of ICS Internationalisierungscenter Steiermark GmbH

The Export Service Organization of the Styrian economy
Lindweg 33, 8010 Graz
+43 316 601 400; office@ic-steiermark.at
www.ic-steiermark.at