
Gabriel Kienberger
After completing my studies in economics and founding my first start-up, I began focusing on financing and funding topics in 2017 for the corporate group of an entrepreneur based in Hamburg. Initially, the focus was on start-ups and grown-ups in the software sector, with biotechnology added as another key area from 2021 onwards.
As I increasingly became the go-to contact for funding topics within my circle of friends and professional network, founding a consultancy for funding and financing together with my co-founder Marius was the next logical step. Our aim was to support more companies in a targeted way with the implementation and acceleration of their innovative projects and growth plans.

Dr. Marie-Isabel Popzyk
As a Ph.D. graduate in Mechanical Engineering, I have successfully secured numerous funding grants at the Institute for Textile Technology at RWTH Aachen and later continued this work on a freelance basis. Additionally, I serve as a reviewer for the EU and other funding organizations, giving me valuable insights into various approval processes. My experience in securing funding across different corporate contexts and industries, project management, and my role as a reviewer enables me to provide comprehensive advice to our partners and significantly enhance their chances of approval.

Jonas Vitek
After completing my Master's degree in Business Administration at the University of Vienna, I specialized in advising companies on funding. As a partner manager at GrantLift, I provide targeted support to innovative companies in identifying suitable funding programs and strategically implementing funding applications. My aim is to make complex funding processes understandable and efficient - with the aim of realizing forward-looking projects, promoting sustainable growth and maintaining Germany as a lucrative location for innovation.

David Steinberger
As a graduate engineer in Biomedical Engineering from TU Vienna, I bring not only a strong interest but also extensive expertise in research and development projects. Over the past two years, I have gained experience with well over 100 funding applications and have continually specialized in the commercial preparation and retrieval of funding. My focus at GrantLift is on ensuring a seamless process – from the creation of coherent financial plans to the disbursement of funds and beyond.

Marius Löwe
At GrantLift, I assist in identifying and applying for the most economically and strategically beneficial funding packages for our partners. As a trained Data Scientist and Economist, I previously applied my expertise in data science within the economic contexts of clients across various industries while working in strategy consulting. Evaluating the opportunities offered by different funding options and integrating them into a company’s overall strategy is, for me, an essential part of comprehensive advisory services.

Heidrun Riedl
As a Partner Manager at GrantLift, my main task is to show companies the potential of public funding and make tailor-made programs accessible.
Personal exchange is particularly important to me - for example at trade fairs or industry events. This is often where the best discussions take place: directly, at eye level and with an open eye for individual challenges. This allows us to find tailor-made support solutions that have a real impact and strengthen companies in the long term.

Max Wawschinek
As a trained Mechatronics Engineer and Industrial Engineer, I bring extensive expertise and professional experience in prototype development and project management. My technical and economic interests drive me as a funding expert to advise companies on their research and development projects. To date, I have successfully supported over 150 projects in project identification and application processes. My expertise spans various industries, including mechanical engineering, automation technology, biotechnology, electrical engineering, software, as well as vibration and control technology.

Sebastian Rosenbusch
As a graduate Chemical and Bioengineer, I bring a deep understanding of various technical topics, which I am currently expanding through my PhD in Mechanical Process Engineering at TU Vienna. In addition to these competencies, I contribute my experience in managing numerous funding projects in the fields of process engineering, automation, medical technology, biology, and mechanical engineering at GrantLift. My goal is to secure the best possible funding for your R&D activities.

Andreas Pirhofer
After completing my Master's degree in Finance and Accounting at the Vienna University of Economics and Business (WU), I worked for several years in strategic management consulting. At GrantLift, my focus is on supporting our clients both commercially and organizationally throughout the entire funding process - from the identification of suitable programs and the structured preparation of applications to the implementation and handling of projects in line with funding requirements.

Jannis Willems
At GrantLift, I leverage my experience from medium-sized companies, large corporations, and the start-up world, along with my Master's degree in Entrepreneurship, to provide the best possible support to companies of all sizes within the funding landscape. Whether it's early-stage start-ups, scale-ups, or medium-sized businesses, I work strategically and goal-oriented, always aligned with the individual objectives of our partners, supported by my expertise and strong network.

Rudolf Golubich
With a doctorate in technical physics, specializing in theoretical particle physics and fundamental interactions, and a sound knowledge of computer science with a focus on logic and computation, I have a strong scientific and analytical foundation. For many years, I have been involved in research-related issues and the preparation of sophisticated, IT-oriented grant proposals.
At GrantLift, I provide support as an external data scientist and consultant for research and development (R&D) - both in the conceptual design of funding projects and actively in the implementation of R&D projects. My goal: to translate complex scientific ideas into fundable innovation projects - comprehensibly, soundly and successfully.

Philipp Heusel
With a degree (Bsc.) in industrial engineering and mechanical engineering and a subsequent diploma in medical technology, I have a sound engineering education, which I was able to deepen through several years of practical experience in various development areas. My professional career has taken me from the development of high-pressure pumps to project management in special machine construction and challenging development projects in medical technology - with a focus on modern prosthesis technology. My aim is to advance technically innovative projects through structured support and to make technical potential visible.

Jakob Knoblauch
At GrantLift, I leverage my experience in business development and management consulting to effectively support our clients in successfully applying for funding. My focus is on identifying the optimal funding package for each of our partners and developing tailored solutions. I guide our partners through the entire process — from the initial analysis to the application and finally to the disbursement of funds. My goal is to ensure that all processes are efficient and run smoothly.

Ekin Yalcinkaya
As an industrial engineer, I have worked intensively with funding and project financing. In recent years, I have supported projects at FFG, AWS and the Vienna Business Agency with tailor-made funding strategies. My focus is on the EIC Accelerator - from application to implementation, supplemented by participation in the 3rd cohort of the EIC Women Leadership Program. I also hold an IPMA Level D certification in project management. Whether in start-ups or corporations - structured processes and pragmatic approaches are key for me. I combine technical understanding with business know-how and evaluate funding concepts in terms of feasibility and innovation potential. My aim is not only to secure projects financially, but also to lead them efficiently to success.

Vincent Knefeli
As a biologist with a focus on biochemistry and scientific experience at the renowned Institute of Microbiology in Regensburg, I bring in-depth research expertise to the advisory services I provide to our partners. I have also expanded my practical knowledge in customer management and business operations while working with a leading manufacturer of measurement and automation technology. Thanks to this combination of scientific expertise and industrial experience, I offer comprehensive consulting services – from identifying suitable funding opportunities to successfully submitting applications. My goal is to advance your R&D projects and strengthen your company’s innovation capacity in the long term.

Bernhard Bezucha
Building on my background in Mechatronics and extensive knowledge from my studies in Physics, I began my journey into funding consultancy in 2022. Since then, I have gained valuable experience and continuously expanded my expertise. My consulting activities cover a wide range of technological fields, including computer science, chemistry, the food industry, and automation technology. With my passion for science and technical innovation, I am happy to assist you in identifying projects and applying for funding for your research and development initiatives.

Daniela Ebner
At GrantLift, I act as a central interface between the market, technology and specialist departments, helping to initiate suitable funding strategies. Building on my Master's degree at WU Vienna and over eight years of consulting experience at renowned banks, I combine business know-how with technological understanding. Thanks to my insights into the production of an international automotive supplier group, I am familiar with entrepreneurial challenges in practice. At trade fairs, conferences and industry events, I recognize technological trends and current challenges at an early stage. My motivation: sustainable financial benefits for our partners.

Lukas Mitteregger
My versatile education in medical technology and mechatronics enables me to quickly grasp the processes in different research areas and to clearly define interdisciplinary interfaces. My work in the field of electrotherapy for neurodegenerative diseases at Vienna General Hospital (AKH) has given me a deep understanding of medical research and clinical product development. Over the past year, I have been able to use my technical expertise in a targeted manner to successfully support numerous companies - particularly in the fields of medical technology, electronics, automation and IT - with research funding.

Thomas Hilmbauer-Hofmarcher
Thanks to my commercial and business management training and my academic background in basic research at Karl-Franzens University and Graz University of Technology, I combine business know-how with technical understanding. This helps me to provide companies with targeted support when applying for R&D funding. Over the past 14 years, I have gained extensive experience in various industries - and it is precisely this diversity of perspectives that I use to identify funding potential, select suitable programs and implement projects in line with funding requirements. As a business consultant licensed under trade law, I place particular value on providing advice that impresses through integrity, transparency and customer proximity.

Siegfried Leher
With a solid education in chemistry at the HTL Rosensteingasse in Vienna and a subsequent degree in molecular biology, I completed my academic career with a PhD at the renowned John Innes Centre in Norwich. Since then, my focus has been on funding consultancy in the fields of biology, biotechnology, biomedicine and, increasingly, IT. I have been instrumental in shaping and successfully completing funding applications with a total volume of over 50 million euros - from research grants to complex programs such as KMU innovativ or ZIM. Thanks to my many years of experience, I can find the right funding strategy for every technology-oriented company.

Carina Peters
As a versatile all-rounder with a technical and administrative background, I bring a combination of in-depth specialist knowledge and practical experience to my work. I support partners of all sizes - from start-ups and medium-sized companies to large corporations - and appreciate the ambitious environment at GrantLift, characterized by innovation and growth. My focus is on research and development as well as expansion and investment. I provide holistic support for projects: from the initial idea to the application for funding through to implementation and follow-up. It is particularly important to me to promote sustainable growth that creates long-term value. With an appreciative exchange on an equal footing and a clear view of individual requirements, I help our partners to achieve their goals efficiently - be it through technological innovations, strategic investments or the optimization of administrative processes.

Sahin Dogan
With my many years of professional experience and a solid commercial foundation, I develop tailored funding strategies for our clients. My focus lies on future-oriented fields such as research and development, automation, sustainability, and digitalization. For me, every project is unique. That is why I look at each initiative in its overall context, from the vision and framework conditions to the selection of the most suitable funding instrument. This variety makes my work particularly exciting.
I am motivated by working together with our clients to unlock potential and develop a strategy that is precisely aligned with their goals. At GrantLift, I can use this passion to strengthen our clients’ innovative power and help turn forward-looking projects into reality.

Chris Laux
With a degree in International Business Administration and fluency in four languages, I combine business expertise with intercultural competence and strategic thinking. I have been active in funding management for several years, supporting companies in developing and successfully implementing sustainable growth strategies.
In my role as Senior Partner Manager at GrantLift, I combine analytical thinking with leadership and empathy. I enjoy working in a team, encourage open collaboration, and rely on clear strategies and trust to achieve measurable, long-term results for our partner companies.

Ann Vivienne Marton
My entry into funding consulting began during my bachelor’s studies in International Business. Since then, I have worked at the intersection of business and public funding, with a solution-oriented and practical approach, always focused on the individual potential of each project.
Direct exchange at trade fairs and industry events is particularly valuable to me, as it creates the opportunity to openly discuss challenges and identify opportunities together, with the aim of building meaningful, long-term partnerships.

Nikola Djurdjevic
As an industrial engineer with a technical background in mechanical engineering, I bring a broad understanding of both technical and economic contexts. After studying at TU Wien and gaining practical experience as a technical draftsman, I have been working in funding consulting since 2022 and have successfully supported numerous research and development projects since then.
My field of work covers demanding topics ranging from mechanical engineering, electronics, and chemistry to components for the aerospace sector. This variety enables me to precisely understand complex technical projects and translate them into eligible funding concepts.

Romeo Merz
After completing my master’s degree in Internationalization Management at WU Vienna, with a focus on SME Management, my work centers on internal business development. Acting as an interface between different areas, I connect objectives, resources, and implementation.
Projects are translated into clear work packages, priorities are defined, and reliable decision-making foundations are developed. I identify potential, examine details, and improve processes where they can create real impact. Change is part of everyday work, and I approach it in a structured way to ensure that projects move forward reliably.

Lilly Wu
After completing my bachelor’s degree in Business Psychology, I started my career in recruitment consulting, supporting companies in attracting the right talent. During this time, I developed a deep understanding of people, motivation, and decision-making processes, and learned how essential structure, communication, and trust are for sustainable success.
As Executive Assistant at GrantLift, I help organize day-to-day operations efficiently, coordinate appointments, and keep track of a wide range of topics so that the management team can focus on its core responsibilities.

Carmen Slater
After completing my master’s degree and gaining insight into a wide range of technical disciplines, particularly in plastics engineering, mechanical engineering, and biomedical engineering, I specialized in funding consulting.
What drives me every day is the opportunity to understand both small and large technical innovations, as well as our clients’ passion projects, to support them in the best possible way, and to help strengthen the innovative capacity of companies across various industries.
I am grateful to continuously learn about new methods, technologies, and challenges, and to use my expertise to develop optimal strategies for and together with our clients.

Sahin Dogan
As a versatile all-rounder with a technical and administrative background, I bring a combination of in-depth specialist knowledge and practical experience to my work. I support partners of all sizes, from start-ups and medium-sized companies to large corporations, and value GrantLift’s ambitious environment, shaped by innovation and growth.
My focus lies on research and development, as well as expansion and investment. I support projects holistically, from the initial idea and funding application through to implementation and follow-up. It is particularly important to me to promote sustainable growth that creates long-term value.
Through appreciative communication at eye level and a clear understanding of individual requirements, I help our partners achieve their goals efficiently, whether through technological innovation, strategic investment, or the optimization of administrative processes.

Christoph Köpke
As Head of Strategic Funding at GrantLift, I support the strategic development of R&D funding initiatives. Over the past 10 years, I have built and managed innovation networks and projects of various sizes, from smaller initiatives to large-scale innovation projects.
Previously, I worked as a Team Lead at EurA AG. In parallel, I served as Product Owner for the 8th Energy Research Programme and as Coordinator for national funding programmes at the Aachen site. I also organized and moderated events and workshops.
As an experienced project manager (IPMA® Level D), funding consultant, and network manager, I combine technical expertise with strategic and entrepreneurial thinking. I am pleased to support clients from the initial idea development stage through to the successful implementation of their projects.

Sahin Dogan
Since the end of 2025, I have been working as a funding consultant at GrantLift, supporting companies as their first point of contact on the path to suitable funding programmes. With my strong consulting mindset, I help companies identify efficient and individually suitable funding opportunities and initiate the right steps for a successful application process.
Previously, I worked as a recruitment consultant for companies and gained several years of solid experience in client consulting, initially alongside my law studies and later in responsible advisory roles. This combination of legal understanding, entrepreneurial perspective, and many years of consulting experience enables me to provide structured, transparent, and practical support.
At GrantLift, my focus is on clear, understandable communication and efficient implementation, with the aim of making funding opportunities tangible for companies and creating sustainable added value.

Sahin Dogan
With my background in International Business Administration, specializing in Digital Management and Sustainability, and several years of international experience, I have been supporting international SMEs and large corporations in applying for various funding programmes since September 2022, with a particular focus on the German Research Allowance.
During this time, I have successfully supported numerous projects and helped companies secure funding payouts. I find it particularly rewarding to work with innovative companies that bring new ideas to life and actively shape the future.

Sahin Dogan
In funding consulting for research and development, I have found the ideal role to satisfy my strong curiosity for technical and scientific topics on a daily basis. I greatly enjoy diving deep into the individual innovations of our partners, understanding the technical details, and supporting demanding projects in unlocking their full potential.
My studies in Electrical Engineering and Information Technology at TU Wien, together with my experience in Development and Operations Engineering and in the sales of laboratory and industrial electronics, form the foundation of my technical expertise.

Sahin Dogan
At GrantLift, I support companies as a Partner Manager from the very beginning, with a clear focus on what truly matters and solutions that genuinely work. I apply my experience in management consulting and my expertise in the funding landscape to make even complex topics easy to understand and directly actionable.
I place great importance on open, appreciative communication and collaboration at eye level. My goal is for our partners to experience working with us as straightforward, efficient, and thoroughly positive, enabling important processes to move forward quickly and opportunities for the successful implementation of innovative projects to be used in the best possible way.

Sahin Dogan
During my bachelor’s studies in International Management, I gained early practical insights into the work of corporate leadership teams. In my previous roles as a working student and intern in industry, management consulting, and agencies, I supported management teams in their day-to-day work and acted as a connecting interface between leadership and internal departments.
I was involved in topics across various areas, including strategy, process optimization, people, marketing, project management, and organizational structures.
As a Founders Associate, I now support the management team and internal teams in the further development of processes, internal project management, and operational topics. My focus is on creating sustainable structures, managing interfaces efficiently, and supporting employees in their daily work.

Sahin Dogan
After completing my studies in economics, I took on responsibilities in sales and business development across various companies. My focus has always been on building long-term partnerships and maintaining a clear orientation towards sustainable customer value.

Cathi Cramer
Since 2018, I have been supporting people and companies in making the most of their potential. After several years in recruitment and HR consulting, I have learned how important it is not only to find the right talent, but also to support and develop people over the long term.
As an HR Manager, I create structures that motivate people to contribute, take responsibility, and succeed together. My focus is on an appreciative corporate culture, clear communication, and processes that are both efficient and human-centered.
We are GrantLift
Our funding experts provide comprehensive support: from identifying suitable funding opportunities, through the application process, to the final payout.
Our team looks forward to meeting you
Our Philosophy
Our team of ambitious experts with many years of experience in funding believes in the innovative strength of our clients. We provide comprehensive consulting that goes beyond conventional standards. Our goal is to strengthen innovation capacity, support projects, and pave the way to market readiness through targeted funding. As a link between companies and government funding opportunities, we develop tailored strategies and assist in the successful acquisition of these funds. Together, we shape the future and create added value for businesses, nations, and society.
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GrantLift Supports You from These Locations

Our Network to Your Advantage
We have access to a broad network of former application reviewers as well as industry and finance experts. They support us with projects that require exceptional industry-specific or niche knowledge. By leveraging their in-depth expertise alongside our experience, we structure and draft outstanding applications to assist you even with highly complex funding opportunities, such as those at the EU level. We provide comprehensive support and guidance in navigating an often opaque and intricate funding landscape.