GrAT is a scientific association for research and development of Appropriate Technology for developing and developed countries. Since 1986, GrAT has proposed and demonstrated conceptual and practical solutions for sustainable development. 

They believe the new way of technology development should contribute to the improvement of quality of life, yet, it should be responsible for its social and ecological consequences at the same time. 

To reach the goal, GrAT conducts the whole processes of R&D project entailing analysis, planning, design, implementation, monitoring and dissemination. Furthermore, the knowledge gained from those projects is fed into the educational programmes for college and university students, as well as into practical training and capacity building programmes for professionals and individuals. It provides innovative and sophisticated consultancy services to governmental institutions, communities, and companies.

Projects are funded by different national and international institutions, such as European Commission, UN organisations, Ministries, Austrian Research Promotion Agency (FFG), and other public or private organisations.