Núcleos de I&D (Individuais)

This opportunity is designed to enhance research and innovation within businesses by creating or improving Research and Development (I&D) units. These units aim to boost internal skills and innovation management, focusing solely on structured, ongoing I&D activities. The target audience includes Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) and Small Mid Cap companies. The goal is to support these companies in adopting advanced technologies and enhancing their product or process engineering capabilities, which will contribute to regional development strategies. 

Be promoted by micro, small, or medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) or Small Mid Caps.

Be located in the Centro region.

Focus on the creation or strengthening of internal R&D capacities through the establishment of structured, permanent R&D units.

Align with a short- to medium-term innovation strategy (2 to 5 years).

Examples of Admissible Projects

• Setting up a dedicated R&D team to explore new materials for eco-friendly packaging in a small manufacturing firm.

• Creating an internal lab for testing and validating AI algorithms in a mid-sized software company.

• Launching a technology scouting unit within a startup to track and adopt industry 4.0 innovations.

• Developing an organizational model for innovation linked to academic and tech partners in the region.

• Implementing a plan for certifying the company’s R&D system under NP 4457:2021.

Direct Costs

• Technical staff costs – Salaries or new hires needed to implement and operate the R&D Unit.

• Third-party services – Technical, scientific, and consulting services required to structure the R&D Unit.

• Scientific equipment and software – Equipment and specific software proven necessary for the R&D Unit, used during the execution of the project.

• Travel and accommodation – Costs for travel directly linked to the project (both national and international), with a cap of €10,000 in total.

• Certification costs – Expenses related to certification under NP 4457:2021 for R&D&I management systems.

• Audit and financial verification – Fees for technical-scientific auditors and certified accountants (up to €5,000).

• Building and infrastructure adaptation – Allowed exceptionally and justified, capped at 30% of total direct costs.

Indirect Costs

• Calculated as a fixed rate of 7% over the total eligible direct costs.

Total budget for the grant: €2,000,000 (FEDER)

Co-financing percentage: Up to 50% of eligible expenses

Maximum funding per project: €300,000

Be a micro, small, or medium-sized enterprise (SME) or a Small Mid Cap 

Be legally established and operating in the Centro region

Have organized accounting and a regular situation with the Tax Authority and Social Security.

Not fall under the definition of an “undertaking in difficulty” under EU State Aid rules.

Demonstrate financial capacity to co-finance the project and carry it out within the set timeline.