Apoio a Projetos de Descoberta Empreendedora – ITI CIM

This incentive supports collaborative and strategic initiatives led by Intermunicipal Communities (CIMs) in Portugal’s Centro region. Its main goal is to strengthen local value chains and networks through innovative activities that promote entrepreneurial discovery, planning, and action aligned with regional smart specialization strategies (RIS3).

• Support for processes that promote Entrepreneurial Discovery (EDP) through collective planning involving public, private, academic, and civil society actors.

• Coordination between stakeholders to jointly implement action plans derived from EDP.

• Development of local value chains with innovative projects and demonstrations of R&D potential.

• Creation and strengthening of local networks aligned with smart specialization areas.

• Planning and implementation of governance models to drive sub-regional smart specialization.

Examples of Eligible Projects:

• Organizing stakeholder workshops to define strategic investment areas.

• Launching pilot projects that test innovative value chain solutions.

• Building regional cooperation platforms to promote innovation across municipalities

• Travel and accommodation costs for project-related trips.
• Renting spaces and equipment for project activities.
• Promotion and dissemination expenses.
• Costs for certified accountants or auditors.
• Purchase of raw materials or components.
• Adaptation works for spaces or installations.
• Services essential for project activities.
• Expenses related to studies, technical assistance, and consultancy.

Total budget of the grant: €4,443,214.29
Co-financing rate: Up to 85%
Maximum value per operation: €927,000
Minimum value per operation: €100,000

• Intermunicipal Communities (CIMs) of the Centro region.

• Non-profit public or private entities can apply only as co-promoters, with relevance validated by the leading CIM.

• Legal status and registration, including Beneficial Owner Registry.

• Fiscal and social security compliance.

• No outstanding reimbursements from EU funds.

• Proven financial and technical capacity.

• For co-promoted projects, a signed cooperation agreement must be submitted.

• Operations must align with Centro's RIS3 strategy.

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