SICE – Inovação Produtiva – Regime Contratual de Investimento

The main goal of this opportunity is to support investments in innovative activities that are strategically important for the Portuguese economy. It focuses on fostering the development, diversification, and internationalization of goods and services with high added value and national incorporation. Priority is given to projects that drive sustainable growth, improve the competitiveness of SMEs, and create jobs, especially those aligned with eco-design, eco-efficiency, and the circular economy. The scope covers all regions of Portugal, including Norte, Centro, Lisboa, Algarve, and Alentejo, as well as their sub-regions. Investments must align with regional and national strategic priorities.

• Projects must comply with all eligibility requirements and contribute to the objectives of the opportunity.
• They must have a minimum eligible cost of €15 million and meet at least two strategic interest conditions (job creation, export intensity, investment impact).
• In Lisbon and Algarve, projects must create new economic activities in the region.
• Projects must score at least 3.00 in the Merit of Project evaluation, meeting minimum thresholds in each criterion.
• All required documentation, such as feasibility studies and financial certifications, must be submitted.
• Projects must align with regional strategies and show clear contributions to innovation and eco-efficiency.

Examples:

• A manufacturing company in Norte invests €20 million in new eco-efficient production lines and creates 60 jobs.
• A tourism business in Algarve launches a new sustainable resort, meeting export and job creation targets.
• An SME in Centro develops a new product line for international markets, investing in advanced technology and hiring highly qualified staff.

• Purchase of machinery, equipment, and IT systems
• Acquisition of software (standard or custom-developed)
• Purchase of patents, licenses, and technical knowledge
• Engineering services and technical studies
• Audits and diagnostics
• Marketing plans and architectural/engineering projects
• Validation of payment requests by certified accountants or auditors (SMEs only)
• Building construction and remodeling (subject to regional and sector-specific limits)
• Salary costs from net job creation due to the investment (for certain regions)
• Non-fossil-fuel-powered material for tourism activities

Restrictions: Expenses incurred before the application or aid request date, including feasibility studies, are not eligible.

• Co-financing rate: Up to 80%, but is negociable case by case
• Minimum per project: €25 million in eligible expenditure (except for strategic interest projects)
• Maximum project duration: 24 months (extensions possible if justified)

• Applicant must comply with all eligibility requirements and conditions of the opportunity.
• Project must support the objectives and be based on a strategic analysis of competitiveness and investment rationale.
• Project must contribute to the internationalization and tradable orientation of the Portuguese economy.
• Project must show significant economic impact, especially for SMEs.
• Investment must not cause significant job losses in other EU regions.
• Applicant must show that funding is needed for the investment to proceed.
• Project must achieve minimum scores in evaluation criteria (strategy, quality, execution capacity, impact).
• Minimum eligible expenditure per project is €25 million, unless the project is of strategic interest.