Contratação de Recursos Humanos Altamente Qualificados por empresas (micro, pequenas e médias) – doutorados e pós doutorados.

The main objective of this grant is to help micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (PMEs) in the Lisbon Metropolitan Area hire highly qualified professionals with doctoral or post-doctoral degrees. The program aims to promote sustainable and quality employment, encourage the professional integration of advanced training in non-academic settings, and boost innovation within companies. It also seeks to strengthen partnerships between businesses and scientific or technological institutions. The focus areas include innovation, adaptation to change, healthy and active aging, improved work environments, and addressing climate and digital challenges in the Lisbon region.

• Projects must involve the hiring of individuals with a doctorate or post-doctorate degree (qualification level 8).
• The hiring must be by a micro, small, or medium-sized enterprise (PME) located in the Lisbon Metropolitan Area.
• Projects should align with the RIS3 Lisbon 2021-2027 strategy, focusing on innovation and adaptation to change.
• They must support processes of innovation and help develop critical knowledge within the company.
• Projects must respect principles of sustainability, equal opportunities, and gender equality.

Examples:

• A small tech company in Setúbal hires a post-doctoral researcher to develop new digital solutions for smart cities.
• A medium-sized health startup in Lisbon brings in a PhD expert to lead research on active aging technologies.
• A micro-enterprise in Grande Lisboa employs a doctorate holder to help the company transition to more climate-friendly production methods.

• Base salaries for highly qualified hires (between €2,188.90 and €3,746.80 per month)
• Mandatory social charges (including social security and work accident insurance)
• Holiday and Christmas subsidies
• Operational costs directly related to the approved project
• Costs for integrating new hires into the company's innovation strategy
• Expenses for tasks and objectives that strengthen research, development, and innovation (R&D&I)
• Collaboration-related costs with research institutions

• Total budget of the grant: €500,000
• Maximum project duration: 36 months
• Co-financing rate: Up to 40%

• Applicants must be micro, small, or medium-sized enterprises (PMEs) with organized accounting and valid PME Certification.
• The person to be hired must have a doctorate or post-doctorate degree from an accredited or recognized institution.
• Applicants must not be in insolvency and must use transparent, competitive hiring practices.
• Applicants must have organized or simplified accounting systems.
• Operations must not be completed before the application is submitted.
• Applicants must comply with requirements for equality, gender balance, and sustainable development goals.
• Applications must score at least 3 points in selection criteria related to equality and sustainability.