Excelência Científica na RAA – Aquisição de equipamento científico para os nós regionais da RNIIE – I &D Ciência – Individual

The main goal of this opportunity is to boost the research and development capabilities of regional scientific institutions by supporting the acquisition of advanced scientific and technological equipment. The focus is on strengthening infrastructures such as instruments, computational systems, and communication networks to address gaps in the Azores' scientific landscape. This initiative aims to advance knowledge, foster competitiveness in science, and contribute to the economic and social progress of the Autonomous Region of the Azores. Funding is targeted at entities that are part of the National Roadmap of Research Infrastructures of Strategic Interest. The program supports excellence in research and innovation within the region.

• The beneficiary must be a non-business entity within the Azores Scientific and Technological System (SCTA) and included in the National Roadmap of Research Infrastructures of Strategic Interest (RNIIIE).
• Projects must involve the acquisition of scientific and technological equipment directly tied to research and innovation activities, and align with the RIS3 Azores strategy.
• The total project cost must be between €200,000.01 and €287,520.00.
• Projects must align with the objectives of the Azores 2030 Program and the specific call.
• Each project must be submitted individually, with the beneficiary solely responsible.
• Maximum project duration is 12 months, unless exceptional circumstances are justified and accepted.
• Projects must ensure accessibility and comply with environmental standards.

Examples:

• A university research center in the Azores acquires high-performance computing servers to support climate modeling studies.
• A regional laboratory purchases advanced microscopes to improve research on marine biodiversity.
• A scientific institute upgrades its communication network to enable faster data sharing for joint research projects.

• Purchase of scientific and technological equipment
• Acquisition of monitoring systems
• Purchase of information systems
• Acquisition of technological materials
• Purchase of software necessary for research infrastructure
• Costs directly related to the execution of the operation
• Expenses must be real, directly connected to the project, and paid by the beneficiary

Restrictions: Only costs that comply with EU and Portuguese eligibility rules are accepted. Expenses must be directly linked to the approved operation and infrastructure.

• Total budget of the grant: €2,000,000
• Co-financing rate: Up to 85% from the FEDER fund
• Maximum per project: €287,520.00
• Minimum per project: €200,000.01
• Maximum project duration: 12 months

Other financial details: Funding is provided as reimbursement for eligible expenses that have been incurred and paid. Only infrastructures listed in the National Roadmap are eligible. Projects must be led by non-business entities from the Azores Scientific and Technological System and align with the RIS3 Açores strategy.

• Applicants must be non-business entities within the Azores Scientific and Technological System (SCTA) and part of the National Roadmap of Research Infrastructures of Strategic Interest (RNIIIE).
• Projects must align with the RIS3 Azores strategy and the objectives of the specific call.
• The total project cost must be between €200,000.01 and €287,520.00.
• Only individual projects are accepted, and only one application per infrastructure is allowed.
• All required documents, including technical and environmental compliance, must be submitted.
• The responsible investigator must have a doctoral degree, be contractually linked to the applicant, and not coordinate other active Azores 2030 projects.
• Projects cannot start before approval and must be completed within 12 months unless justified and approved.
• Applicants must demonstrate financial stability and comply with VAT and other financial requirements.
• Only infrastructures listed in the updated RNIIIE are eligible for funding.