SIID – I&D Empresarial - Operações Individuais ou em Copromoção – Parcerias Internacionais (Canadá)

The main goal of this opportunity is to support research and development (R&D) projects that foster innovation and strategic partnerships between Portugal and Canada. The focus is on advancing the areas of Space, Aeronautics, and Defense, encouraging the creation of new, sustainable, and knowledge-intensive products, processes, and services. This grant aims to boost the specialization of the Portuguese economy and strengthen international collaboration. Eligible activities must align with the priority domains of the Research and Innovation Strategy for Smart Specialization (RIS3). Geographic coverage includes the NUTS II regions of Norte, Centro, Lisboa, Alentejo, and Algarve in Portugal, with collaborations involving Canadian partners.

• Projects must be led by micro, small, or medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) or Small Mid Cap companies that meet the required eligibility standards.
• Activities must focus on research and development (R&D), either individually or in partnership, and align with RIS3 priority areas.
• Projects should target strategic partnerships between Portugal and Canada in Space, Aeronautics, or Defense.
• Must include industrial research and/or experimental development resulting in new or significantly improved products, processes, or systems.
• The minimum eligible investment per project is €150,000, verified at application, decision, and closure stages.
• The project duration must not exceed 36 months, unless justified.
• The national component is only funded if the Canadian component is also financed.
• Required documentation includes a consortium contract and proof of submission of the Canadian component to its funding program.

Examples:

• An SME in Porto develops a new satellite communication system in partnership with a Canadian aerospace company.
• A Lisbon-based tech firm collaborates with Canadian researchers to create advanced drone technologies for defense applications.
• A consortium including Portuguese and Canadian partners works on sustainable materials for aircraft manufacturing.

• Salaries and costs for technical personnel dedicated to R&D activities
• Hiring of new human resources for the project
• Raw materials and consumables used in R&D
• Acquisition of services from third parties, including technical, scientific assistance, and consultancy
• Purchase of scientific and technical instruments and equipment
• Acquisition of specific software required for the project
• Expenses for promotion and dissemination of project results
• Travel costs directly related to the project
• Costs for certification processes, technical-scientific audits, patents, and related financial audits
• Indirect costs and expenses related to occasional worker transfers under regulated agreements
• Personnel costs in telework, provided they are within the eligible regions

All eligible expenses are calculated using a simplified cost methodology based on Full-Time Equivalent (FTE) units.

• Total budget of the grant: €9,000,000
• Co-financing rate: Up to 80% for most regions; up to 40% for investments in Lisbon; up to 85% for certain co-promotion operations (except Lisbon, where the maximum is 40%)
• Minimum per project: €150,000 eligible investment
• Maximum project duration: 36 months (longer if justified)
• Other financial details: Funding is distributed across several regional programs. Payments are made via advances, reimbursements, or invoicing. The national component is only funded if the Canadian component is also financed. Projects must align with environmental objectives and the "Do No Significant Harm" principle.

• Applicants must be micro, small, or medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) or Small Mid Cap companies with a balanced economic and financial situation, as demonstrated in recent financial statements.
• SMEs must have valid electronic certification; Small Mid Cap companies must provide a signed declaration from their representatives.
• Projects must have a minimum eligible investment of €150,000, verified at application, decision, and closure stages.
• Applicants must demonstrate that their project has an "incentive effect," meaning it would not occur without the grant.
• The national project component will only be funded if the Canadian component is also funded.
• Applicants must submit all required documents, including a consortium contract, proof of Canadian component submission, and technical annexes.
• Project teams should mainly consist of personnel from the applicant's organization, with some roles possibly filled by seconded workers under regulated agreements.