SACCCT – Apoio a Infraestruturas Científicas da Região Centro

This opportunity aims to boost research and innovation capacities in the Centro region by developing scientific infrastructures. It supports the enhancement of physical spaces and technical-scientific equipment, contributing to market-oriented innovation and addressing regional challenges.

Focus primarily on equipping scientific infrastructures located in the Centro region with technical and scientific equipment.

Be promoted by regional entities (ENESII) managing infrastructures included in the National Roadmap of Strategic Research Infrastructures (RNIE).

Have a monoregional scope, or have previously received funding from Centro 2020.

Be aligned with a recognized entrepreneurial discovery process (EDP) under the RIS3 Centro governance framework.

Examples of Admissible Projects

• Acquisition of high-precision laboratory equipment for a research facility focused on materials science in the Centro region.

• Installation of a new computational cluster in a data science and artificial intelligence research center.

• Adaptation of an existing building into a bioscience research lab with controlled environments.

• Expansion of a university’s microfabrication lab with specialized cleanroom equipment.

• Construction of a new interdisciplinary research wing for a center integrated in the RNIE, aligned with regional smart specialization domains.

• Scientific and Technical Equipment

  • Purchase of instruments or equipment specifically designed for scientific or technological research activities.

  • Must be clearly linked to the objectives of the project and essential to its execution.

• Specialized Software

  • Acquisition of specific software necessary for operating technical and scientific equipment.

  • Includes computing systems, programming tools, and communication networks that support digital open access.

• Construction Work (exceptional)

  • Civil engineering works for adapting spaces or constructing new buildings tied directly to the operation of the infrastructure.

  • Must be justified and limited to the scope of the infrastructure.

Total budget for the grant: €10,000,000

Co-financing percentage: Up to 85% of eligible expenses

Minimum funding per project: €250,000 

Maximum funding per project: €750,000

• Be a non-business entity from the research and innovation system (ENESII) legally established in mainland Portugal.

• Be the managing entity of a scientific infrastructure listed on the National Roadmap of Strategic Research Infrastructures (RNIE).

• Be physically located and operate in the Centro region

• Be in a regular situation with the Tax Authority and Social Security.

• Not be classified as an undertaking in difficulty, nor subject to recovery orders or ineligible under EU state aid rules.

• Demonstrate sufficient technical and financial capacity to execute and maintain the infrastructure.

• Ensure organized accounting and financial transparency.