SME Support
The Projects Department has extensive experience working with SMEs by offering excellent technical and management support for research and innovation projects. It selects the adequate financial instruments, offers complementary technological services and accompanies businesses in their journey to the launch of their product on the market.
We assess companies in the proposal writing, paying special attention on the compliance with eligibility criteria and objectives for each topic, as well as in the search for partners. Besides, we provide support for administrative and financial aspects related to the proposal submission and the implementation of the project. We also collaborate with experts in IPR management, business plan development and commercialisation.
For further information…
Programmes for SMEs
EIC Pathfinder
The EIC Pathfinder supports the exploration of bold ideas for radically new technologies. It welcomes the high-risk / high gain and interdisciplinary cutting-edge science collaborations that underpin technological breakthroughs. Grants of up to 3 to 4 M€ support early-stage development of future technologies (e.g. various activities at low Technology Readiness Levels 1-3), up to proof of concept. Pathfinder projects can also receive additional funding for testing the innovation potential of their research outputs.
Projects typically involve consortia of researchers and other partners from at least three different countries, but there are also opportunities for individual teams and small consortia (two partners).
EIC Transition
The EIC Transition funds innovation activities that go beyond the experimental proof of principle in laboratory to support the maturation and validation of novel technology in the lab and in relevant application environments and the development of a business case and (business) model towards the innovation’s future commercialisation.
Single applicants or small consortia (up to 5 partners) can apply for a grant of up to 2,5 M€. Applications are restricted to results generated by previous eligible projects.
Eurostars
Eurostars is the largest international funding programme for SMEs wishing to collaborate on the development of innovative products, processes or services for commercialisation. This programme provides funding and support to research-performing companies, especially SMEs.
The funding and participation rules are fixed at national level. It is necessary to gather at least two independent partners from different countries. The project must be led by an SME and have a duration of 36 months or less.
PID
PIDs (Proyectos de investigación y desarrollo) are individual projects specially designed for companies that perform R&D to create or significantly improve a productive process, product or service. The minimum budget for the project is 175.000 € and the funds are partially repayable grants of up to 75% of the total approved budget. The project should last between 12 and 36 months. Your company must be established in Spain to apply to this call.
NUCLIS
Nuclis fund a new high-risk tech product or service. You can receive up to 250.000 € in grants to develop an industrial research and experimental development projects that tackle the challenges of the technology and green transformation. The project can last up to 3 years. Your company must be established in Catalonia to apply for this grant.
NEOTEC
The NEOTEC Programme aims to support the creation and consolidation of technology-based companies. You can receive up to 250.000 € in grants if your company focuses on the exploitation of products or services that require the use of technologies or knowledge developed from research activity. This grant is intended for newly created technology-based companies, with a minimum of 6 months and a maximum of 3 years old. Your start-up must be established in Spain to apply to this call.