Scheme provides for non-repayable grants up to €60,000
The new Startup Competitiveness Incentive System provides for non-repayable grants of €10,000, €30,000 and €60,000 for research and development, innovation, business competitiveness, internationalisation and entrepreneurship projects.
According to decree no. 49/2025/1, published today in the Diário da República and which approves the regulations for the new incentive system, it applies to micro, small and medium-sized companies, including startups, from all economic sectors.
Support will be granted in three forms:
- “Deep Tech Voucher”, worth €60,000, the aim of which is to “enable national “deep tech” companies to successfully participate in international programmes and initiatives”;
- “Go to EIC Accelerator Voucher”, worth €10,000, to support the submission of applications for phase 2 – Step 2 – Full Application – of the European Innovation Council’s Accelerator instrument);
- “Start from Knowledge” Programme, worth €30,000 per approved application.
Under the terms of the decree, the support to be awarded under the “Start from Knowledge” programme aims to “stimulate the creation of “startups” in academia and the transmission of scientific and technological knowledge produced in higher education institutions to the national business fabric”.
Under this programme, activities related to participation in ignition, incubation and acceleration programmes are eligible; study, preparation and start-up of business activity; participation in events and trade fairs; development of a marketing strategy; development of pilot projects aimed at demonstrating the business model, service or product; and research and development projects.
The new Startups Competitiveness Incentive Scheme is one of the 60 measures provided for in the Accelerating the Economy programme, which aims to “stimulate the ignition, investment reinforcement, growth and internationalisation of the most innovative national business ecosystem, with a focus on SMEs (small and medium-sized enterprises) and startups”.
