Are you ready to enhance your research, development, and innovation projects? Exciting opportunities await you! Regions such as Lombardy, Piedmont, Tuscany, and Umbria are offering grants with non-repayable contributions of up to 75%. Here’s a guide to upcoming funding opportunities.
Lombardy.
From January 18 to February 2, 2024, Lombardy opens the second phase of the “Research and Innovate” grant with a substantial budget of 13.6 million euros. This initiative aims to promote projects introducing innovative technological solutions, led by Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs). Focusing on environmental sustainability, youth inclusion, and women’s participation, the program offers incentives of up to 80% of expenses, reaching a maximum of 800,000 euros for investments in industrial research and experimental development. An innovative feature is the option to increase the non-repayable percentage to 15% for those obtaining environmental, energy, or process management certifications.
Piedmont.
Piedmont allocates a significant budget of 80 million for research, development, and innovation activities. This comprehensive plan involves a range of entities: Micro, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (MSMEs), innovative startups, small MidCaps, and large companies collaborating with MSMEs, research organizations, and Piedmontese end users. With a deadline for applications set on January 31, 2024, the non-repayable contribution varies between 25% and 60%, depending on the type of beneficiary and the intervention line.
Tuscany
Tuscany anticipates the opening of the “Research and Development” grant in December, offering substantial financial support exceeding 70 million. The initiative unfolds through two evaluation procedures covering strategic R&D projects and those of MSMEs and Midcaps. With potential investments ranging from 250,000 to 3 million euros and durations from 15 to 21 months, this initiative promises significant support. The funding structure includes contributions for investments and capital, with additional incentives for green projects.
Umbria
Umbria allocates 5 million to revitalize internal processes related to industrial research and experimental development. All non-agricultural companies can benefit from this non-repayable contribution, ranging from 45% to 75%, depending on the nature of research or development and the size of the beneficiary. Additional benefits include a 2.5% increase for collaborations with innovative startups or for hiring at least one permanent employee. Hurry, applications must be submitted by January 17, 2024!
Tourism Startups Grants.
The Ministry of Tourism has announced a notice granting non-repayable contributions of up to 150,000 euros to innovative startups involved in programs with qualified operators of the Innovation network. Startups must submit applications by December 6, 2023.
Innovation networks are collaborations with operators in the innovation ecosystem, with whom the Ministry has already developed joint programs to support startups. Proposed projects should aim to support market development and the consolidation of technologies, solutions, and business models in the tourism sector. The duration of development projects is 12 months, and the funding will be disbursed in three installments over 12 months from the signing between the ministry and the benefiting startup.
For further details, consult your fiscal advisor.
