ALGARVE2030 | SME Qualification - Individual Operations

Intervention Areas

For an application to be accepted, the company must present a strategic plan combining investments in at least two of the following domains, always aiming for modernization and integration into global value chains:

• Green Transition and Resource Efficiency: This is a core priority of the new notice. Support is given to projects implementing ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) practices and Circular Economy. The focus is on intelligent water and energy management through digitalization (sensors, AI). Solutions for new water sources (desalination, rainwater, and greywater) are valued, provided they align with water efficiency and environmental neutrality.
• Advanced Digital Transformation: Goes beyond basic digitalization. It includes process automation (RPA), the use of Big Data, and Artificial Intelligence for decision support and trend forecasting. The notice specifically highlights funding for Virtual and Augmented Reality (VR/AR) technologies to create immersive experiences, as well as the implementation of virtual assistants and robust cybersecurity systems.
• Operational and Logistical Reorganization: Implementation of new management methods based on open innovation and collaboration. Includes logistical modernization through intelligent planning and monitoring systems, crucial for sectors such as tourism and the blue economy.
• Brand Valorization and Design: Investments in image and product differentiation through trademark registration, design of new collections (emphasizing sustainable materials), and improvement of the company's design capabilities.
• R&D and Productive Capacity: Investment in internal capacity to develop new products and services, namely through the creation or reinforcement of laboratories (note: costs related to prototype production and routine quality testing are not covered).
• Certification and Industrial Property: Obtaining initial certifications for management systems (Quality, Environment, etc.) and protection of intellectual assets through patent registration and utility models.
• Knowledge Transfer: Contracting services to absorb external knowledge and certify research and innovation management systems.

Eligible Investments

Notice ALGARVE-2025-36 | SICE SME Qualification - Individual Operations defines a minimum eligible investment of 100,000 euros and covers the following direct costs:

• Technology and Equipment: Acquisition of machinery and software indispensable for organizational modernization. There is a specific highlight for the purchase of water management technology, including equipment for sustainable desalination, provided it is integrated into a digital and ecological strategy.
• Highly Qualified Human Capital: Support for hiring up to two new technical staff members (bachelor's degree or higher) dedicated to the project. The fund co-finances the base salary up to a limit of 2,250€ per month, for a maximum of 24 months.
• Specialized Consulting: Hiring external specialists to support innovation, certification, or trademark registration. Also includes costs with Statutory Auditors (ROC) or Certified Accountants (up to a limit of 5,000€) for expense validation.
• Industrial Property Rights: Expenses related to obtaining and defending patents and other industrial registrations.

Funding

• Total Allocation - 4,000,000€ (Four Million Euros)
• Support Rate - 50% Non-Repayable Grant
• Minimum Investment - 100,000€ (One hundred thousand euros)

Application Phases

The application period for SICE – SME Qualification - Individual Operations for the Algarve begins on 28/11/2025, with analysis and decision-making carried out according to the following phases:

• Phase 1: closing on 31/03/2026 (5:00 PM)
• Phase 2: closing on 30/06/2026 (5:00 PM)

Support Specifics

Eligibility Criteria

• Regional Strategic Alignment: Operations must contribute to the objectives of the Regional Research and Innovation Strategy for Smart Specialization (EREI Algarve 2030). They must demonstrate a clear impact on qualification and digitalization, with special emphasis on adopting green transition solutions (energy and water efficiency) and the blue economy.
• Integrated Intervention: Projects are required to cover at least two of the planned intangible competitiveness domains (e.g., Organizational Innovation + Digitalization), and this integrated approach must be justified by a strategic analysis of the company.
• DNSH Principle and Water Management: Projects must respect the "Do No Significant Harm" principle regarding the environment. specifically for investments in desalination systems, approval depends on a favorable opinion from APA-ARH Algarve and the demonstration that the system contributes to reducing potable water consumption and increasing water resilience.
• Financial Capacity: The beneficiary must demonstrate possession of the necessary funding sources to ensure the full implementation of the operation.

Access Conditions

• Eligible Region: Support is exclusively for investments located in NUTS II Algarve. Note: Virtual lease spaces are not considered an effective location in the region.
• Application Limit: Each applicant may only submit one application to this notice.
• Minimum Investment: Only operations presenting a total eligible expense equal to or greater than 100,000€ (one hundred thousand euros) will be considered eligible.
• Expense Chronology: Investments or costs incurred prior to the submission of the application (including feasibility studies) are not eligible.
• Human Resources Hiring: Hiring up to 2 new qualified staff members (Level ≥ 6) is eligible, provided that:
  - There is net job creation;
  - Hiring occurs after the application;
  - The worker has not had a contractual relationship with the company (or partners) in the previous 12 months;
  - They are not partners, managers, or administrators.