STEP | Productive Innovation | Digital and Biotechnology

Actions covered by notice MPR-2026-03

Operations of an innovative nature that result in the production of tradable and internationalisable goods and services with high added value and levels of national incorporation, contributing to the objectives of the Strategic Technologies for Europe Platform (STEP), are eligible for support. Unlike other notices, the focus lies on the manufacturing of critical technologies to ensure Europe’s autonomy in sectors where strategic external dependence exists:

• Digital Technologies and Deep Tech: This is not about basic digitalisation. The focus is on semiconductors, advanced artificial intelligence, quantum computing, and cutting-edge robotics.
• Biotechnologies: Ranging from the manufacture of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) to genetic engineering and new diagnostic techniques.

Operation Types 

The central operation type is Productive Business Investment (SI). Under this Notice, investments must constitute an initial investment (or in favour of a new activity) and fall within the following types of action:

• Creation of a new establishment: Greenfield installation of a new production or service unit.
• Diversification of an establishment's activity: Expansion into new business areas, provided the new activity is not identical or similar to the one previously carried out.
• Diversification of production: Extending the range of products or services to items not previously manufactured or provided by the unit.
• Fundamental change of process: Deep modernisation that alters the overall nature of the existing production or service delivery process.

These operation types must aim for the manufacture of: 

1. Final products, within the scope of the aforementioned critical technologies, as identified here;
2. Specific components and machinery, used primarily for the manufacture of critical technologies;
3. Critical raw materials, relevant to the production of critical technologies;
4. Associated services, which include specialised services that are specific and critical for the manufacture of the final products.

Investment Types

The total investment costs or the additional costs necessary to achieve a higher level of energy efficiency or environmental protection are eligible, divided into the following categories:

A - Tangible Assets (Corporeal)

• Acquisition of machinery and production equipment.

• Costs of transport, installation, and commissioning.
• Computer equipment and hardware, including the software necessary for its operation.

B - Intangible Assets (Incorporeal)

• Technology transfer (acquisition of patent rights, licences, and unprotected know-how).

• Standard software or software developed specifically for the purposes of the operation.
• Note for Large Companies: These costs are limited to 50% of the total eligible expenses.

C - Other Investment Expenses (applicable only to SMEs)

• Engineering and architecture services, and marketing plans.

• Studies, diagnostics, and audits.
• Alignment reports with the DNSH principle (maximum of €15,000).
• Intervention of Certified Accountants or Statutory Auditors (ROC) for expense validation (maximum of €5,000).
• Limit: The total of these expenses cannot exceed 20% of the total eligible investment.

D - Construction and Refurbishment Works

Eligible only in duly justified cases for the innovative activity, with the following caps:

• North, Centre, and Alentejo: Maximum of 35% of total eligible expenses.
• Algarve: Maximum of 70% of total eligible expenses.

Application Dates

• Start: 30/01/2026.
• End: 30/04/2026 (until 17:00).

Notice Beneficiaries

The notice is broad regarding legal nature but strict regarding eligibility requirements.

Company Types

• SMEs (Micro, Small, and Medium-sized Enterprises).
• Small Mid-Caps: Companies that are not SMEs but have up to 499 employees and a turnover ≤ €100M (or balance sheet ≤ €86M).
• Large Companies: Companies that exceed Small Mid-Cap limits.

Specific Restrictions by Size

• Large Companies in the Algarve: In these locations, investments by Large Companies are only eligible if covered by the de minimis aid regime (limit of €300,000 over 3 years).
• Small Mid-Caps and Large Companies in Low-Density Territories: These are also subject to the de minimis regime if they opt for locations outside the regional aid map.

Financing and Support Rates

Support is granted in the form of a Grant (Non-repayable), calculated based on actual eligible costs.

Budgetary Allocation per Programme:

The global allocation of €301,000,000 is distributed as follows:

• COMPETE 2030 (Innovation and Digital Transition Programme): €300,000,000.
• Algarve 2030 (Algarve Regional Programme): €1,000,000.

Financing Rates (Aid Intensity)

• Micro Enterprises: up to 70%