Portugal 2030 launches more than €840 million to accelerate technological sovereignty in critical sectors

Within the framework of the Portugal 2030 strategy, the Portuguese Government and the COMPETE 2030 Management Authorities, in coordination with the Regional Programmes, announce today the opening of a historic package of tenders aimed at transforming the country's productive profile. With a global budget allocation exceeding €840 million, these new notices are integrated into the European STEP (Strategic Technologies for Europe Platform) platform, representing a decisive step towards Portugal's affirmation at the forefront of global technological innovation.

The central objective of this initiative is to strengthen the strategic autonomy of the European Union and the resilience of its value chains. Through these incentives, Portugal will support national companies and research centres in the development and manufacture of critical technologies, combating external dependence in vital domains such as Energy, Digital Technologies and Biotechnology.

A Structural Investment on Two Fronts

The incentive package now launched is divided into two major operational strands:

1. Productive Innovation (Notices MPR-2026-3 and COMPETE2030-2026-2): With an allocation of €600 million, these tenders aim to finance direct investment in cutting-edge industrial capacities. The focus is on the manufacturing of advanced semiconductors, new-generation artificial intelligence systems, and critical medicines listed by the Union. In the energy sector, support is intended for zero-impact technologies, encouraging the national manufacturing of components for renewable hydrogen, heat pumps, and advanced energy storage systems (batteries).

2. Business R&D&I in Co-promotion (Notices MPr-2026-2 and COMPETE2030-2026-1): Mobilising over €240 million, this front focuses on strategic collaboration between the business fabric and the national scientific system (ENESII). The goal is to accelerate technological maturity (TRL - Technology Readiness Level), allowing disruptive innovations to make the critical journey from laboratory validation (TRL 4) to full commercial readiness and industrial-scale manufacturing (TRL 9).

Support Conditions and Deadlines

Support is granted in the form of a non-repayable grant (non-repayable fund), ensuring companies have the necessary liquidity for high technological risk investments. Incentive rates are particularly attractive, reaching up to 70% for productive innovation projects carried out by SMEs and 85% for research and development activities in the case of scientific system entities.

In an effort to promote territorial cohesion, applications are open to companies of all sizes located in the North, Centre, Alentejo, and Algarve regions. In the field of Energy, the programme favours convergence regions, ensuring that the climate transition is also a driver of development for inland territories.

Application Period:

• Start: 30 January 2026
• Closing: 30 April 2026 (17:00)

The Impact on the National Economy

These notices represent a paradigm shift in public support, moving the focus from simple modernisation to European industrial leadership. The implementation of these projects will have direct implications for Portugal's external competitiveness, resulting in a sustained increase in Gross Value Added (GVA) and the integration of national companies into high-value global supply chains. Beyond the direct economic impact, the creation of thousands of highly qualified jobs is expected, retaining national talent and attracting specialists in the areas of Deep Tech and Biotechnology.

Through these notices, Portugal positions itself at the forefront of European industrial sovereignty. It is not just about supporting the individual growth of companies but rather the ecosystem that will define Europe's autonomy from third markets and ensure that Portugal is an active protagonist in the economy of the future. 

From today, companies have 3 months to prepare their projects and submit applications for the STEP incentives.