Eligible firms and funding allocation
Companies of any size with at least two approved financial statements when applying may qualify if they operate in the industrial, agro-industrial or craft sectors, or are research centres. Research organisations, agricultural firms and service providers to industry may join as co-proponents under the rules. A startup without two approved financial statements should assess its eligibility and potential role carefully. The Ministry allocates €505,801,524.89; 60% is reserved for SME and business-network projects, and 25% of that reserved share for micro and small firms.
Projects, partners and limits
Projects must create new products, processes or services, or substantially improve existing ones. Eligible costs range from €1 million to €5 million, with an 18–36 month duration. Activities must start after application and within three months of approval. One collaboration route allows up to three proponents, including at least one SME, with each bearing at least 10% of eligible costs. Alternatively, an SME or small mid-cap can use independent external research providers for at least 10% of overall eligible costs. Check territorial and contractual requirements.
Forms of support
The Ministry lists subsidised financing equal to a nominal 40% of eligible costs, combined with a nominal direct contribution of 40% for small, 35% for medium and 30% for large firms. GBER aid-intensity ceilings and notification thresholds apply; these percentages must not be added to promise a net subsidy. Research organisations have separate rules.
What to do now
Check the two approved financial statements, location, business activity and partner roles. Define the technology, research activities, deliverables, timetable and budget. Allocate costs and responsibilities, prepare collaboration agreements, and compare documents with the decree and FAQs. Complete the draft on the manager’s portal; submit only from 10:00 on 7 October. The Ministry page consulted on 24 September states no closing date, so verify notices and remaining resources. Every application is assessed.
Review an R&D project through Funding, our method or a preliminary assessment.
Application portal (Italian) ↗ · Official MIMIT source (Italian) ↗
General information only. Each case requires an individual assessment.