STEP Productive Innovation | Support for Digitalization and Biotechnology
AIDA CCI informs that Call MPR-2026-2 has been officially published. Integrated into the STEP Productive Innovation framework, this call aims to support innovative productive investment operations focused on digital technologies and biotechnology.
This business competitiveness incentive system emerges to materialise the objectives of the Strategic Technologies for Europe Platform (STEP). The main focus is to promote the manufacturing of critical technologies and ensure the strengthening of respective national and European value chains, with special emphasis on deep tech innovation and cutting-edge biotechnology solutions.
Target Audience and Project Eligibility
The STEP Productive Innovation call is highly inclusive, allowing companies of any size to apply, provided they have organised accounting and strictly comply with the requirements of Portugal 2030 and REITD. Eligible projects include initial productive investments or initial investments favouring a new economic activity aimed at:
- The manufacturing of STEP critical technologies: Focused on industrial technological advancement.
- The preservation and strengthening of value chains: Especially in the sectors of advanced digital technologies and biotechnologies.
Eligible Expenses under STEP Productive Innovation
To structure a robust application for this fund, it is essential to know which expenses can be co-financed. Within the context of this measure, the following categories are considered eligible expenses:
- Acquisition of state-of-the-art productive machinery and equipment.
- IT equipment and specific software for the activity.
- Intangible assets, such as patents, licenses, know-how, and specialised software.
- Construction and remodelling of industrial buildings (subject to specific limits and frameworks).
- Studies, audits, engineering, diagnostics, and technical services (applicable exclusively to SMEs).
Funding Rules and Relevant Limits
Financial planning of the project is the key factor for success in securing these funds. Applications to the STEP Productive Innovation line must adhere to the following investment ceilings and deadlines:
- Minimum eligible expense: €3,000,000.
- Maximum eligible expense: €25,000,000.
- Prior costs: It is important to note that costs incurred before the submission of the application are not eligible.
- Submission deadline: 30 April 2026.
AIDA CCI Support and Specialised Contacts
At AIDA CCI, we closely monitor these strategic developments and support companies throughout the entire process of structuring and submitting their applications. Seize this unique opportunity to make your business more innovative, sustainable, and highly competitive on a global scale.
We are entirely at your disposal for any clarification or feasibility analysis of your investment project, through our technical support team:
For direct support, please contact: Cristina Martins (c.martins@aida.pt) or Susana Carvalho (s.carvalho@aida.pt).
