1. What is Productive Innovation?

The Productive Innovation Incentive Scheme, part of Portugal 2030, supports business investments that promote innovation, increased production capacity, process modernization, and the enhancement of company competitiveness.

This incentive targets projects that contribute to the production of innovative, tradable, and internationalizable goods and services with higher added value.

Supported projects include those involving the creation of new establishments, expansion of production capacity, diversification of output, or fundamental transformation of production processes.

The goal is to help SMEs invest, innovate, grow, and strengthen their competitiveness in domestic and international markets.

2. Who can apply?

Micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) can apply, regardless of their legal form, provided they have organized accounting and meet the eligibility requirements.

The main requirements include:

• Demonstrating a balanced economic and financial situation and not being considered an undertaking in difficulty.
• Carrying out an eligible economic activity and an investment project of an innovative nature.
• Demonstrating the financial capacity to carry out the investment.
• Securing at least 25% of the operation's financing through own resources or external funding free of public support, in accordance with the call for proposals.
• Complying with environmental regulations and all other applicable regulatory requirements.

Eligibility also depends on the sector of activity, the location of the investment, and the specific characteristics of the project.

3. Which investments are supported?

The incentive can support various investments directly related to implementing productive innovation projects, namely:

• Productive machinery and equipment: acquisition of equipment aimed at creating, modernizing, or expanding production capacity.
• IT equipment and software: technological solutions necessary for operating and developing the investment.
• Technology and intangible assets: acquisition of patents, licenses, technical knowledge, and software.
• Construction and refurbishment of facilities: building works and construction in the industrial and tourism sectors, when properly justified and within the established limits.
• Specialized technical services: studies, diagnostics, audits, engineering services, architectural plans, and marketing strategies associated with the investment.

Expense eligibility is subject to the conditions and limits established in the call for proposals. As a general rule, investments made prior to the application are not eligible, with the exception of certain preparatory works.

4. How much funding can you receive?

Support is granted in the form of a grant, which can co-finance a percentage of the eligible investment expenses.

The general maximum rates set out in the baseline call are:

Special conditions and caps apply to certain regions, including Alto Alentejo and Beiras e Serra da Estrela, as well as limits arising from State aid regulations.

The support rate can result from combining a base rate with bonuses tied to factors such as the green transition, qualified job creation, and company capitalization, always within the applicable caps.

The actual funding percentage depends on the location, company size, investment characteristics, and regulatory framework.

5. How can Inov4you support your business?

1. What is SME Internationalization?

The SME Internationalization Incentive Scheme, integrated into Portugal 2030, supports companies looking to enter or strengthen their presence in international markets.

This incentive finances projects that promote entry into new markets, export growth, the enhancement of Portuguese products and services, and the development of international business strategies.

Companies can carry out international promotion activities, participate in trade fairs, digital marketing, market prospecting, and strengthen their commercial presence abroad.

The goal is to help SMEs enter new markets, increase exports, and strengthen their international competitiveness.

2. Who can apply?

Micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) looking to carry out internationalization projects and strengthen their activity in foreign markets are eligible to apply.

The main requirements include:

• Have organized accounting records.
• Demonstrating a balanced economic and financial situation and not being considered an undertaking in difficulty.
• Be in good standing with the Tax Authority and Social Security.
• Demonstrate technical and financial capacity to execute the project.
• Operate an eligible economic activity and submit a well-founded internationalization strategy.
• Demonstrate the investment's contribution to the company's growth and international competitiveness.

Eligibility depends on the location, business sector, and the specific terms of each call.

3. Which investments are supported?

SME Internationalization supports investments aimed at entering and consolidating companies' presence in international markets, namely:

• Participation in international trade fairs: attendance at trade fairs, exhibitions, and business promotion events abroad.
• Market prospecting: identifying business opportunities, potential clients, and international partners.
• International marketing and communication: promotional campaigns, advertising, and communication materials targeted at foreign markets.
• Digital marketing: online promotion activities, digital campaigns, and strategies to attract international clients.
• International digital presence: development and adaptation of websites, digital platforms, and content for foreign markets.
• Product certification and adaptation: certifications and adjustments required to access international markets, where eligible.
• Specialized consulting: support services for defining and implementing the internationalization strategy.

Eligible expenses are subject to the limits and conditions defined in the applicable call.

4. How much funding can you receive?

Companies can benefit from non-refundable grants between 40% and 50%, depending on the investment's location and the specific terms of each call.

The incentive is calculated on the approved eligible expenses, adhering to the maximum rates, funding limits, and applicable State aid rules.

The effective support rate depends on the project scope and the specific call for applications.

5. How can Inov4you support your business?

1. What is SME Qualification?

The SME Qualification Incentive Scheme, part of Portugal 2030, supports investments aimed at enhancing companies' competitiveness, productivity, and management capacity.

This incentive promotes the adoption of new business models, digital transformation, organizational innovation, sustainability, and the improvement of business processes.

Support is provided for projects that enable companies to develop new skills, improve their organizational structure, and strengthen their ability to respond to market challenges.

The goal is to help SMEs modernize their structure, increase efficiency, and boost competitiveness.

2. Who can apply?

Micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) seeking to implement business qualification and modernization projects are eligible to apply.

The main requirements include:

• Have organized accounting records.
• Demonstrating a balanced economic and financial situation and not being considered an undertaking in difficulty.
• Be in good standing with the Tax Authority and Social Security.
• Demonstrate technical and financial capacity to carry out the investment.
• Develop a business qualification project aligned with eligible categories.
• Present investments in at least two competitiveness areas, where required by the call.

Eligibility depends on the business sector, location, and the specific terms of each call.

3. Which investments are supported?

SME Qualification supports investments that foster modernization, organizational innovation, and the strengthening of business capabilities, namely:

• Digital transformation: adoption of digital technologies, management software, and process automation solutions.
• Organizational innovation: implementation of new organizational, management, and operational methods within the company.
• Management and operational efficiency: improvement of internal processes, information systems, and decision-support tools.
• Quality and certification: implementation of management systems and certification of products, processes, and services.
• Product design and development: creation and enhancement of products, packaging, and design solutions.
• Sustainability: adoption of circular economy practices and improvement of environmental performance.
• Industrial property protection: registration of trademarks, patents, and other rights, where eligible.
• Specialised consultancy: technical services required to implement qualification actions.

Investments must fall within the competitiveness areas and expenditure categories set out in the call for tenders.

4. How much funding can you receive?

Companies can benefit from non-repayable grants of up to 50% of eligible expenses, depending on the investment location and the specific terms of each call.

Under baseline calls, support rates can reach 50% in the North, Centre and Alentejo regions, with projects located in Lisbon subject to specific limits.

The actual funding percentage depends on the location, the nature of the expenditure and the regulatory framework of the project.

5. How can Inov4you support your business?

1. What is Research & Development?

The Incentive System for Research & Development (R&D), part of Portugal 2030, supports companies aiming to develop new products, processes or services through research, innovation and technological development.

This incentive finances projects that turn scientific and technological knowledge into innovative solutions, driving business competitiveness and growth.

Projects can be carried out individually or in partnership with other companies, universities and research centres.

The goal is to transform innovative ideas into solutions with economic value and market potential.

2. Who can apply?

Micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and Small Mid-Caps aiming to develop technological research and development projects may apply, under the terms of the applicable call.

Applications can be submitted under two modalities:

• Individual projects: carried out by a single company.
• Collaborative projects: carried out in partnership between companies and/or entities from the scientific and technological system.

The main requirements include:

• Have organized accounting records.
• Demonstrate a balanced financial and economic standing, including a minimum financial autonomy of 15%, under applicable terms.
• Be in good standing with the Tax Authority and Social Security.
• Demonstrate technical and financial capacity to execute the project.
• Develop a project with clearly defined research and innovation objectives.

Access criteria depend on the nature of the project and the requirements set out in each call.

3. Which investments are supported?

Business R&D supports activities aimed at developing new technological solutions and significantly improving products, processes and services, namely:

• Industrial research: development of new knowledge and technologies with commercial applications.
• Experimental development: creation, development and testing of innovative prototypes, products and processes.
• Specialised human resources: researchers, technicians and other professionals involved in R&D activities.
• Equipment and technology: use of scientific, laboratory and technological equipment required for the project.
• Software and technological tools: specialised IT solutions used in research activities.
• Scientific collaboration: development of projects in partnership with universities, technology centres and research organisations.
• Intellectual property: activities related to the protection and commercialisation of research results, where eligible.

In calls using simplified cost options, funding may be calculated based on the human resources assigned to the project, not necessarily corresponding to the individual reimbursement of each expense category.

4. How much funding can you receive?

Companies can benefit from non-repayable grants of up to 80%, depending on company size, the nature of research activities and the location of the investment.

The base funding rates are:

These rates may benefit from bonuses linked to company size and specific criteria regarding location, collaboration and dissemination of results, in line with applicable regulatory limits.

Under baseline calls, specific limits may apply to certain regions and co-promoting research entities.

The incentive is non-repayable, with the actual amount subject to application assessment and approval.

5. How can Inov4you support your business?

1. What are Place-Based Incentives?

Place-Based Incentives, integrated into Portugal 2030, support small-scale investment projects aimed at creating, expanding, and modernising micro and small enterprises.

These incentives are designed to foster regional economic development, stimulate business investment, create and maintain jobs, and boost the competitiveness of local economies.

They are especially relevant for companies seeking to modernise facilities, acquire equipment, increase production capacity, or improve their services.

The goal is to help small businesses invest, modernise, and grow, contributing to the economic development of their territories.

2. Who can apply?

Micro and small enterprises, including recently established companies, can apply provided they carry out eligible economic activities and meet the specific conditions of each call.

The main requirements include:

• Have organized accounting records.
• Demonstrate a balanced financial and economic situation and the capacity to finance the investment.
• Have a minimum financial autonomy of 15%, with specific conditions for recently established companies.
• Have at least one paid job, in accordance with the applicable call.
• Develop a project aimed at creating, expanding, or modernising the business activity.
• Carry out the investment in a territory covered by the respective call.

Requirements, sectors of activity, and investment limits vary according to the region and the call for applications.

3. Which investments are supported?

Place-Based Incentives support investments aimed at creating, expanding, and modernising small businesses, namely:

• Construction and refurbishment: construction, reconstruction, expansion, and modernisation works on business facilities.
• Machinery and equipment: acquisition of equipment required to develop or expand operations.
• Digital transformation: acquisition of IT equipment and specialised software for business operations.
• Modernisation of establishments: investments in facilities and equipment that improve service efficiency and quality.
• Quality and certification: certification of products, processes, and services.
• Brands and corporate identity: design and registration of new brands.
• Technical projects: architecture, interior design, and engineering projects, where necessary and eligible.

Expense eligibility is subject to the conditions and limits of each call, and specific limits may apply to construction, refurbishment, or expansion works.

4. How much funding can you receive?

Companies can benefit from non-refundable grants, with co-funding rates ranging according to the location of the investment and the specific terms of each call, typically between 40% and 60%.

5. How can Inov4you support your business?