In the public aid ecosystem for R&D, there are calls that are not very striking for companies and others that, from the first paragraph, make clear their commitment to the sector. The new edition of the Interconecta Step 2025 program, promoted by the CDTI and funded with Feder 2021-2027 funds, belongs-without any doubt-to the second group. We are facing an ambitious initiative that seeks much more than technological projects: seeks alliances, territorial impact and, above all, strategic response to the great challenges of Europe.
INTERCONETA STEP 2025
Open from April 11 to May 19, Insterconect Step is an ideal opportunity for those companies want to move towards a more transformative, structured and international vocation R&D.
One of the most interesting aspects of this call is its territorial cooperation approach. It is not about individual aid, but of projects in consortium formed by between two and six companies-with the obligation that at least one is SMEs-that develop their activity in cooperation within one of the ten eligible autonomous communities: Andalusia, Canary Islands, Castilla-La Mancha, Castilla y León, Ceuta, Valencian Community, Extremadura, Galicia, Melilla and Murcia.
This orientation is not a coincidence: it responds to the objective of the Feder’s plurirregional program, which seeks to reduce the territorial gaps in innovation by promoting those regions with the lowest level of development, and whose approach will have to take into account in the writing of the proposals.
Continuing with project content, the CDTI focuses on the so -called strategic technologies for Europe (STEP). It is not about financing any technical development, but those with true transformative potential. The call delimits three major technological blocks: digital technologies (such as artificial intelligence, robotics, semiconductors or quantum technologies), clean technologies (green hydrogen, co -capture, renewable energy, energy efficiency, circular economy, among many others) and biotechnology (bioinformatics, genetic engineering, protein, etc.).
In total, more than thirty technological areas in which companies can contribute real solutions to the great challenges that Europe faces in the field of technological autonomy, sustainability and industrial competitiveness.
To overcome these challenges, the call makes 90 million euros available to companies, which may obtain up to 4 million euros financed at a maximum intensity of 80%, according to the typology of the company and promoter project.
A fundamental aspect to keep in mind is that at least 10% of the project budget must be subcontracted to research agencies, such as universities, technological centers or hospitals linked to the national health system. This demand not only raises the scientific quality of the projects, but also promotes a real public-private cooperation and knowledge-oriented.
If you are an innovative company with a strategic technological project, willing to generate alliances and address European challenges, inrost Step 2025 is the tool you need. An open door for companies that understand that innovating is not only an option, but a country strategy.
