The CDTI is launching a new funding scheme for testing and experimentation infrastructure aimed at fostering business innovation
The Centre for Technological Development and Innovation, an agency under the Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities, has launched a new funding scheme aimed at strengthening testing and experimentation infrastructure for science and technology parks, technology centres and other organisations providing R&D services
The initiative aims to promote the construction, expansion and improvement of scientific and technological infrastructure that enables new technologies to be tested, validated and scaled up in advanced environments before they reach the market.
These facilities — known as test beds — facilitate the development of prototypes, the conduct of technical tests and the creation of demonstrators under real or simulated conditions.
Who is eligible for the grants?
The programme is primarily aimed at:
Science and Technology Parks
National Technology Centres and National Technology Innovation Support Centres
Other regional Technology Centres and regional Technology Innovation Support Centres.
Associations and foundations that carry out economic activities on a regular basis.
Companies
These facilities will be designed to serve multiple companies, particularly SMEs, facilitating access to advanced equipment without the need for large individual investments.
Eligible expenditure
The following are considered eligible investments:
The acquisition of new fixed assets intended for the construction and/or improvement of testing and experimentation infrastructure
The investment may take the form of new tangible and intangible fixed assets:
‘Tangible Assets’: assets consisting of land, buildings and facilities, machinery and equipment;
‘Intangible Assets’: assets that have no physical or financial form, such as patents, licences, technical know-how or other intellectual or industrial property rights.
Only those costs that unambiguously correspond to the nature of the activity to be financed and are strictly necessary or essential for the proper functioning of the infrastructure may be considered eligible for funding, based on the project description provided in the technical report and the application.
As announced by the CDTI:
The grant may cover up to 75% of eligible costs
It covers investments in equipment, civil engineering works and technical capabilities
It is awarded on a rolling basis throughout the year
Applications may be submitted on an ongoing basis
Application deadline
The application window is open on a permanent basis, under a rolling intake system. This means that interested organisations may submit their proposals at any time of the year, with no specific deadline, until the available funds are exhausted or the call for applications is amended.
This funding forms part of the CDTI’s strategy to strengthen the business R&D ecosystem in Spain and bridge the gap between research and its application in the market.
The organisation thus maintains its mission to boost the competitiveness of the productive sector through innovation and technological development.
