New incentive system for startups with non-repayable grants available

The Government has launched a new incentive system for startups in Portugal, offering non-repayable financial support in three categories: €60,000, €30,000, and €10,000 vouchers. 

This initiative is part of the “Acelerar a Economia” program, which includes a set of 60 measures aimed at boosting the creation, growth, and internationalization of the country’s most innovative companies, with a special focus on micro, small, and medium-sized businesses, including startups. 

The support is also directed at companies recently founded by individuals who graduated from higher education institutions, aiming to foster the creation of new businesses stemming from the academic environment. 

The support is divided into three categories, each with a specific application area: 

Voucher Deep Tech  

 This voucher, worth €60,000, is aimed at deep tech companies, helping them prepare for successful participation in international programs and initiatives. The funds can be used for various areas, including intellectual property management, prototyping processes, recruitment, and developing operational plans aligned with ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) criteria. Payment is made in two phases: 70% after accepting the commitment term and 30% within 45 working days after validating the final report by the support team of the Executive Committee of the Fund. 

Voucher Go to EIC Accelerator  

 This €10,000 support is intended for companies wishing to apply for the European Innovation Council Accelerator. The amount covers the necessary services for the application, such as the production of required documents, graphic design, and video pitches. Payment is made in full after the submission of the acceptance term. 

Start from Knowledge Program  

 This €30,000 support is aimed at companies created by individuals with a recent connection to academic institutions, such as students, researchers, or faculty members. The objective is to fund the creation of startups based on scientific and technological knowledge generated in universities. The funds can be used for participation in incubation and acceleration programs, marketing strategy development, and pilot project implementation. 

Application Requirements and Selection Process 

 To access the incentives, startups must be legally incorporated, with regular tax and social security status, organized accounting, no financial difficulties, and valid SME status. Applications will be evaluated by a technical team from the Innovation, Technology, and Circular Economy Fund, with decisions communicated within a maximum of 30 working days. 

Calls for applications for the support will be published on the National Innovation Agency (ANI) website, where specific conditions for each category will be available. The total allocation of the program will be defined in a later decree to be published by the Ministry of Economy. 

This new package of incentives aims to strengthen the Portuguese entrepreneurial ecosystem, supporting the creation and expansion of innovative startups, with a particular emphasis on the technology and academic sectors.