General Information

Programme: Smart Growth, Digitalisation and Financial Instruments 2021-2027

Priority: Priority 1 - Support and promote an attractive and competitive RDI system in Romania

Specific Objective: RSO1.1 - Development and enhancement of research and innovation capacities and uptake of advanced technologies (ERDF)

Structure of the Call for Projects

The call for projects is designed to support innovative start-ups through two regional components, each with a specific budget.

Action 1.1: Support for the private sector and collaboration between public and business actors in RDI.

Measure 1.1.1: Support for innovative enterprises

Calls for projects:

• Component 1 (LDR): PCIDIF code PCIDIF/155, dedicated to supporting innovative start-ups in less developed regions (LDR).
• Component 2 (MDR): PCIDIF Code PCIDIF/158, dedicated to supporting innovative start-ups in the More Developed Region (MDR).

Total Budget and Distribution by Components

The call for projects benefits from substantial funding allocated through the ERDF and the State Budget, divided according to regional development:

Total Budget of the Call: Total of 46.698.235 euro, shared between ERDF and State Budget.

Component 1 (LDR) - Less Developed Regions:

Total Budget: 36.268.235 euro.

ERDF: € 30 828 000.

State Budget: 5.440.235 euro.

Eligible regions: North-East, South-West Oltenia, South-East, South-East, South Muntenia, Centre, North-West and West.

Component 2 (MDR) - More Developed Region:

Total Budget: 10.430.000 euro.

ERDF: € 4 172 000.

State Budget: 6.258.000 euro.

Eligible region: Bucharest-Ilfov (includes certain localities such as Buftea, Chitila, Vidra, etc.).

Categories of Eligible Applicants

The Guidelines clearly specify the categories of applicants that can apply for this call for projects. The eligible applicant must be a newly established, innovative enterprise falling into one of the following categories:

Innovative start-ups:

• Small businesses up to 5 years old.
• They fulfil innovation and development criteria, demonstrated through investment in research and development or new products, processes and services.
• They have not yet distributed profits or taken over the business of another enterprise, except in limited cases.

Note: Detailed eligibility for each category of applicants can be found in the relevant section of the Guidelines, including all applicable eligibility criteria.

Eligible Activities

Eligible projects must include innovative activities directly contributing to the objectives of the call and are detailed as follows:

Research and development activities: industrial research and experimental development aimed at creating new products or improving existing ones.

Innovation activities: developing innovative products and services, improving production processes or implementing new technologies.

Collaborations and partnerships: working with research organisations, universities or other entities to develop innovative projects.

Innovation promotion and commercialisation activities: Market launch of innovative products/services and promotional activities to increase their visibility and impact.

Types of Eligible Projects

Funded projects must make a significant contribution to the development of new capacities for innovation and competitiveness in small enterprises. The types of eligible projects are:

• Applied research and development projects including prototyping and technological validation of concepts.
• Projects to develop innovative products and services with commercialisation potential.
• Public-private collaborative R&D&I projects focusing on creating synergies between business and research organisations.
• Projects involving the adoption of advanced technologies to improve operational processes and boost economic efficiency.

Types of Eligible Expenditure

In order to ensure efficient use of funds, the guide includes specific categories of eligible expenditure, which are detailed according to their contribution to the project:

Staff expenditure:

• Salaries of staff directly involved in the project's RDI activities (researchers, technicians, auxiliary staff).

Expenditure on equipment and intangible assets:

• Procurement of equipment, software and licences needed to carry out research and innovation activities.

Expenditure on innovation advisory and support services:

• External consultancy services, innovation strategy support and technical assistance.

Prototyping and testing costs:

• Expenditure for the development of prototypes and for the testing and technical validation of the solutions developed.

Indirect expenses:

• Administrative, logistical and operational costs incurred for the implementation of the project, including rent and utilities.

Expenditure on promotion and commercialisation activities:

• Budget allocated to bring innovative products to market, including marketing campaigns.

Other eligible costs:

• Expenditure related to staff training, project-related travel and other essential project costs, within the approved budget.

Application and Project Selection Procedure

Method of Submission: Applications must be submitted exclusively through the electronic platform MySMIS2021/SMIS2021+, with all necessary documents attached.

Evaluation Process:

• Projects will be evaluated technically and financially on the basis of excellence criteria and quality thresholds.
• The final selection will take into account the relevance of the project to the objectives of the programme, the economic impact and the proposed sustainability.

The deadline for submitting projects for Component 1 (LDR) and Component 2 (MDR) is 15 November 2024, 17:00. Projects can be submitted exclusively through the MySMIS2021/SMIS2021+ IT system.

The call for proposals documents can be consulted here.