As part of the Portugal 2030 plan, large companies can now submit aid request applications for projects related to Productive Innovation or Strategic Investment Acceleration. The program falls under the Contractual Investment Regime (RCI) and is open for both large companies and SMEs with investment projects equal to or exceeding 25 million euros. They can initiate their projects by applying for aid under the RCI for Productive Innovation or Strategic Investment Acceleration.
The aid request registration can be used by beneficiaries to determine the project’s start date for Productive Innovation or Structural Investment projects in strategic sectors. This registration must precede the commencement of work and be in accordance with the provisions of Article 6 of Regulation (EU) No. 651/2014, as amended, in Annex VII of the Guidelines on regional state aid (OAR) – Commission Communication C(2021) 2594, and in Annex II of Communication 2023/C 101/03, as applicable.
The application process involves submitting an electronic form available on the COMPETE 2030 Simplified Access Platform. The form should include the following information:
a) Identification and size of the company; b) Description of the operation and its objectives, including start and completion dates; c) Location of the investment operation, with specific indication of locations in low-density territories; d) List of operation costs/investment framework; e) Form of support and the amount of public financing required for the operation; f) Additional information and/or documentation as stipulated in Annex VII of the Guidelines on regional state aid (OAR) – Commission Communication C(2021) 2594, and Annex II of the New Temporary Framework for Crises and Transitions (QTCT) – Communication 2023/C 101/03, as applicable.
The project presented in the application must align with the registered aid request, with justified changes accepted during the analysis process.
The Portugal 2030 plan, which commenced in 2021 and runs until 2027, aims to utilize 23 billion euros of European funds to stimulate and develop the Portuguese economy. It consists of 12 programs providing support based on regions or areas of activity, funded by five European funds.
For more information about the Portugal 2030 Incentive System for SMEs, specific calls for proposals have been launched to support productive innovation on the mainland. The application period runs until December 15, 2023, with a maximum co-financing rate of 40% for eligible expenses. The programs cover various regional and thematic areas, emphasizing the development of new industries and services for climate and energy transition. Please note that there is no information about the specific application process for large companies mentioned in the provided resources.
