This money can be disbursed as a non-repayable fund and partly as a subsidized loan.
The incentive of the Italian state, called the "Accordo per l'Innovazione" (Innovation Agreement), is aimed at medium-large Italian companies in order to support research and development projects, also in partnership with other companies and / or research organizations such as University.
“the interested companies must submit a project that requires a minimum cost of € 5,000,000, the project evaluation is carried out in a single step, in order to reduce the timing for the assignment and disbursement of contributions, including for involvement of the Italian Regions as co-financiers"
Beneficiaries
The following kind of Companies can benefit of the funds:
a) of any size;
b) based in Italy;
c) established since at least 2 years;
d) who carry out industrial activities of production of goods or services and transport companies;
e) agro-industrial companies that mainly carry out industrial activities;
f) who carry out ancillary activities in favor of companies referred to in letters d) and e);
g) carrying out research activities, with independent legal personality (research centers).
The subjects listed above can submit projects, up to a maximum number of 5, even jointly with each other.
Contribution of the beneficiaries
Each subject must confer at least 10% of the eligible costs or 5% if they are SMEs.
Types of projects that can be financed
The following projects are eligible:
a) industrial research;
b) experimental development aimed at the creation of new products;
c) processes or services or significant improvement of them, through the development of the following key enabling technologies:
- advanced materials and nanotechnology;
- photonics and micro / nano electronics;
- advanced production systems;
- life science technologies;
- artificial intelligence;
- digital connection and security
within the following areas of intervention:
- manufacturing technologies;
- key digital technologies, including quantum technologies;
- emerging enabling technologies;
- advanced materials;
- artificial intelligence and robotics;
- circular industries;
- low carbon clean industry;
- rare and non-communicable diseases;
- infectious diseases, including neglected and poverty-related diseases;
- tools, technologies and digital solutions for health and care, including personalized medicine;
- industrial plants in the energy transition;
- industrial competitiveness in the transport sector;
- clean, safe and accessible mobility and transport;
- smart mobility;
- energy storage;
- food systems;
- bioinnovation systems in the Union's bioeconomy
- circular systems.
Types of incentives
A) Non-repayable grant
The facility consists of a non-repayable grant:
- 50% for industrial research costs and
- 25% for experimental development.
Projects presented with research organizations benefit from a 10% increase (5% for large companies).
Even the Italian Regions (they are 20) can contribute with an allocation of at least 5% of the eligible expenses.
B) Loan at a subsidized rate
Companies can also apply for a subsidized loan up to a limit of 20% of the total eligible expenses.
Expenses eligible for incentives
Expenses related to:
- technical staff, researchers and other auxiliaries employed in the R&D activity, employee or in a collaboration relationship or research grant holder; employee expenses are allowed on the basis of standard costs (hourly cost between € 27 and € 75);
- newly manufactured tools and equipment, for depreciation rates to the extent and for the period in which they are used for the project;
- consultancy and other services used for the project activity, including the acquisition or licensing of research results, patents and know-how;
- overheads, calculated on a flat-rate basis, to the extent of 25% of the direct costs eligible for the project;
- materials used for carrying out the project.
Eligible expenses must be:
- not less than € 5,000,000;
- incurred after submitting the application;
- with a duration between 18 and 36 months.
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