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New calls in the fight against COVID-19

On 2 April 2020, the Ministry of Industry and Trade (MIT) announced new calls to participate in The Country for the Future and Czech Rise Up Programmes, focusing on support to fight COVID-19.

Call to participate in the Czech Rise Up Programme, or Smart Measures against COVID-19

The programme supports companies in their own initiatives to fight COVID-19 and is also intended for larger entities.

Rather than reimbursing research and development costs, this programme aims to compensate companies for expenses incurred in the implementation of new solutions. MIT provides examples of supported activities: 3D printing of respirators, new lung ventilators, applications facilitating logistics activities, etc. In specific cases, the programme will also support operating expenses relating to projects aiming to expand the production capacities for protective supplies and devices or to introduce the production of new protective supplies and devices.

  • A subsidy per project should amount to at least CZK 500 thousand and shall be provided up to the de minimis limit (i.e. a maximum of EUR 200 thousand per one applicant over a period of three years).
  • As a percentage, a subsidy should amount to 50–90% of eligible costs, depending on the activity type.
  • Applications are accepted from 2 April 2020.
  • More than one application can be submitted per one identification number. The applicant’s only limit is de minimis subsidy amount.

Call to participate in the Country for the Future Programme

Within this programme designed for small and medium-size companies it is possible to apply for support for putting innovative solutions into operation, including innovative procedures (installation of new or enhanced production technologies) and organisational innovations (innovated logistics methods, navigation systems, etc.).

  • A subsidy per project of up to CZK 25 million. As a percentage, a subsidy of 50% of eligible costs.
  • Applications are accepted from 3 April to 15 May 2020.
  • Two applications per one applicant (identification number) can be filed.

Should you consider the above subsidy options interesting for your company, we will be happy to discuss with you the details of your project and any further criteria applicable to the individual calls.