Subsidies for research and innovation infrastructure
The Ministry of Industry and Trade has announced a second call in the Infrastructure Services programme under the Operational Programme Technology and Applications for Competitiveness. The call is aimed at supporting the development of research and innovation (R&I) infrastructure of Czech businesses.
Applications for support will be accepted from 5 May 2025 to 17 October 2025 and applicants can be businesses of all sizes, including large enterprises. The funds for allocation have been set at CZK 1.6 billion, with CZK 1 billion for transition regions (Central Bohemia, South-West, South-East) and CZK 0.6 billion for less developed regions (North-West, North-East, Moravia-Silesia and Central Moravia). Two activities can be supported: the extension of premises and modernisation of open R&I infrastructure and the provision of services to innovative enterprises (small and medium-sized).
Extension of premises and modernisation of open R&I infrastructure
Within this activity, it is possible to support investments in fixed assets such as research equipment, technology, buildings, land, as well as investments in intangible assets or project documentation costs. The aid intensity is set at 25-50% of eligible expenses, depending on whether the enterprise will extend or build research infrastructure or testing and experimentation infrastructure. The maximum amount of subsidy has been limited to CZK 150 million. Crucially, it must be an open R&I infrastructure, with at least 30% of its annual capacity allocated to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
Along with the grant application, the applicant must also provide an analysis of absorption capacity and demonstrate SMEs’ needs. At the same time, the R&I infrastructure must be linked to at least one research organisation.
Provision of services to innovative enterprises - SMEs
The aim of this activity is to provide incubated and other innovative SMEs with specialised consultancy services. The support is meant mainly for operating expenses, e.g. personnel expenses, purchase of specialised external services, cost of raw materials and investment in tangible and intangible fixed assets up to a maximum of CZK 5 million. The aid intensity is 75% of eligible expenses, with the maximum subsidy amount limited to CZK 30 million.
Only one project can be submitted for each activity, which must be implemented in the Czech Republic outside Prague and completed by 31 December 2028 at the latest.
If you are interested, we will be happy to check what support possibilities your project may have under this programme.