01MPr-2026-10
Productive Innovation · Digital & Biotechnology
- Allocation
- €107.95m
- Application
- Individual
- Eligible expenditure
- €3m to less than €25m*
- Maximum rate
- Up to 70%; Algarve up to 50%
- Location
- Norte, Centro, Alentejo and Algarve
PORTUGAL 2030 · STEP
Finance the technologies Europe needs.
Digital. Biotechnology. Energy. Four calls to turn critical technologies and strategic value chains into investment in Portugal.
The starting point
Define the technology. Demonstrate its relevance. Structure the investment.
STEP targets the development and manufacture of critical technologies and the strengthening of their value chains. An application needs to connect technical differentiation, European market potential or strategic autonomy, and the financial capacity to execute.
Choose the investment route
Four calls. Different project profiles.
02COMPETE2030-2026-12
Productive Innovation · Energy
- Allocation
- €100m
- Application
- Individual
- Eligible expenditure
- €3m to less than €25m*
- Maximum rate
- Up to 70%
- Location
- Norte, Centro and Alentejo
03MPr-2026-9
R&D&I · Digital & Biotechnology
- Allocation
- €76m
- Application
- Consortium
- Eligible expenditure
- €5m to less than €25m*
- Maximum rate
- Up to 80% in business R&D
- Location
- Norte, Centro, Alentejo and Algarve
04COMPETE2030-2026-11
R&D&I · Energy
- Allocation
- €75m
- Application
- Consortium
- Eligible expenditure
- €5m to less than €25m*
- Maximum rate
- Up to 80% in business R&D
- Location
- Norte, Centro and Alentejo**
* Reference expenditure thresholds, subject to the call's exceptions. The €3m/€25m thresholds do not apply to Digital and Biotechnology Productive Innovation in Algarve. In R&D&I, corrected eligible expenditure below €5m after appraisal is not supported. Rates depend on the beneficiary, expenditure and aid framework; maximum rates are not automatic.
** The call also mentions Algarve in its geographical scope, but its funding section covers Norte, Centro and Alentejo. Algarve requires clarification by the managing authority.
Fenix Capital approach
An incentive within a coherent financing plan.
Eligibility
Assess the technology, value chain, location, company size and appropriate call.
Application
Connect the technical annex, business plan, expenditure, consortium and evidence.
Financing
Align own funds, debt and liquidity with the investment and grant-payment schedule.
INSIGHTS STEP
Understand the opportunity before deciding.
01 · INSIGHTS
STEP 2026: which call fits your investment?
Compare the four calls and distinguish productive innovation from R&D&I.
Read the analysis →02 · INSIGHTSDigital and Biotechnology: what makes a project eligible?
Critical technologies, value chains and the evidence behind a strong application.
Read the analysis →03 · INSIGHTSSTEP Energy: manufacturing the clean transition
Opportunities for technology producers and specialised suppliers.
Read the analysis →04 · INSIGHTSR&D&I: from consortium to a fundable project
Technology, industrialisation, collaboration and liquidity in one plan.
Read the analysis →Frequently asked questions
What is STEP?
STEP is the Strategic Technologies for Europe Platform. These Portuguese calls support critical technologies and their value chains in digital and deep tech, biotechnology, and clean and resource-efficient technologies.
Can large companies apply?
Yes. The four calls cover businesses of any size, subject to eligibility, location and State aid rules. The R&D&I calls also allow eligible research organisations to join consortia.
Is every digital or renewable-energy project eligible?
No. The project must demonstrate its contribution to a critical technology or its eligible value chain and satisfy the specific STEP conditions. Using standard software or installing solar panels for self-consumption is not, by itself, enough.
Is 80% available for the whole investment?
No. The 80% ceiling concerns business R&D under the R&D&I calls. Productive investment has a separate aid framework. The actual support rate must be calculated for each beneficiary and expenditure category.
When is the application deadline?
The four calls published on 30 September 2026 state 4 January 2027 at 17:00, mainland Portugal time. Check the official source for changes before submission.
Can work start before submission?
The incentive effect generally requires submission before work starts, except permitted preparatory activities. Binding orders or other irreversible commitments should be assessed before they are made.
Based on the calls published on 30 September 2026 and reviewed on 1 October 2026. The official calls and applicable rules govern eligibility and approval. Official documents are available on each call page.
From opportunity to investment
Does your project fit STEP?
Share the technology, location, estimated investment and project stage. We can assess the relevant call and discuss the financial structure needed to deliver it.
A focused first conversation, confidential and without commitment. Include your company name and a contact number.
The assessment button opens an email draft with the information to share. info@fenixcapital.pt