International R&D&i: News and Grants
R&D&i plays a crucial role in the economic growth and competitiveness of countries in an increasingly globalized world. In this context, international collaboration and the attraction of foreign investment are key to strengthening the innovation ecosystem in Spain.
The support of foreign investment in R&D&i significantly contributes to the development of new products, processes, and technologies that improve productivity and sustainability in strategic sectors. Multinational companies and investment funds bring capital, technology, and specialized knowledge that enhance local research and promote the creation of skilled jobs. Additionally, the involvement of international entities allows for knowledge transfer and collaboration with Spanish research centers and universities, facilitating access to global innovation networks.
Spain offers a favorable environment for R&D&i investment, thanks to fiscal incentives and support and financing programs. In this regard, initiatives such as the EIC Pathfinder Program and the ICEX Innova Invest Program strengthen Spain’s commitment to innovation on the international stage.
EIC Pathfinder-Open
The EIC Pathfinder Program of the European Innovation Council is a funding initiative within Horizon Europe designed to support research teams in developing groundbreaking technologies. The program provides support in the early phases of scientific, technological, and deep-tech research and development, fostering new innovative lines with the potential to transform markets and create new opportunities.
The primary goal of EIC Pathfinder is to establish the scientific foundation for disruptive technologies. Therefore, it funds research aimed at creating novel technological solutions, boosting Europe’s leadership in disruptive innovations.
The program, with a budget of €142 million, provides two main funding schemes:
- EIC Pathfinder-Open: Supports projects in any field of science, technology, or application without predefined thematic priorities (bottom-up approach).
- EIC Pathfinder-Challenges: Supports projects in predefined thematic areas (topics or challenges) with the goal of achieving specific technological advancements.
Focusing on the EIC Pathfinder Open call, it is now open and available until May 21, 2025 (5:00 PM Brussels local time), and will fund projects up to €3 million in grants.
Beneficiaries
Proposals must be submitted by consortia composed of at least three independent legal entities:
- At least one legal entity established in an EU Member State.
- At least two other independent legal entities established in different EU Member States or Associated Countries.
- Individual applicants or small consortia (two partners) are allowed only for the EIC Pathfinder Challenges.
Key Requirements to Know Before Applying
To be eligible, proposals must meet the following essential characteristics (Gatekeepers):
- Ambitious long-term vision: Proposing radically new technologies that address global challenges.
- High-risk, high-reward research: Aimed at laying the groundwork for disruptive technologies.
- Innovative scientific and technological approach: Projects should lead to high-level scientific publications and appropriate intellectual property protection.
- Fundamental research: New research lines that lead to technologies not yet established.
- Collaborative and interdisciplinary research: Encouraging cooperation between different scientific and technological fields.
- Gender balance: Promoting the participation of female researchers and ensuring balanced leadership in work packages.
- Technology readiness level (TRL): Projects must be below TRL 5 at the end of the funding period, focusing on proof-of-concept developments for new technologies.
ICEX Innova Invest Program
ICEX Spain Export and Investment has announced the third call for the Innova Invest Program, an initiative aimed at promoting foreign investment from innovative companies into Spain. This program seeks to foster the integration of these companies into Spain’s productive and research fabric, contributing to the enhancement of competitiveness and productivity in the economy. It is also part of Specific Objective 1.1 of the Pluriregional Program of Spain FEDER 2021-2027, which aims to develop and improve research and innovation capabilities and assimilate advanced technologies.
The third call for grants under this program, with an application deadline of April 8, 2025, has a total budget of €4 million to subsidize R&D projects from companies with foreign capital participation, which are either already established or planning to set up in Spain. This initiative promotes the creation of skilled jobs, the generation of knowledge in strategic sectors, and collaboration with research centers and universities in Spain.
Since its launch, the Innova Invest Program has significantly contributed to attracting foreign investment in high-value-added projects in Spain. The previous edition funded more than 30 projects in key sectors, strengthening the country’s position as a leader in research and technological development internationally.
Financing Conditions
The program operates on a competitive basis and is intended for industrial research or experimental development projects. Fund distribution is segmented by regions:
- Less developed regions (Andalusia, Castilla-La Mancha, Ceuta, Extremadura, Melilla): €2,640,548
- Transition regions (Asturias, Balearic Islands, Canary Islands, Cantabria, Castilla y León, Comunidad Valenciana, Galicia, La Rioja, Murcia): €4,644,169
- More developed regions (Aragon, Catalonia, Madrid, Navarre, Basque Country): €3,584,574
Each beneficiary can receive a maximum of €800,000 in grants, provided the investment is at least €500,000. Additionally, there is a 50% limit on subcontracting subsidized activities. If subcontracting exceeds 20% of the aid amount and is greater than €60,000, prior authorization from ICEX is required.
Eligible Expenses:
- Personnel costs: Researchers, technicians, and support staff dedicated to the project.
- Instrument and material costs: Goods used for the project, with amortization calculated according to accounting principles.
- Building and land costs: Amortization of buildings and commercial land transfer costs.
- Contractual research costs: Acquisition of knowledge, patents, and consulting services.
- General expenses: Indirect costs calculated as a fixed rate of up to 15% of direct personnel costs.
Beneficiaries
To access the grant, companies must be SMEs and have their own legal personality, be duly established, and have a permanent establishment or branch in Spain.
The share capital must have at least 50% foreign participation, either from non-resident legal or physical persons. They must also comply with regulations regarding foreign investment, equal treatment and opportunities, and not have outstanding debts with the Administration.
Additionally, it is mandatory to certify compliance with supplier payment deadlines according to Law 3/2004, as well as provide self-declarations confirming the absence of debts with the Administration, non-receipt of other aid, and no involvement in excluded activities. Finally, companies cannot engage in activities related to fossil fuels, harmful waste treatment, or any activities that violate environmental legislation.
