Investment grants for SMEs in strategic technologies (STEP) and defence (pre-announced)

In plain words

A 50% grant (67% for new firms) for SME investments in cutting-edge technologies (digital, clean energy, pharma/biotech) or defence, up to €200,000 per company. Only a pre-announcement is out, so you cannot apply yet and terms may change.

Who can apply

Micro, small and medium-sized companies with an eligible activity code in STEP sectors (digital/IT, clean energy and environment, pharma/biotech/health) or defence and dual-use. There are separate pots for existing and for new / about-to-be-founded firms.

What it pays for

Machinery, equipment and tools (together with software at least 40% of the project), software and licences, wages of new hires (20–30%), small building works (up to 5%), studies, certifications, patents, branding, cloud/SaaS, trade fairs and promotion, electric vehicles up to €25,000 and a flat 7% for indirect costs. Project budget from €50,000 to €400,000 (existing firms) or €300,000 (new firms).

What must be true for you

Tick what applies. Saved on this device only.

• Eligible activity code (2-digit list in Annex C) held before applying; the investment must concern only that activity
• At least 1 employee on payroll last year (ERGANI) and, per the pre-announcement, at least one closed financial year
• Room under the de minimis cap: no more than €300,000 of state aid in 3 years
• Own contribution of 50% (existing firms) or 33% (new / about-to-be-founded firms)
• One application per company; no fossil-fuel-related costs

How to apply

1. Read the pre-announcement on 21-27.antagonistikotita.gr and check whether your activity code is eligible
2. Check with your accountant how much de minimis aid you have had in the last 3 years
3. Prepare an investment plan with quotes, permits, site and financial data (EBITDA, interest cover) — these are scored
4. Secure and document your own contribution
5. When the full call is out, submit in OPSKE (app.opske.gr) before the deadline
6. Applications are ranked against each other after the deadline

Where to apply: ΟΠΣΚΕ – Ολοκληρωμένο Πληροφοριακό Σύστημα Κρατικών Ενισχύσεων (είσοδος με κωδικούς TaxisNet): app.opske.gr

Deadline

Only a pre-announcement exists (May 2026). Dates will be set in the full call, which the press expects by the end of 2026.

See also

• Cash Rebate Greece-Animate: 40% rebate for animation, interactive and AR/VR productionsuntil the money runs out · All of Greece
• Job-retention subsidy for fur-industry businesses (DYPA)until the money runs out · All of Greece
• In-company staff training in strategic technologies (STEP) and defence & securityopens 2 Nov 2026 · All of Greece
• National funding for Greek partners in Horizon Europe co-funded partnerships (e.g. Eurostars)until the money runs out · All of Greece