In-company staff training in strategic technologies (STEP) and defence & security

In plain words

ESPA pays 50% of training your staff in cutting-edge technologies (digital, clean energy, biotech/health, defence). It is for companies with at least 100 employees. The catch: your total training spending must not drop below your usual level, and money goes first come, first served.

Who can apply

Existing companies with at least 100 employees (counted by tax number in the ERGANI system last year), with an eligible main or secondary activity code (Annex II) and a clear link to STEP technologies or defence/security.

What it pays for

Trainer fees and training running costs (Part A of the training plan), consultancy up to 10% and a flat 7% for indirect costs. It does not pay trainees' wages, legally mandatory training (e.g. health and safety), equipment or general software. Plan budget €150,000–€1.2m; grant €75,000–€600,000.

What must be true for you

Tick what applies. Saved on this device only.

• At least 100 employees on payroll in the last calendar year (ERGANI data)
• Main or secondary activity code from Annex II, active with the tax authority (AADE) when you apply, plus an operating licence
• A training plan split into Part A (funded STEP/defence training) and Part B (all other training, paid by you)
• Total training spending during the project must not fall below your baseline (last year or 3-year average, 10% tolerance)
• Training must not start before you apply
• Up to 1 application per priority and up to 2 per tax number

How to apply

1. Download the call from the action page on 21-27.antagonistikotita.gr and check your activity code is in Annex II
2. Choose a priority: STEP (digital, clean tech, biotech) or Defence & Security
3. Work out your training-spend baseline from your closed financial years
4. Prepare the training plan (Parts A and B), operating licence and ERGANI staff data
5. Submit online in OPSKE (app.opske.gr) from 2 Nov 2026 — early, because order of submission counts
6. After approval, deliver the training over 12 consecutive months

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

Deadline

Applications from Monday 2 Nov 2026 (15:00) to Thursday 31 Dec 2026 (15:00). First come, first served until the money for each region group and priority runs out.

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
• National funding for Greek partners in Horizon Europe co-funded partnerships (e.g. Eurostars)until the money runs out · All of Greece
• National co-funding for Greek partners in approved Chips JU and EuroHPC 2024 projectsuntil the money runs out · All of Greece