Innovation Guarantee Fund (80% guarantee plus up to 20% of the loan written off)
Hellenic Development Bank – Innovation Guarantee Fund
Ελληνική Αναπτυξιακή Τράπεζα – ΕΑΤ (Hellenic Development Bank – HDB)
In plain words
A €25,000–€400,000 bank loan for innovative SMEs with an 80% HDB guarantee and no guarantee fee. If you meet the innovation (and ESG) targets within 36 months, up to 20% of the loan is written off. Loans must be paid out by 31 Dec 2026.
Who can apply
Existing and new micro, small and medium businesses meeting at least one innovation criterion (e.g. R&D spending for firms up to 3 years old) and carrying out a research and innovation plan.
What it pays for
Investment and working-capital loans up to 10 years with 1–3 years grace. A grant of up to 20% of the loan (15% for innovation targets + 5% for ESG) that reduces the balance. Refinancing old debt is not allowed.
What must be true for you
Tick what applies. Saved on this device only.
- SME meeting at least one of the fund's innovation criteria.
- Creditworthy for the bank; arrears under 90 days.
- Above €50,000, real collateral of at most 20%; no mortgage on your main home.
- Bank appraisal fees up to 0.5% of the loan (max €1,200), depending on the bank.
How to apply
- Check the innovation criteria in the fund's Q&A on hdb.gr.
- Choose a partner bank (e.g. Piraeus, Alpha, Eurobank, CrediaBank, Optima, Chania, Epirus, Thessaly cooperative banks).
- File an expression of interest on the state-aid system ΠΣΚΕ ependyseis.gr/mis naming the bank.
- Give the bank your research/innovation business plan and documents for its credit assessment.
- Sign and draw the loan by 31 Dec 2026; within 36 months prove the criteria to get up to 20% written off.
Where to apply: ΠΣΚΕ – Πληροφοριακό Σύστημα Κρατικών Ενισχύσεων (ependyseis.gr/mis) + συνεργαζόμενη τράπεζα / state-aid system + partner bank
Deadline
No application deadline, but loans must be paid out by 31 Dec 2026 – apply as soon as possible.
Sources we read
Research notes: HDB page: fund mobilises €155m of loans; disbursement horizon 31.12.2026; terms and Q&A amended 03.2026. No application deadline is published, but with disbursement ending 31.12.2026 the window is effectively closing – confirm availability with the bank. Funding source not stated on the page. Includes free access to HDB's InnoAgora platform. Listed by HDB as 'in progress'.