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R&D and innovation grants for South Aegean SMEs working with research bodies

ESPA 2021-2027 · Regional Programme ‘South Aegean 2021-2027’ (Priority 1, Specific Objective 1.1, ERDF)

ΕΥΔ Προγράμματος «Νότιο Αιγαίο» – Περιφέρεια Νοτίου Αιγαίου, με ενδιάμεσο φορέα ΕΦΕΠΑΕ / ΕΛΑΝΕΤ (Managing Authority of the South Aegean Programme; intermediate body EFEPAE / ELANET)

In plain words

35–80% funding for research and innovation projects by South Aegean SMEs that have their own R&D team or work with a research body. Projects of €50,000–€250,000 for one firm or €80,000–€400,000 for a group of firms. It is a demanding application that needs a solid research plan.

Who can apply

Existing SMEs legally operating in the South Aegean: (a) one firm with its own R&D unit, (b) one firm with a contract with a research organisation, or (c) several firms together. You need two closed financial years, an eligible activity code for at least one full year before 01/01/2025, and at least 2 full-time-equivalent employees in 2024.

What it pays for

Salaries of researchers, technicians and support staff for their time on the project; instruments and equipment (for the time used on it); buildings and premises in proportion to use; contracted research; feasibility studies; a flat 20% for indirect costs on the R&D part.

What must be true for you

Tick what applies. Saved on this device only.

  • Existing SME with at least 2 full closed financial years.
  • Eligible activity code for at least one full closed financial year before 01/01/2025.
  • At least 2 full-time-equivalent employees (annual work units) in 2024.
  • Your own R&D unit or a contract with a research organisation; link to a South Aegean RIS3 sector (tourism-culture, agri-food, fisheries-aquaculture, renewables).
  • Budget €50,000–€250,000 (one firm) or €80,000–€400,000 (several firms).

How to apply

  1. If you have no R&D unit, find a research body and agree the topic and its role.
  2. Write the research/innovation plan with timeline, budget and RIS3 link, using the Annex I (Part B) template.
  3. Log in to OPSKE (app.opske.gr) with TAXISnet credentials and fill in the application.
  4. Submit by 11/12/2026; questions to ELANET, pna.research@elanet.gr, tel. +30 213 0166100.
  5. After ranking and approval, carry out the project within 24 months and request payments via OPSKE.

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

Deadline

Submit on OPSKE from 09/10/2026 to 11/12/2026 (the closing time is not shown on the Managing Authority page — check the call). Proposals are ranked against each other.

Sources we read

Research notes: Call 76_Δ.1.2 (prot. Α_1939/31-07-2026), GBER (Reg. 651/2014) art. 25 (R&D) and art. 28 (innovation aid for SMEs). Aid rates range from 35% (experimental development, medium firms) to 80% (industrial research with bonuses, micro/small); the rate per activity is in the call. amount_min/max left null because the grant depends on the activity mix (e.g. 35% of €50,000 = €17,500; 80% of €400,000 = €320,000 shared by several firms). Public budget €2m, over-commitment up to 150%. Submission dates are from the Managing Authority call page (pepna.gr); closing time not shown there.

See also