STEP Business R&D&I for Energy supports integrated research, development and productive innovation projects focused on the development, manufacturing and scale-up of critical clean and energy-efficient technologies. Through collaborative projects led by companies, the incentive contributes to strengthening European value chains under the EU Strategic Technologies for Europe Platform (STEP).
Programme details
Application deadline: 30 April 2026
Beneficiary entities: Large companies, SMEs, micro-enterprises and startups, operating in co-promotion with partners
Benefit: R&D activities: up to 80% funding and productive innovation activities: up to 70% funding, in accordance with regional aid maps and State aid rules
- Minimum investment: €5,000,000
Geographic scope: Mainland Portugal (excluding Lisbon and Algarve area)
About the funding
STEP Business R&D&I for Energy supports integrated investment operations combining industrial research, experimental development and productive innovation.
Projects must target higher Technology Readiness Levels (TRL ≥ 6), with limited activities starting from TRL 4, progressing through to commercial production.
Eligible projects must contribute to the development, manufacturing or reinforcement of value chains of critical clean and net-zero energy technologies, including resource-efficient and carbon-neutral technologies, as defined under Regulation (EU) 2024/795 (STEP).
Projects must demonstrate:
- Innovation and technological advancement
- Strategic relevance for the European Union
- Strong collaboration between companies and, where applicable, ENESII partners
- Alignment with STEP objectives for strategic technologies
The maximum project duration is 36 months.
How it works
This call requires the formation of co-promotion consortia led by companies and integrates both R&D and productive investment components within a single funding framework.
Projects must demonstrate:
- Technological maturity compatible with industrial deployment
- Clear contribution to European clean and energy-efficient technology value chains
- Economic viability and potential for market introduction
- Structured collaboration between participating entities
The integrated structure allows companies to combine research and industrial scale-up within the same strategic operation.
Eligible investment expenses
R&D component:
- Personnel costs, including researchers, technical staff and fellows
- Acquisition or licensing of patents and know-how
- Consumables and raw materials
- Components for pilots, demonstrators and prototypes
- External scientific, technical and consultancy services
- Equipment, scientific instruments and specialised software (amortisation)
- Indirect costs are calculated at a flat rate of 7% of eligible direct costs
Productive innovation component:
- Machinery and equipment
- Tangible and intangible assets, including patents, licences, software and know-how
- Engineering services, studies, audits and technical services
- Construction or refurbishment of facilities, generally capped at 20% of eligible costs, with exceptions duly justified
- Job creation costs as an alternative eligible basis in certain regions
All expenses must be directly related to the approved project and comply with applicable regional aid and State aid rules.
Who can benefit from this incentive
This incentive is aimed at companies developing critical clean and energy-efficient technologies through collaborative co-promotion structures.
It is particularly relevant for organisations that:
- Develop advanced net-zero or resource-efficient technologies
- Require integrated R&D and industrial scale-up within the same project
- Operate within strategic European clean energy value chains
- Intend to move from development stages to full industrial deployment
Understanding the rules and eligibility criteria of each incentive is essential to assess its relevance and potential impact within a company’s broader investment and tax strategy.
For clarification or further information, reach out through our contact form.
