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The updated Portugal 2030 calls calendar confirms a new cycle of funding opportunities for companies operating in Portugal, with more than 200 planned calls and approximately €3.16 billion in available funding expected between May 2026 and April 2027.
For companies preparing investment, innovation or expansion projects, the most relevant aspect of the updated calendar is not only the volume of funding available, but also the confirmation of several major incentive systems returning to the agenda, including STEP, SICE Inovação Produtiva, SIID I&D Empresarial and territorial incentive programmes for specific regions.
The updated calendar was published through the official Portugal 2030 portal.
STEP funding returns for digital and biotechnology projects
One of the main highlights of the updated Portugal 2030 calendar is the return of the STEP programme, focused on strategic technologies in digital innovation and biotechnology.
Two major calls are currently expected between August and November 2026:
| Call | Funding | Expected period |
|---|---|---|
| STEP – Productive Innovation – Digital and Biotechnology | €108M | 31 August to 30 November 2026 |
| STEP – Business R&D&I – Digital and Biotechnology | €76M | 31 August to 30 November 2026 |
These programmes are aimed at companies investing in critical technologies, particularly projects linked to digital transformation, deep tech and biotechnology.
The productive innovation call is expected to focus on investment and industrial capacity, while the R&D&I call is structured for innovation and co-promotion projects involving research and technological development.
SICE productive innovation remains one of the largest opportunities
The updated calendar also confirms the opening of the SICE – Productive Innovation – Low-Density Territories and Other Territories call.
With approximately €182.5 million in expected funding, this programme is one of the largest business-focused incentives currently scheduled under Portugal 2030.
The call is expected to run between:
29 May 2026 and 30 October 2026
The programme may be particularly relevant for companies planning:
– Expansion projects
– Industrial modernisation
– New production capacity
– Diversification of business activity
– Productive investment in low-density territories
SIID business R&D calls scheduled for 2026
The updated plan also includes two important calls under the SIID – Business R&D framework.
| Call | Funding | Expected period |
|---|---|---|
| SIID – Business R&D – Demonstrator projects and co-promotion | €12.5M | 30 June to 30 December 2026 |
| SIID – Business R&D – Individual and co-promotion operations | €37M | 30 September to 31 December 2026 |
These programmes are intended for companies developing new products, technologies or processes with a significant Research and Development component.
The demonstrator call is expected to focus on projects closer to practical validation and demonstration, while the broader SIID operations call covers more general business R&D activities.
Territorial incentives confirmed for Cávado and Ave
The Portugal 2030 calendar also confirms territorial incentive calls for the regions of Cávado and Ave.
The planned programmes include:
| Territory | Call | Funding | Expected period |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cávado | Territorial-based incentive system | €0.8M | 4 May to 30 June 2026 |
| Cávado | Employment creation and microentrepreneurship support | €1M | 1 June to 31 July 2026 |
| Ave | Territorial-based incentive system | €2.4M | 4 May to 30 June 2026 |
| Ave | Employment creation and microentrepreneurship support | €2M | 1 June to 31 July 2026 |
These calls are aimed at supporting SME competitiveness, territorial investment and local economic development.
Why early preparation matters
The updated Portugal 2030 calendar confirms that the coming months will be particularly relevant for companies preparing:
– Investment projects
– Innovation and R&D operations
– Digital transformation initiatives
– Biotechnology projects
– Industrial modernisation
– Territorial expansion plans
Although the official notices may still be pending publication, early preparation is often essential.
Companies considering future applications may benefit from:
– Defining the investment structure early
– Confirming eligibility criteria
– Reviewing company size classification
– Assessing the most suitable programme
– Preparing financial and technical documentation in advance
In many cases, the quality of preparation can significantly influence the viability and competitiveness of the application.
Companies interested in upcoming Portugal 2030 opportunities should monitor the publication of the official notices and assess how planned investments align with the available programmes.
Further information about available incentives and funding programmes can be found on our dedicated grants page.
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