STEP funding in Portugal mobilises €1.1 billion for strategic technologies
STEP funding in Portugal is mobilising approximately €1.1 billion to support investment in strategic technologies across energy, digital and biotechnology sectors.
The four funding calls launched under the Strategic Technologies for Europe Platform (STEP) are open from 30 January to 30 April 2026 and include both Productive Innovation and R&D&I programmes. Portugal stands out within this framework due to the combination of high non-reimbursable funding rates and access for companies of all sizes, including large enterprises.
STEP funding calls for energy, digital and biotechnology
The current STEP funding calls are structured across two main areas: energy and digital/biotechnology.
Energy – €515 million
Productive Innovation (€400 million) and R&D&I (€115 million) support projects in renewable energy, energy storage, hydrogen and carbon capture technologies. Funding rates may reach up to 70% for productive investment and 80% for R&D&I projects, with minimum investment thresholds typically between €3 million and €5 million.
Digital and Biotechnology – €611 million
Productive Innovation (€401 million) and R&D&I (€210 million) focus on semiconductors, quantum computing, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity and biotechnology applications, following similar funding structures and intensity levels.
What distinguishes STEP funding in Portugal
STEP funding in Portugal differs from traditional EU structural funds in several respects.
Large enterprises are eligible for non-reimbursable grants, which may reach up to 70% under Portuguese cohesion funding frameworks. Funding rates are enhanced compared to standard programmes, reaching up to 70% for productive innovation and 80% for R&D&I, with potential regional bonuses of up to 10 percentage points.
Pre-financing levels may reach 30%, significantly above the usual 10%, reducing the immediate capital burden on companies.
Projects must demonstrate their contribution to European value chains and to the reduction of external dependencies. In addition, the focus is placed on technologies at Technology Readiness Levels (TRL) 4 to 9 and above, favouring industrialisation-ready solutions rather than early-stage research.
Strategic framework of the STEP initiative
The STEP initiative is established under EU Regulation 2024/795 and responds to supply chain vulnerabilities identified during the COVID-19 crisis and subsequent geopolitical tensions.
It functions as a framework platform aligning European and national financial instruments around common strategic priorities. Technologies are considered critical when they represent cutting-edge innovation with significant economic potential or contribute to reducing strategic dependencies within the European Union.
Key dates and official information
Applications for STEP funding in Portugal are open until 30 April 2026 at 17:00.
Further details are available on the official programme websites:
https://portugal2030.pt
https://www.compete2030.gov.pt
Understanding eligibility rules, funding intensity and regional aid limits is essential before structuring an application under STEP.
For companies assessing the strategic relevance of STEP funding within their broader investment and innovation plans, early preparation and structured analysis are advisable.
Further information on available funding programmes can be found on our dedicated grants page.
