Startup TRL 5-6

Startup TRL 5-6

Funds Argentine technology startups with reimbursable financing for pilot-scale prototype development and scaling readiness.

The Startup 2025 TRL 5–6 instrument is offered by Argentina's Agencia Nacional de Promoción de la Investigación, el Desarrollo Tecnológico y la Innovación (Agencia I+D+i), the country's primary national science and technology promotion agency. The program provides reimbursable contributions — structured as loans rather than non-repayable grants — to Argentine technology-based startups whose developments have reached Technology Readiness Level 5 or 6, meaning the technology is at pilot-scale prototype validation stage. Eligible sectors include biotechnology, agritech, energy, and medtech, among others.

Award amounts reach up to USD 250,000 equivalent, covering up to 80% of total project cost; the applicant company must provide 20% counterpart funding. Repayment is structured at 120% of disbursed principal over a 10-year period, delivered in stepped installments with a 3-year grace period from first disbursement. Eligible applicants are Argentine technology-based startups no more than seven years old at the time of application, capable of demonstrating scaling potential. The expected project deliverable is an advanced prototype validated at pilot scale, accompanied by signed collaboration agreements that demonstrate pathways to further development or commercialization.

The program is positioned as a bridge instrument for startups that have moved beyond early proof-of-concept (TRL 1–4) but have not yet reached operational demonstration (TRL 7+). Companies apply through the Agencia I+D+i's competitive calls, which require technical and commercial justification of the project, team credentials, and a detailed budget. Applicants at TRL 5–6 seeking larger capital to reach operational validation should examine the companion TRL 7–9 instrument, which offers up to USD 500,000 with a 30% counterpart requirement.