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Government of Romania

Start-Up Nation 2026 (Ediția IV)

Funds new Romanian businesses with up to 250,000 Lei in EU-backed grants.

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Start-Up Nation 2026 (Ediția IV) is a Government of Romania grant, backed by EU funding, that pays up to 250,000 Lei to new Romanian businesses across almost every sector, through two eligibility tracks: young founders aged 18-30 (Pillar I, open to Bucharest-Ilfov) and founders aged 30-35 or from disadvantaged groups such as the long-term unemployed, people with disabilities, or returning diaspora…

Start-Up Nation 2026 backs brand-new Romanian businesses across almost every sector, with two eligibility tracks: young founders aged 18-30 (Pillar I, open to Bucharest-Ilfov) and founders aged 30-35 or from disadvantaged groups such as the long-term unemployed, people with disabilities, or returning diaspora (Pillar II, excluded from Bucharest-Ilfov). A handful of activities are off-limits, including primary agriculture and fishing, arms, tobacco, alcohol and energy trading. Manufacturing-focused projects can also score extra points against a list of favoured business codes.

CycleiHow often this grant runs - e.g. annually, on a rolling basis, or a one-off call.Annual
Next deadlineiThe next date applications are due. Rolling means you can apply any time.-
Decision timeiTypical time from the deadline to the funder's decision.-
Project durationiHow long the funded work is expected to run.-
Award typeiThe form of funding - grant, equity, loan, tax credit, etc.Grant
Match fundingiThe share of project costs you must cover yourself. 0% = fully funded.-
Funding pooliThe total budget available across all awards in this round.-

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