BS
Bulgarian Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises Promotion Executive Agency

National Innovation Fund (NIF)

Funds Bulgarian R&D and experimental-development projects with grants covering up to 80% of costs.

Eligible spending is split into narrow categories, each with its own ceiling: personnel costs can make up at most 70% of a participant's total costs, equipment costs are limited to depreciation write-offs and capped at 50% of that cost category, and hired-in research services can cover at most 10% of a participant's total expenses. Materials and consumables must be new and unused, and utility cost

The fund backs industrial scientific research and experimental development projects that haven't yet reached market, aiming to raise enterprises' competitiveness and deepen science-business cooperation. It covers four thematic areas: mechatronics and clean technologies; information and communication technologies and computer science; healthy-life industry and biotechnologies; and new technologies and leisure industries. It does not fund projects that lead straight to a finished market product.

CycleiHow often this grant runs - e.g. annually, on a rolling basis, or a one-off call.No fixed schedule
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.1–18 months
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.BGN 5M

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