Critical and Emerging Technologies (Tecnologie Critiche ed Emergenti, STEP)

STEP / Critical and Emerging Technologies — 14 (Tecnologie Critiche ed Emergenti)

Funds Italian companies in southern regions to develop critical innovation in climate, health, and materials.

Eligibility · Italy — 7 regions

STEP / Tecnologie Critiche ed Emergenti is a EUR 400 million Italian state-aid programme under the Programma Nazionale Ricerca, Innovazione e Competitività 2021–2027, established by Ministerial Decree of 25 October 2024 and managed by MCC (Mediocredito Centrale). The programme funds industrial research and experimental development in EU STEP critical-technology areas — digital deep-tech, clean and net-zero technologies, biotech including critical medicines, and components and critical raw materials — conducted exclusively in Italy's less-developed Mezzogiorno regions eligible under PN RIC 2021–2027. EUR 320 million sits in Azione 1.1.4 (collaborative research, projects EUR 1–5 million) and EUR 80 million in Azione 1.6.1 (critical-tech STEP, projects EUR 5–20 million). Project duration is 18 to 36 months, and activities must start after the incentive application date and within three months of the grant decision.

Eligible applicants are enterprises of any size with at least two approved financial statements engaged in industrial, agro-industrial, or craft activities, as well as research centres. Research organisations, agricultural firms, and industrial service companies may participate as co-proponents in joint projects. For Azione 1.1.4, collaborative projects require up to three co-proponents, at least one SME, and each co-proponent must bear at least 10% of costs; alternatively, a single SME or small mid-cap may lead with 10% or more external R&D sourced externally. Azione 1.6.1 allows up to five co-proponents of any size. Sixty percent of Azione 1.1.4 resources are reserved for SMEs and enterprise networks, with a 25% sub-reserve for micro and small firms within that. Aid combines a 50% subsidised loan with a direct grant of 35% (small), 30% (medium), or 25% (large); research organisations receive 60% direct grant on industrial research and 40% on experimental development.

Submissions have been accepted since 10:00 on 14 May 2025 with no fixed closing date, processed on a rolling basis via the MCC platform at fondocrescitasostenibile.mcc.it. Projects located in Molise, Basilicata, Calabria, Campania, Puglia, Sicily, or Sardinia qualify. To win, proposals should demonstrate alignment with STEP technology categories, robust financial independence of the lead applicant, and a credible occupational plan that increases qualified employment at the project site.