Critical and Emerging Technologies (Tecnologie Critiche ed Emergenti, STEP)
Funds collaborative industrial research in digital, clean energy and biotech across Italy's less-developed regions.
STEP (Tecnologie Critiche ed Emergenti) is a Fondo per la Crescita Sostenibile R&D incentive (DM 25 October 2024) that finances industrial-research and experimental-development projects in Italy's less-developed regions, aligned with the EU STEP regulation (Reg. UE 2024/795) — digital deep-tech, clean and net-zero, biotech / critical medicines. Resources EUR 400M (EUR 320M on Azione 1.1.4 collaborative research, EUR 80M on Azione 1.6.1 STEP critical-tech support). On Azione 1.1.4, projects EUR 1-5M, 18-36 months, must be collaborative (max 3 co-proponents incl. at least one SME; or PMI / small mid-cap with >=10% external R&D services). On Azione 1.6.1, projects EUR 5-20M, 18-36 months, up to 5 co-proponents of any size. Aid mix: soft loan at 50% of costs + direct grant 35%/30%/25% by firm size (small/medium/large). Research bodies receive 60% direct grant for industrial research, 40% for experimental development. 60% of Azione 1.1.4 reserved for SMEs and enterprise networks; within that, 25% sub-reserve for micro and small. Soggetto gestore: MCC. Applications open since 14 May 2025.
Each grant below is a distinct funding opportunity with its own eligibility, scope, and deliverables.