Possibility of a grant under the Technological modernization measure for the purchase of equipment and software for the development of new production lines and products

25.07.2022

POSSIBILITY OF A GRANT UNDER THE TECHNOLOGICAL MODERNIZATION MEASURE FOR THE PURCHASE OF EQUIPMENT AND SOFTWARE FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF NEW PRODUCTION LINES AND PRODUCTS

Micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the country can now apply for grants under the Technological Modernization measure for the purchase of equipment and software for the development of new production lines and products. If it is a question of micro companies, they can claim a maximum of BGN 180,000. The ceiling for small companies is BGN 350,000, and for medium-sized companies - BGN 700,000. The funds can be used to buy machines with automated control, robots or digital process control systems. Co-financing is up to 50%. Submission of the projects will be done entirely electronically through the ISUN 2020 system, and the deadline for this is September 21, 2022 (inclusive).

The procedure is primarily aimed at manufacturing companies - for medicines, computers or optical materials, food, beverages, clothing, etc.

The scheme is the first under the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (NRRP) and will be implemented by the General Directorate of European Competitiveness Funds (DG ECF) at the Ministry of Innovation and Growth. Through it, a total of BGN 260 million will be invested in Bulgarian business. The minimum amount of the grant under the program is BGN 35,000, while the maximum amount is determined based on the size and needs of the applicants.

The main objective of the procedure is to increase the efficiency of production processes, achieve higher productivity, reduce costs and optimize the production chain by providing grants to SMEs, commented the Minister of Innovation and Growth, Daniel Laurer.

Enterprises that deal with the collection and disposal of waste or the recycling of materials, film and television studios, radio, television and news agencies, as well as companies with architectural, engineering or scientific research and development activities are also eligible.

Applicants must be registered no later than December 31, 2019.

By the end of the year, according to the Bulgarian NRRP, it is expected to start another procedure to support production investments - for the construction of RES and energy storage facilities.