Strengthening industrial capacity through support for enterprises producing defence and dual-use products
The Ministry of Innovation and Growth has opened an application procedure „"Strengthening industrial capacity in the field of defense capabilities and dual-use items" (BG16RFPR001-6.001). It is part of Competitiveness and Innovation Programme (CIP) 2021–2027 and provides 70.6 million euros grant support for Bulgarian companies, who want to modernize their production and develop strategic products with high added value.
The procedure is aimed at micro, small, medium and large enterprises, developing economic activity in the following sectors:
- sector C “Manufacturing industry”;
- sector K “Telecommunications, computer programming, consultancy activities, information technology infrastructure and other information services”:
- section 62 “Information technology activities”; or
- section 63 “Information technology infrastructure, data processing, hosting and other information services”;
- sector N “Professional activities and scientific research”.
Key features of the procedure:
- Supports investments for production of defense products and dual-use items – for example, high-performance computers, microprocessors, radar systems, lidars, cryptographic software, drones and other technological components that have both civilian and military applications.
- The grant varies from 51,129 euros to 3.6 million euros. The aid intensity is up to 70% of eligible costs, depending on the category of the enterprise, the aid regime chosen and the place of implementation of the projects.
- Eligible investments include: purchase of machinery, equipment, specialized software, patents, licenses and know-how, as well as construction and installation works up to 50% of the total project costs.
Who can participate:
They can apply according to the procedure micro, small, medium and large enterprises, registered before 31.12.2022., which develop economic activity in the eligible sectors. The companies should have realized net sales revenue in 2022, 2023 and 2024., as follows:
- large enterprises – net sales revenue at least 5 million BGN..
- micro and small enterprises – net sales revenue at least 200,000 BGN.;
- medium-sized enterprises – net sales revenue at least 1 million BGN.;
Application deadline:
April 15, 2026. through the electronic system June 2020.
This procedure provides an opportunity for Bulgarian companies to modernize production facilities, to implement new technologies and increase their competitiveness both on the national and European markets. Support is particularly important for companies operating in strategic sectors and aiming to expand their participation in defense and dual-use value chains.
