Opportunity for financing SMEs under the "Green and Digital Partnerships for Smart Transformation" program„

The procedure "Green and Digital Partnerships for Smart Transformation" (BG16RFPR002-1.010) provides an opportunity for micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to develop innovative green and digital products, technologies and processes in partnership with scientific organizations or higher education institutions. Through the program, enterprises can accelerate their transformation, improve their competitiveness and turn the digital and green transition into new business opportunities.

Main purpose of the procedure

The support aims to foster collaboration between business and science by developing high added value solutions in the thematic areas of the Smart Specialisation Innovation Strategy. Projects should lead to an increase in technological readiness (up to TRL 5/6), including through prototyping, testing, validation and market preparation of new products or services.

Who can apply?

Eligible businesses are those that:

• are micro, small or medium;
• were registered before 31.12.2022;
• have realized minimum net revenues for 2023 and 2024:
  • micro-enterprises – at least 40,000 BGN;
  • small enterprises – at least BGN 100,000;
  • medium-sized enterprises – at least 700,000 BGN.

Application is mandatory in partnership with at least one scientific organization or university, including research structures, accredited universities, centers of excellence, etc.

Eligible activities

• Development and validation of green or digital technologies, products and processes;
• Creation and testing of prototypes, models and pilot solutions;
• Experimental development and industrial research activities;
• Market analyses, business planning and impact assessment;
• Intellectual property protection.

Projects must fall within one of the thematic areas of ISIS:

• Informatics and ICT;
• Mechatronics and microelectronics;
• Healthy living industry, bioeconomy and biotechnology;
• New technologies in the creative and entertainment industries;
• Clean technologies, circular and low-carbon economy.

Eligible costs

Eligible costs include staff remuneration, equipment and materials costs, external services related to research and technical activities, intangible assets costs (software, licenses, patents), travel expenses, as well as general and administrative costs eligible under the programme rules.

Budget and financing

The total budget of the procedure is 60.7 million BGN., distributed between the less developed regions and the transition region. Grants are provided between 100,000 BGN and 1.5 million BGN. on a project.

The funding intensity is:

• to 80% for industrial research and up to 70% for experimental development – for micro and small enterprises;
• to 75% for industrial research and up to 50% for experimental development – for medium-sized enterprises.

No co-financing is required for scientific partners.

Deadlines

The deadline for submitting project proposals is February 16, 2026, 4:30 p.m. through UMIS 2020. The maximum implementation period is up to 24 months, but no later than December 31, 2029.

Detailed information, instructions and all application documents are available on the following page:

Importance for the region

For enterprises from Ruse and the North-Eastern region, this procedure represents an excellent opportunity to create innovative products and technologies through active cooperation with scientific institutions. Such projects can contribute to the modernization of local businesses, increasing competitiveness and sustainable development of the region.