According to an indicative plan for the publication of calls; Under the 2021-2027 Competitiveness and Cohesion Programme, several calls are planned to be launched in 2026. focusing on micro, small and medium-sized enterprises with a focus on innovation, digital transformation, energy efficiency and business internationalisation;. Although the calls for grants are still in the planning phase, the 2026 competition plan provides an indicative insight into the direction and dynamics of future aid to entrepreneurs.
It is important to underline that this is an indicative timetable that serves as planning information. Call names, eligible applicants, conditions and deadlines may be changed until their official publication.
Innovation and development of new solutions
Among the planned calls for 2026, special emphasis is placed on Proof of Concept (PoC). The call is addressed to micro, small and medium-sized enterprises and research organisations that develop innovative products or processes and want to check their technical and market feasibility before commercialisation.
The call aims to strengthen R&D and innovation capacities and reduce the risk of investments in the later stages of development. Support is focused on the early stages of innovation, through activities such as prototyping, technical validation, market analysis, commercialization planning and intellectual property protection.
A total allocation of 5.3 million is envisaged. €3.7 million, of which €3.7 million €1.6 million for businesses and €1.6 million for businesses. EUR for research organisations. Individual projects are planned to receive between €26,500 and €60,000 in grants with a planned duration of 12 months.
According to the indicative plan, PoC is scheduled for the 1st and 4th quarters of 2026.
In the same innovation segment, a call is also planned Start-ups and spin-offs of young researchers, targeted at undertakings wishing to convert R&D results into market-sustainable products or services. The call aims to encourage the commercialisation of knowledge and strengthen research-based entrepreneurial activities.
According to the indicative plan, the total allocation of this call is 4.9 million. EUR and its publication is planned for Q2 2026.
Digital vouchers
Among the planned calls is also Digital voucher, intended for micro, small and medium-sized enterprises as an instrument of rapid and targeted support for business development.
Vouchers focus on financing specialised external services that can help entrepreneurs develop, innovate and strengthen competitiveness. Due to their simpler structure and shorter duration, they are often the first step in the realization of development ideas.
According to the indicative plan, the total allocation of this call is €3.9 million. EUR, and its publication is planned for the 2nd quarter of 2026.
Internationalisation, energy and business resilience
The indicative plan for the publication of the call for 2026 also includes a series of measures aimed at strengthening the competitiveness, resilience and sustainability of micro, small and medium-sized enterprises.
In the area internationalization, calls are planned to enable entrepreneurs to strengthen their presence in foreign markets, including the use of digital channels and tools to export products and services.
For undertakings planning investments in energy efficiency and sustainability, the indicative plan foresees a call focusing on: investments in energy storage and smart energy grids, with the aim of increasing energy stability and more efficient use of renewable energy sources. According to the plan, it is a call with a total allocation of 10 million. EUR, with the planned start of publication in Q1 2026.
The plan also includes calls aimed at Strengthening the resilience of SME business models, through process innovation and business organisation, in particular in the context of adapting to market, technological and energy challenges. This group also includes a call related to the introduction of sustainable and resilient systems and processes, with a planned release in the 2nd quarter of 2026 and a total allocation of 17.2 million. EUR.
In this context, a call is also planned. Second chance for SMEs, intended for micro, small and medium-sized enterprises that are in the phase of business recovery, restructuring or business adjustment. The aim of the call is to strengthen the financial and organisational stability of the company and to enable the continuation or adjustment of business activities in changed market conditions. According to the indicative plan, the total allocation is 11.3 million. EUR, and the call is scheduled to be launched in the 2nd quarter of 2026.
What does this plan mean for entrepreneurs?
The published indicative plan does not constitute an invitation to apply, but can serve as a Orientation for strategic planning. Based on this information you can:
- define project ideas,
- assess their own capacities and needs;
- consider possible cooperation and partnerships;
- monitor official announcements and consultations.
Our task is to continue to follow the announcement of the tender and to inform you in a timely manner about the current funding and support possibilities.
