Fund of funds Research and Innovation

The financial instruments can support industrial research and experimental innovation projects in Southern Italy, promoting key enabling technologies in one of the twelve specialisations outlined in the National Smart Specialisation Strategy, including aerospace, energy and sustainable mobility.

What is eligible

• Industrial research or experimental innovation projects that are not yet completed, on key enabling technologies, with technology readiness level two to eight.
• Consistent with one of the National Smart Specialisation Strategy thematic areas: aerospace; agrifood, blue growth, green chemistry, design, creativity and made in Italy, energy, smart factory, sustainable mobility, health, smart, secure and inclusive communities, technologies for living environments, technologies for cultural heritage

Who can apply

• Small and medium businesses
• Mid-caps
• Large corporates
• Public and private research entities
• Universities

The projects should benefit or be located in the one of the eight regions of Southern Italy (Abruzzo, Basilicata, Calabria, Campania, Molise, Puglia, Sardinia and Sicily); upon certain conditions, projects located in other areas within the Italian territory can also receive support.

Project selection process

All projects will be evaluated and selected on:

• Formal/administrative consistency of the proposed project, for example: location of the project; the benefit in the targeted areas, completeness of the documentation.
• Scientific consistency and coherence of the project, for example: technology readiness level, key enabling technologies, quality, impact of innovation.
• Coherence with the National Operational Programme.

Where to apply

The selected financial intermediaries below evaluate the needs of the final beneficiaries and decide on the most suitable product.