If you have an R&D project, technological innovation, or new technology validation project and your company operates in Catalonia, 2026 is the year to activate it. ACCIÓ, the agency for business competitiveness of the Government of Catalonia, is launching three funding lines designed for each phase of the innovation process: from validating an idea to developing a new product or process with high technological risk.
Below, we explain in detail what each line covers, who it's for, and when you should start preparing your application.
Technology Exploration Grants: up to €30,000 to validate your idea before investing
This line is designed for companies that want to analyze the potential of a new technology before making a significant investment decision. It's not necessary to have a developed product or an ongoing R&D project; this is the preliminary phase: reducing uncertainty.
What it funds
In-house staff, collaborations with technology centers, startups, suppliers, or specialized entities, and materials for prototyping and testing. Audit costs are 100% subsidized up to a maximum of €1,500.
Amount
Up to 75% of eligible expenses, with a maximum of €30,000 per project. An advance of 60% can be requested without the need for a guarantee. The maximum execution period is 10 months from the closing of the call.
Who it's for
Companies that need to collaborate with third parties: startups, technology providers, or specialized centers, to validate an innovation opportunity before scaling it. Projects that test advanced technologies—digital, green, or cutting-edge—are particularly valued.
Call Status
Opening soon.
Technological Innovation Grants: Automotive and Mobility Sector: up to €90,000
This year, ACCIÓ's technological innovation program is focused on the automotive and mobility sector. If your company is part of this value chain or develops technology applicable to this sector, this is the program you should have on your radar.
What it funds
Applied innovation projects, close to market, with medium or low technological risk, that contribute to the technological, digital, and green transformation of the sector.
How much
Up to 45% of accepted eligible expenses, with a maximum of €90,000 per project. The minimum project budget must be €40,000.
Who it's for
Companies with an operational establishment in Catalonia from the automotive and mobility sector or its value chain.
Evaluation criteria
Alignment with the sector's strategic priorities in Catalonia, innovative nature of the project, environmental or social impact in relation to the SDGs, and impact on the applicant company. The grant awarding procedure is based on competitive bidding.
Call status
Coming soon.
R&D Project Grants: up to €250,000 in non-repayable funds
It is designed for research and development projects with high technological risk: that is, projects where the outcome is not guaranteed because they involve real scientific or technical exploration. For the 2026 call, the focus is exclusively on companies in the chemical sector's value chain that demonstrate a significant contribution to its competitiveness.
What it funds
The development of new products, processes, or services with high technological risk. Projects can be carried out individually or in cooperation with other companies or with accredited TECNIO agents.
How much
Up to €250,000 in non-repayable funds. The minimum project budget must be €120,000. The maximum development period is 30 months from the application date.
Who it's for
Catalan companies with at least two years of operation that wish to develop a new product, process, or service with high technological risk and can demonstrate a significant contribution to the competitiveness of the chemical sector's value chain for the 2026 call. The technological quality of the project, collaboration with other R&D ecosystem agents, and job creation are valued.
Call status
Coming soon.
Which of the three lines best suits you?
The easiest way to orient yourself is to consider the actual phase of your project:
- If you are still exploring whether a technology makes sense for your company, the Technology Exploration line (up to €30,000) reduces risk before committing significant resources.
- If you already have a clear technological path and are developing a market-ready applied solution in automotive or mobility, the Technology Innovation line (up to €90,000) is the natural route.
- If you are developing something genuinely new, with real technical uncertainty, high risk, and potential for competitive impact, the R&D Projects (up to €250,000 non-repayable grant) are the most powerful instrument, especially if you fit into the chemical sector for the 2026 call.
Compatibility with other funding lines
One of the advantages of the Spanish public funding ecosystem is that these ACCIÓ grants are compatible with other national lines, such as the CDTI PID or R&D+i tax deductions. In fact, ACCIÓ has a specific support program for CDTI: if your project has been technically approved but not granted due to lack of budget, they can help you submit it directly to CDTI.
If you want to understand how these lines fit into a broader funding strategy, Intelectium can analyze it for you. Contact our team →
Frequently Asked Questions about ACCIÓ R&D+i Grants 2026
How long does it take for ACCIÓ grants to be resolved?
Timelines vary depending on the line and the volume of applications, but generally, R&D projects have a resolution period of several months from the call's closing date. For the Technology Exploration line, the process is more agile given the smaller size of the projects.
Are ACCIÓ grants compatible with CDTI?
Yes. ACCIÓ also has a specific referral program to CDTI for technically approved projects that do not receive funding due to budget limitations. Both institutions work complementarily within Catalonia's R&D ecosystem.
What are the minimum requirements for ACCIÓ's R&D project scheme?
Companies must be at least two years old, have an operational establishment in Catalonia, possess the technical capacity to execute the project, and have a minimum budget of €120,000. For the 2026 call, a significant contribution to the chemical sector's value chain is also required.
Is it necessary to collaborate with a TECNIO center to access R&D projects?
It is not mandatory, but it is permitted and positively valued. Collaboration with accredited TECNIO agents can strengthen the application and open access to specialized technical resources.
When do ACCIÓ's 2026 calls open?
All three schemes have calls planned for 2026, although as of the publication date of this article, they have not yet formally opened. It is advisable to monitor ACCIÓ's website and contact an advisor to prepare your application before the submission period opens.
