Grants for startups in Spain: complete guide 2026
Last updated: June 03, 2026. By Anna Casòliva (Head of Funding)
A grant is public money that does not need to be repaid. In Spain, there are several non-repayable calls for applications that an innovative startup can apply for in 2026: from the €325,000 NEOTEC at the state level to the €2.5 million EIC Accelerator grant at the European level. Knowing which ones exist, who they are for, and in what order to apply for them can make the difference between growing with your own money and doing so with non-dilutive public funding.
If you need to fund your startup and don't know which support to start with, this article will help you discover the most relevant grants and public aid, so you don't miss out on any good funding opportunities for your company.
In this article, you will find:
- What is a grant and how does it differ from other public aid?
- Map of non-repayable grants for startups in Spain (2026)
- State-level non-repayable grants: NEOTEC, Torres Quevedo, and Red.es
- Regional non-repayable grants: community by community
- European grants: EIC Accelerator, Eurostars, and Horizon Europe
- How to choose the right grant according to your stage and sector
- How long each grant takes: actual resolution and payment times
- How to combine grants and the de minimis limit
- What happens after securing the grant: justification and audit
- The most common mistakes when applying for public funding
- Frequently asked questions about grants for startups in Spain
What is a grant and how does it differ from other public funding?
A grant is non-repayable public financial aid: the money received does not have to be repaid if the conditions of the call are met. It differs from a participating loan (such as those from ENISA) or a soft loan (such as the ICO) in that these must be repaid, even if under favorable conditions.
This distinction is crucial because it influences both the application strategy and the impact on the company's balance sheet. When we talk about public funding for startups, the term "grant" is sometimes used loosely to refer to any public aid, but in reality, the Spanish ecosystem combines very different instruments:
This guide exclusively covers non-repayable grants. If your startup also wants to explore participating loans or repayable lines, consult our complete article on Public Funding, where all available funding options are listed: (/es/blog/financiacion-publica-startups-espana).
Map of non-repayable grants for startups in Spain (2026)
In 2026, non-repayable grants for startups exist at three different levels: national (NEOTEC, Torres Quevedo, Red.es), regional (Startup Capital by ACCIÓ in Catalonia, among others), and European (EIC Accelerator grant, Eurostars, Horizon Europe). Each level has different requirements for age, sector, and technological maturity.
Before deciding which one to apply for, it's important to have a clear understanding of the complete landscape. Not all grants are interchangeable: there are some for companies less than 3 years old, for projects in international consortiums, for hiring scientific talent, or for technology with a minimum maturity level. This is the overview for 2026 at national and international levels:
Sources: CDTI (cdti.es), MICINN, EIC (eic.ec.europa.eu). Data verified May 2026.
Non-repayable state grants: NEOTEC, Torres Quevedo, and Red.es
The main non-repayable state grants for startups in Spain are NEOTEC (up to €325,000 for tech companies less than 3 years old), the Torres Quevedo Program (for hiring PhDs), and Industrial Doctorates. They are managed by CDTI and the Ministry of Science, do not require repayment, and are non-dilutive.
NEOTEC 2026 — up to €325,000 in non-repayable grants for tech startups
NEOTEC is the most important non-repayable grant in the ecosystem for early-stage Spanish tech startups. It is managed by CDTI as an annual competitive call for proposals.
Call conditions 2026 (BOE April 6, 2026, ref. BOE-B-2026-10827):
- Amount: up to 70% of the eligible budget, maximum €250,000. If at least one PhD is hired, up to 85% and maximum €325,000.
- Project budget: minimum €175,000.
- Maximum company age: 3 years from incorporation, at the time of the call's closing (also requires a minimum of 6 months)
- Minimum share capital: €20,000, fully paid up.
- R&D requirement: R&D expenses must represent at least 10% of operating costs.
- Total budget 2026: €20,383,300, with a minimum reserve of €5,000,000 for women-led projects (BOE April 2026).
- Not required guarantee, closed private round, or prior revenue.
What NEOTEC does NOT cover: projects based on the integration of existing commercial technologies without proprietary development, third-party services without differentiating IP, or companies with a consulting business model without their own technological component. If the project's key technology can be replicated by purchasing third-party software licenses, NEOTEC is not the right program.
Torres Quevedo — grant for hiring PhDs in R&D
The Torres Quevedo Program funds the hiring of PhDs, technologists, and researchers for 3-year R&D projects. The grant covers part of the salary and social security costs of the hired researcher, with a maximum hiring cost of €55,000/year. This is the most suitable program if you have a clear R&D project and want to bring in someone with a scientific profile. Important: the candidate must be identified at the time of application. The call for applications usually opens in January.
Industrial Doctorates — up to €65,000 to incorporate a doctoral candidate
Industrial Doctorates fund up to €65,000 for a doctoral candidate to complete their thesis within your company for 3 years, combining academic training with real practical application. The aid is nominative: the candidate must be identified by name and surname at the time of application. The next call for applications is expected around December 2026 or January 2027, so it is advisable to start identifying candidates in advance.
Red.es — grants for digitalization and ICT impact projects
Red.es, is a public entity under the Ministry of Economic Affairs, which manages calls for non-repayable grants for sectoral digitalization projects, digital transformation of services, and Artificial Intelligence implementation. Characteristics vary by call. It is particularly relevant for startups with impact projects in productive sectors that integrate an ICT component as a central pillar.
Among the latest calls for applications published by the agency, the following programs stand out: RedIA and RedIA Health, non-repayable grants ranging from 400,000 euros to 5 million, with funding rates between 45% and 60% of the total project cost.
Regional Non-Repayable Grants: Region by Region
Regional non-repayable grants for startups exist in almost all regions, but with very different amounts, requirements, and call frequencies. The most established and relevant in 2026 are those from the Community of Madrid (Lines 1-2-3 and Innovation Voucher), Basque Country (Hazitek), Valencian Community (IVACE Innovative Startup), Catalonia (Startup Capital or R&D Grants from ACCIÓ), and Galicia (IGAPE Startups and GAIN). The common requirement: a registered office or workplace in the issuing region.
Community of Madrid — Lines 1, 2 and 3 for Startups and Innovative SMEs
The Community of Madrid has one of the most comprehensive regional programs: three non-repayable grant lines for innovative companies, depending on their age, co-financed by FEDER 2021-2027.
Funding rate: up to 100% of eligible expenses. Common conditions: at least one workplace in the Community of Madrid, technology-based innovative company, project aligned with the RIS3 of the Community of Madrid (areas of health, digital, enabling technologies, ecological transition, advanced industry). Annual call, on a competitive basis. Source: comunidad.madrid/innova.
Community of Madrid — Innovation Voucher for SMEs
Parallel to Lines 1-2-3, the Innovation Voucher is more accessible: it finances up to 80% of eligible expenses with a maximum of €60,000 per project, on a non-competitive basis (first-come, first-served). It is aimed at SMEs that want to contract R&D and innovation services with universities, technology centers, IMDEA institutes, or research organizations. It does not require developing proprietary technology, but rather contracting it from specialized agents. The call is open almost continuously as long as funds are available. Source: sede.comunidad.madrid.
Catalonia — Startup Capital and INNOTEC (ACCIÓ)
ACCIÓ, the competitiveness agency of the Generalitat de Catalunya, manages two main non-repayable grant programs for innovative companies based in Catalonia.
Notice: Startup Capital did not open in 2025. Intelectium monitors for its announcement in 2026. Source: accio.gencat.cat.
Basque Country — Hazitek (non-repayable grant for business R&D)
Hazitek is the flagship program of the Basque Government for business R&D, allocated 119 million euros in 2026 (26 million more than in 2025). It is managed by SPRI (Basque Business Development Agency) and offers non-repayable grants for industrial research and experimental development projects.
Main requirement: headquarters or production facility in the Basque Country (CAV) with own staff involved in the project. The 2026 call closed on February 27, 2026; the next opening is expected to be December 2026. Source: spri.eus/ayudas/hazitek and euskadi.eus.
Valencian Community — IVACE Innovative Startup (non-repayable grant)
The IVACE (Valencian Institute of Business Competitiveness) has a non-repayable grant program covering up to 70% of the project budget, specifically for small innovative technology-based companies headquartered in the Valencian Community. Maximum amounts vary depending on the company's maturity:
- Companies with fewer than 2 employees or no prior invoicing: between €30,000 and €100,000.
- Companies up to 3 years old: between €30,000 and €175,000.
- Companies between 3 and 5 years old: between €30,000 and €300,000.
The evaluation weighs the project's technical quality, degree of innovation, financial viability, and team capability. Requirement: registered office or production facility in the Valencian Community. Source: ivace.es.
Galicia — IGAPE Startups and GAIN
Galicia has two significant non-repayable grant schemes for innovative companies. The first, the IGAPE for Startups (IG408G, 2026), funds 100% of expenses up to a maximum of €20,000 for expenses and investments made by Galician startups since January 1, 2026. A key requirement is participation in an acceleration program with public involvement from the Xunta de Galicia (Viagalicia, BFAuto, BFFood, Turislab, or others). The second, GAIN (Galician Innovation Agency), has periodic calls for non-repayable grants for micro-enterprises and SMEs that contract professional innovation services with accredited external agents. Sources: sede.xunta.gal, gain.xunta.gal.
Andalusia — IDEA Business R&D&I Program
The IDEA Agency (Andalusian Innovation and Development Agency) has a non-repayable grant program for industrial research, experimental development, and business innovation projects, with amounts up to €180,000 for medium-sized companies and €210,000 for small companies. It is aimed at self-employed individuals and companies operating in Andalusia with innovation, research, and technological development projects. Calls for applications do not have a fixed schedule. Source: juntadeandalucia.es/organismos/idea.
Canary Islands — ACIISI Canary STARS Projects and Disruptive Innovation Grants
In the Canary Islands, the Canary Agency for Research, Innovation and the Information Society (ACIISI) manages calls for non-repayable grants for disruptive innovation projects and emerging Canary Island startups. The Canary STARS Projects, periodically announced, fund disruptive innovation projects by emerging companies based in the islands. Additionally, SODECAN (Canary Islands Economic Development Society) offers financing instruments, although in its case these are participatory loans of up to €1,000,000, not direct grants. The exact characteristics vary by call for applications. Source: sede.gobiernodecanarias.org/sede.
Other regions — brief overview
The remaining autonomous communities also have support programs for startups and innovation, albeit with a smaller volume or less predictable frequency than the aforementioned:
European Grants: EIC Accelerator, Eurostars, and Horizon Europe
Non-repayable European grants for startups in Spain are primarily channeled through the EIC Accelerator (up to €2.5M, for deeptech with TRL 5-8), Eurostars (R&D projects in international consortia led by SMEs), and Horizon Europe calls. These are the largest in terms of amount but also the most competitive, with evaluation processes lasting 6 to 12 months.
EIC Accelerator — up to €2.5M non-repayable for deeptech
The EIC Accelerator of the European Innovation Council offers two independent components: a non-repayable grant of up to €2.5 million and, optionally, a direct equity investment of up to €15 million from the EIC Fund. Both are independent: you can apply for only the grant (grant only) without accepting the equity component.
Key conditions in 2026:
- Required TRL: 5 to 8 (between functional prototype and system validated in operational environment).
- Options: grant only (grant only, no dilution), blended finance (grant + equity, with minority dilution), equity only.
- End-to-end success rate: approximately 3% from initial application to final approval. Companies that reach the jury interview stage have a success rate of nearly 27%.
- 2026 Deadlines: six bimonthly cut-off dates. The complete process takes between 6 and 12 months.
- Geographical requirement: company incorporated in an EU member state or associated country. A Latin American startup with a Spanish subsidiary can apply if the Spanish entity is the main applicant.
The grant is the non-dilutive component: up to €2.5M that does not need to be repaid. The equity component (optional) means the EIC Fund becomes a minority shareholder.
Eurostars — grant for R&D in an international consortium
Eurostars, an initiative of the Eureka network managed in Spain by CDTI, provides non-repayable funding for high-tech R&D projects led by innovative SMEs in collaboration with international partners. Projects have a maximum duration of 3 years and must have a clear commercial focus. CDTI evaluates and funds the Spanish part of the consortium. This is the most suitable option for startups with established international relationships or those looking to validate technology in European markets with a local partner.
Horizon Europe — consortium grants for long-range research
Horizon Europe is the EU's R&D framework program with a budget of €95.5 billion for the 2021-2027 period. The grants are non-repayable, but the administrative complexity and consortium requirements make it not the most efficient entry point for an early-stage startup. The most accessible avenues are EIC Pathfinder (high-risk basic research) and participation as a partner in larger projects. For most Spanish startups, the EIC Accelerator is the recommended entry point before tackling the larger Horizon projects.
How to choose the right grant based on your stage and sector
The most suitable grant depends on three variables: the age of your company, the Technology Readiness Level (TRL) of your technology, and your capacity to develop documented in-house R&D. At the pre-seed and seed stage, the natural entry point is NEOTEC. From TRL 5-6 with international scope, the EIC Accelerator grant. To hire scientific talent, Torres Quevedo or Industrial Doctorates can be applied for at any stage.
The decision tree we apply at Intelectium when working with a new startup:
- Are you less than 3 years old and developing proprietary technology with documentable R&D? → NEOTEC is your first option. It's the national non-repayable grant specifically designed for this profile.
- Do you want to hire a PhD to lead an R&D project? → Torres Quevedo (if the candidate has a PhD) or Industrial Doctorates (if they are a PhD student). [SEG 6] Is your technology at TRL 5-8 and does it have a European dimension?
- → EIC Accelerator grant, although the process takes 6-12 months and requires serious preparation. To be eligible for European calls, it is recommended to have previously received public funding at the state level, as well as support from local Venture Capital Funds, as this gives European evaluators much more confidence. Do you have partners in other European countries and an R&D project in a consortium?
- → Eurostars is the most suitable program. Is your project about sectoral digitalization or AI application?
- → Then the calls from Red.es , are the most suitable for you.
How long each grant takes: actual resolution and payment times
The timeframe from submitting a grant application to the first payment varies between 3 and 12 months depending on the program. NEOTEC takes between 6 and 7 months from the call closing to the final resolution; the EIC Accelerator can exceed 12 months for the complete process.
Additional note:
All stated deadlines are indicative and may vary depending on budget approval, the workload of managing entities, possible regulatory changes, or other unforeseen circumstances. It is always recommended to verify the official dates in the calls published by each organization.
A critical fact about NEOTEC that few startups know: after the final resolution, the beneficiary can request an advance payment of up to 60% of the granted subsidy, with a maximum of €150,000, without needing to provide any type of guarantee. The remaining 40% is paid once the project has finished and the expenses have been properly justified.
How to combine grants and the de minimis limit
The de minimis regime is the European framework that limits the volume of State aid a company can receive without prior notification to the European Commission. As of January 1, 2024, the limit is €300,000 over three consecutive fiscal years (EU Regulation 2023/2831). However, larger grants like NEOTEC are not under the de minimis regime, but rather under the General Block Exemption Regulation, and do not count towards that limit.
What is de minimis and what has changed in 2024
The maximum limit allowed per company is calculated by summing all aid received by a single company over a period of three consecutive fiscal years. The most significant change in Regulation 2023/2831 is the increase in the maximum limit, which rose from €200,000 to €300,000. This regulation will be in force until December 31, 2030.
What many people don't know: NEOTEC is not de minimis
This is the most common confusion. NEOTEC is funded from CDTI's own assets and falls under the General Block Exemption Regulation (GBER), not the de minimis regime. The same applies to Torres Quevedo, Industrial Doctorates, Hazitek, and the EIC Accelerator, which operate under their own aid frameworks.
Programs that *do* count as de minimis are usually those with smaller amounts and simpler requirements: Madrid's Innovation Voucher, some small regional programs, certain digitalization programs, etc.
The golden rule: the same expenses cannot be financed twice with two different grants. Programs can be combined as long as each cost is attributed to a single program and the regulatory frameworks are compatible.
What happens after getting the grant: justification and audit
Getting a grant does not mean having the money. Most programs disburse an advance payment and retain the rest until the company justifies the expenses incurred through accounting documentation and, in many cases, an external audit report. Incomplete justification can block the final payment or require the reimbursement of what has already been received.
A common mistake many startups make is to consider the money received as "their own and definitive" from the outset. If the justification is incomplete or incorrect, not only are subsequent disbursements blocked, but the total amount received, plus legal interest, may even be demanded back.
Intelectium's Practical Recommendation: keep separate analytical accounting for the project from day one, save all documentation for each expense (invoices, contracts, proof of payment, staff time sheets), and don't wait until the end of the project to check if expenses are eligible. Most justification problems are avoided by being organized from the start.
The most common mistakes when applying for public funding
Knowing the available funding is only half the battle. The other frequent mistake is how the search is approached. Based on over 21 years of advising startups in Spain, these are the most common pitfalls we see repeatedly:
- Obsessing over non-repayable grants. They are the most attractive on paper, but also the most competitive, as they are awarded through competitive bidding. Limiting your funding plan to these types of grants significantly reduces your options. Instruments like CDTI PID, LIC, or ENISA, which combine soft loan tranches with non-repayable tranches, offer larger amounts and higher chances of success.
- Underestimating your own innovation. Many founders believe their internal projects "aren't innovative enough" to qualify for public funding. In most cases, this isn't true. From integrating third-party technologies to developing proprietary solutions, there's a broad ecosystem of support specifically designed for this type of activity.
- Seeking funding when you're already out of cash. Public entities, such as banks and investors, prioritize companies in a strong financial position. Many grants require the company to contribute between 15% and 25% of the project with its own funds. The optimal time to start the process is after a capital increase or when equity is solid.
- Going directly to Europe without having exhausted national options. European funding is even more competitive: you're competing with the best companies from all EU countries. It's advisable to first build a strong track record nationally and apply for European calls when your project has reached the appropriate level of technological and market maturity.
- Assuming the aid is guaranteed. There's always a risk component. That's why it's advisable to have a diversified funding plan that considers several options in parallel, so that if one call isn't successful, the company doesn't lose an entire year waiting for a re-submission.
Frequently Asked Questions about Grants for Startups in Spain
What is the difference between a grant and a participating loan like ENISA?
A grant is money that does not need to be repaid if the call's conditions are met. ENISA provides participating loans, which must be repaid, though without collateral and with favorable conditions (up to 7 years maturity, grace period of up to 5 years, variable interest linked to results). They are complementary instruments, not equivalent: a grant improves the outcome without generating debt; a loan creates liabilities on the balance sheet but is more accessible for companies that are already generating revenue.
Do I need prior revenue to apply for a grant like NEOTEC?
NEOTEC does not require prior revenue. It does require a minimum share capital of €20,000 fully paid up, a minimum age of 6 months and a maximum of 3 years, and that R&D expenses represent at least 10% of operating costs. However, the more technically validated the project is, the better scores the proposal receives. A company without any prior activity can apply, but it will compete against projects with demonstrated technical traction.
What percentage of my project can a public grant cover?
It depends on the program. NEOTEC covers up to 70% of the eligible budget (85% if a doctor is hired). The EIC Accelerator grant covers up to €2.5M of the total project cost. Torres Quevedo covers a proportional part of the researcher's salary and social security costs up to €55,000/year. In all cases, there is a co-financing percentage that the company must contribute, either in cash or validated imputed costs.
Can a foreign startup with a subsidiary in Spain access these grants?
Yes, a Spanish subsidiary of a foreign company may be eligible if it meets the size and structure requirements. For the EIC Accelerator, the entity must be incorporated in an EU member state or associated country: a Spanish limited company (SL) of a Latin American startup can apply. In all cases, the tax domicile and main activity must be in Spain.
What documentation do I need to prepare to apply for NEOTEC?
The core of the NEOTEC application consists of three documents: (1) the project's technical report, which is the most critical and time-consuming document; it describes the R&D to be carried out, the scientific state of the art, the objectives in the form of verifiable hypotheses, and the work plan; (2) the business plan, with 4-5 year financial projections based on documented assumptions; and (3) the annual accounts for the last fiscal year (or balance sheet if the company is very new) with accredited paid-up capital.
Are grants repaid if the startup succeeds or is sold?
No, non-repayable grants are not repaid if the company succeeds or is sold, provided that the call conditions have been met during the justification period. What can happen is that repayment may be required or the amount of the final disbursement may be reduced if non-compliance with conditions is detected: not executing the project as approved, allocating funds to ineligible expenses, or failing the justification audit.
Not sure if your project qualifies for grants?
At Intelectium, we have been helping startups and SMEs for 21 years to secure non-repayable grants and structure their public funding. We work on a success-fee basis: we only charge if we succeed. Furthermore, our success fees also cover support for subsequent justification. If you'd like an initial assessment of which funding lines fit your project, write to us without obligation at dealflow@intelectium.com.
