The SIGMA Program: Extensive Support for Research, Development, and Innovation

Are you familiar with the SIGMA program? This program is administered by the Technology Agency of the Czech Republic and is one of the most comprehensive tools for supporting applied research, development, and innovation in the country. This is what makes SIGMA unique: its specific objectives cover virtually the entire spectrum of applied research and innovation. From the commercialization of ideas to the involvement of early-career researchers, to international cooperation and the establishment of research centers. As a result, it is very likely that your type of project will also find support through this program.

The program is structured around five specific objectives:

  • DC1 Pre-application Research: Support for the commercialization of R&D&I results and proof of concept in research organizations, including the preparation of feasibility studies for companies targeting the European EIC Accelerator.
  • DC2 Early-Career Researchers: Support for young researchers and promoting gender equality in applied research.
  • DC3 Support for Social Sciences, Humanities, and the Arts: For research and development projects focused on strengthening the innovative potential of the social sciences, humanities, and the arts.
  • DC4 International Cooperation: Joint projects between Czech and international teams, opening access to international know-how and foreign markets.
  • DC5 Cross-Cutting Support: The establishment and development of applied research centers, long-term research initiatives, and support for regional innovation ecosystems.

Recipients of support may include research organizations, businesses, state agencies, and local governments, though collaboration between a company and a research organization remains the preferred model.

What can we expect this year?

A call for proposals is currently open, focused on Sub-Objective 1: Support for the Commercialization of R&D&I+. It is intended for small businesses and startups that have a solution at least at TRL 4 and want to bring it to market, ideally with the ambition to succeed in the European EIC Accelerator program as well. The project’s output is a feasibility study in English; funding can cover up to 70% of eligible expenses (up to 730,000 CZK), and the call is open to all sectors.

  • December 2026: DC2 Early-Career Researchers
  • Q1 2027: DC1 From Research to Business
  • Q2 2027: DC4 International Collaboration
  • Q3 2027: DC1 Support for the Commercialization of R&D&I+ (EIC Accelerator Plug-in)
  • Q4 2027: DC1 Support for “Proof of Concept” Activities in Research Organizations

Are you considering applying to one of the upcoming calls? We’d be happy to assess whether your project meets the eligibility criteria.