STEP up your game with the STEP Investment call and secure EU funding
The upcoming STEP Investment grant call is a major EU funding opportunity for companies investing in advanced technologies and production expansion.
This programme supports companies that aim for expanding their production, introduce innovative technologies and strengthen Europe’s strategic independence. It is particularly relevant for companies seeking funding for manufacturing expansion, technology innovation and strategic production investments.
With grants reaching up to CZK 250 million, this call represents one of the last major EU funding opportunities for large technology investment projects in the current subsidy period.
What is the STEP Investment call?
The STEP Investment call focuses on the development and production of critical technologies that are essential for Europe’s future competitiveness.
The subsidy targets four strategic sectors:
- Digital technologies and deep tech innovation
- Clean and resource-efficient technologies
- Biotechnologies
- Defence technologies
The primary objective is to build and expand production capacity, change the use of existing equipment, develop ‘first-of-its-kind’ equipment and strengthen key value chains in strategic industries.
Which activities will be supported?
The STEP Investment call supports two types of project:
- Development of critical technologies
- Production of critical technologies
Companies can receive a subsidy for either the purchase of equipment or the building and expansion of production lines.
The programme focuses on projects with strategic impact, not only financial return, which reduce the EU’s strategic dependence.
What can the grant be used to finance?
The STEP Investment subsidy offers significant financial support – companies can receive grants from CZK 5 million up to CZK 250 million.
Funding can be used for investments in both:
- tangible assets
- intangible assets
The total allocation of the call is CZK 2 billion, targeting large scale projects with high strategic importance for EU economy.
Support is provided not only for end products, but also for the specific components and machines used in their production, as well as critical raw materials.
Who can apply for the STEP grant?
Unlike many other programmes, the STEP call allows large enterprises to apply independently. Eligible applicants include:
- large companies
- medium-sized enterprises
- small enterprises
This makes the STEP Investment call one of the few EU subsidy opportunities accessible to companies of all sizes.
Key conditions for the STEP Investment call
Projects must meet several important criteria:
- alignment with one of the four strategic sectors
- TRL 4 to 9
- strong innovation potential or contribution to reducing EU dependency on critical technologies or materials
Projects that demonstrate strategic importance for European industry have the highest chance of success!
Why should companies prepare early?
The STEP Investment call is designed for large strategic projects, which require careful preparation. Furthermore, we expect the call to be very popular, with only the best and most forward-thinking companies securing funding for their projects.
Therefore, starting the preparation process early significantly increases the success rate of the STEP application, particularly for projects involving advanced technologies and production expansion.
Thinking about the STEP Investment grant? Contact us to find out whether your investment project is eligible for the STEP Investment funding and start preparing your application today!
