CDTI grants 2026 for startups: complete guide

The Centre for the Development of Industrial Technology (CDTI), a public business entity (PBE) under the Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities, drives innovation and technological development in Spanish companies through R&D project funding.

Since its creation, CDTI grants have become a fundamental tool for improving business competitiveness, facilitating access to funding for technological and innovative projects.

At The Startup CFO we help companies maximise their chances of success in applying for CDTI grants, providing full management of subsidies, partially repayable aid, and CDTI loans.

In this updated 2026 guide we explain what CDTI grants are, how to access them, and how we can support you throughout the entire process to drive your innovation projects forward.

 ➡️ I would like more information

CDTI grants 2026: types of funding and how to apply with TSCFO

The CDTI offers various funding lines to support innovative and technological projects.

These CDTI grants can take different forms:

• Mixed grants: partially repayable aid covering a percentage of the project budget, usually including grace periods and preferential interest rates.
  
  
• Non-repayable grants: non-repayable aid for high-impact innovation projects.
  
  
• Venture capital: through INNVIERTE, CDTI invests in innovative technology-based companies by taking an equity stake. This support is aimed at companies in early or growth stages.

Below we explain the main available funding lines and how TSCFO can help you access them.

Neotec grant 2026

Neotec 2026 will continue to be CDTI’s flagship grant. Aimed at funding startups and small technology-based companies in Spain, its goal is to support innovative projects based on proprietary technology and knowledge.

According to the CDTI grants calendar 2026, the Neotec call is expected to open in March 2026 and close its application deadline in April 2026, although the final dates are pending official publication by CDTI.

Although CDTI has not yet officially confirmed the final details of the 2026 call, it is expected to maintain the same conditions as in previous editions:

• Non-repayable grant for innovative technology projects.
• Up to 70% of the eligible budget, with a maximum of €250,000 per beneficiary.
• If the project involves hiring at least one PhD holder, the aid intensity could reach 85%, with a maximum of €325,000.
• For 2026, an overall budget of €40 million, with specific allocations of €20 million for dual technology projects and at least €5 million earmarked for women-led companies.

The grant is aimed at technology-based companies with an innovative nature. The requirements expected to be maintained this year are:

• Innovative small companies incorporated more than 6 months and less than 3 years before the close of the application deadline.
• Minimum share capital of €20,000, paid up and registered in the commercial registry before the close of the call.
• Companies that have not distributed profits or originated from spin-off or transformation processes of prior companies.
• Depending on the case, the filing of annual accounts from previous financial years may be required.

The Neotec award is competitive, meaning only the highest-rated projects receive funding, even if they meet all formal requirements.

CDTI R&D projects: funding for technological innovation

The R&D Projects are one of the main CDTI grant lines aimed at companies that develop new products, processes or services, or significantly improve existing technologies.

This line funds business projects in industrial research and experimental development in any sector, provided they represent a significant technological advance and a clear technical risk.

The aid is granted in the form of partially repayable funding, covering up to 85% of the approved budget, with a non-repayable tranche that varies depending on the project characteristics and company type.

Projects can be submitted individually or in cooperation, with a typical duration of between 12 and 36 months, and must demonstrate technical and economic feasibility and the applicant company’s capacity for execution.

You may be interested → The best R&D&I funding options for startups

Direct Innovation Line (LIC)

La Direct Innovation Line is aimed at projects closer to market and focused on improving the company’s competitiveness.

Through this line, CDTI funds investments in technological assets, modernisation of production processes, and the adoption of emerging technologies.

La ayuda se concede en forma de partially repayable funding and is designed for initiatives with lower technological risk than R&D Projects, but with a direct impact on business competitiveness.

Within the CDTI grants 2026 framework, this line is particularly interesting for industrial companies looking to accelerate their technological transformation.

Cervera Projects

The Proyectos Cervera foster collaboration between companies and accredited technology centres , with the aim of driving knowledge transfer and the development of priority technologies.

This line combines partially repayable funding with higher aid intensities when effective cooperation exists.

Within the CDTI grants portfolio, it represents a strategic option for companies seeking to strengthen their scientific and technological base through specialised partnerships.

Innvierte

Innvierte is the instrumento de CDTI’s venture capital instrument and is designed to support the growth and scaling of innovative companies.

Unlike other CDTI grants, this is not a loan or a subsidy, but rather a capital investment that can be made directly or through specialised funds.

This mechanism strengthens the financial structure of high-potential technology companies, complementing private investment rounds and facilitating their national and international expansion.

CDTI grants 2026 calendar preview

We provide an updated preview of the CDTI 2026 calls calendar, including the estimated opening and closing deadlines, so you can plan your project and prepare your application with sufficient lead time.

Please note that CDTI grants are subject to budgetary availability and that dates may change depending on the approval of the 2026 Spanish General State Budget or a potential extension of the current one.

How to manage your CDTI grant application with TSCFO

At TSCFO we have an in-depth understanding of how CDTI grants work and we provide full management of the entire CDTI funding application process, supporting the company at every stage through to the final award and justification.

Initial advisory and project analysis

We conduct a preliminary analysis of the R&D or technological innovation project to identify the most suitable CDTI funding line, whether a partially repayable loan, a subsidy, or a combined grant.

This analysis includes a full technical and economic review to ensure the project meets the requirements of the CDTI grants 2026 and has a high probability of approval.

We assess the fit with the agency’s criteria, the level of technological risk, and budgetary coherence.

Application preparation and submission

We handle the drafting, structuring, and submission of the application in accordance with CDTI’s official criteria.

En The Startup CFO nos aseguramos de que the technical report, the financial business plan, and the administrative documentation are fully aligned with the evaluation standards.

We manage the entire documentation process within the CDTI grants calendar, avoiding formal errors that could delay or jeopardise project approval.

Technical and financial evaluation

Once the application is submitted, CDTI carries out a technical and financial assessment. During this phase, additional requirements may arise, which we handle directly on behalf of the company.

In the event of clarification requests, we defend the technical, economic, and strategic viability of the project, ensuring the proposal meets all the evaluation criteria established under CDTI grants.

For certain projects, certification of the “Do No Significant Harm” (DNSH) principle may be required, certifying that the activity does not cause significant environmental impact. TSCFO coordinates this procedure to avoid delays in the CDTI funding resolution.

Project monitoring and justification

After CDTI grants are awarded, we continue to support the company throughout project execution. We manage the preparation of technical and economic reports required by CDTI to properly justify the use of funds.

Our monitoring ensures compliance with administrative and technical requirements, minimises audit risks, and ensures the company can fully benefit from the CDTI funding awarded.

Why trust TSCFO to manage your CDTI grants

Managing CDTI grants correctly requires technical knowledge, experience in public funding, and sound strategic planning.

Working with TSCFO allows you to approach the process with greater confidence and with a robust proposal aligned with the agency’s criteria.

Experts in public funding and CDTI grants

We have an extensive track record in managing public grants and, in particular, in CDTI funding. We have an in-depth knowledge of the procedures, regulations, deadlines, and evaluation criteria required by CDTI.

This knowledge allows us to prepare well-structured applications, anticipate potential requirements, and reduce risks throughout the process.

Strategic process optimisation

Applying for CDTI grants in 2026 requires meeting demanding technical and financial requirements. At TSCFO we work on every phase of the project, from technical definition to financial planning, so that the application is fully aligned with CDTI’s evaluation criteria.

This increases the robustness of the proposal and improves the chances of securing CDTI funding in 2026.

Personalised advisory and tailored approach

Every company has a different situation and set of objectives. Therefore, we offer personalised support tailored to startups, SMEs, and large companies.

We analyse the project’s characteristics and design a specific strategy to access the most suitable grants within the current CDTI grants calendar.

With a rigorous technical and financial approach, we help companies correctly structure their projects and access CDTI grants with a well-founded proposal.

Success stories with The Startup CFO in CDTI funding

These are some examples of companies that have worked with TSCFO and secured funding for their R&D projects through CDTI.

Cobee

The CDTI grants have had a transformative impact on these companies that have trusted TSCFO, enabling them to:

• Invest in cutting-edge technology.
• Improve processes.
• Expand into new markets.

Frequently Asked Questions about CDTI grants with The Startup CFO

How do I know if my project is eligible for CDTI grants?

To determine whether your project can access CDTI grants, at TSCFO we conduct an initial technical and economic analysis. We assess the degree of innovation, technological risk, financial viability, and alignment with CDTI’s strategic priorities.

Our goal is to confirm that the project meets the requirements of CDTI grants 2026 before starting the application, avoiding unnecessary risks and improving approval chances.

What does it cost to work with TSCFO to manage CDTI grants?

The cost depends on the complexity of the project and the type of aid requested, whether a CDTI loan, partially repayable aid, or a grant such as Neotec. We offer a transparent service tailored to each company.

We handle the entire process, from the initial analysis and preparation of the technical report to post-award monitoring, guaranteeing comprehensive management of CDTI grants.

 How long does it take for a CDTI grant application to be resolved?

The resolution timeframe depends on the volume of applications and the current CDTI grants calendar. As a general guide, the minimum resolution time is usually around six months from official submission.

Throughout the process, we keep the client informed of the status of the application and manage any technical or financial requirement that CDTI may request.

What happens if the project does not meet the established deadlines?

Meeting deadlines is a fundamental aspect of CDTI grants. Delays in execution or justification can affect the funding awarded or even lead to its revocation.

For this reason, at TSCFO we support the company throughout the entire project execution, ensuring that technical and financial milestones are met within the timelines established by CDTI.

📩 If you would like us to analyse your project and check whether it can apply for CDTI grants 2026, contact us at info@tscfo.com.