Boost your startup's innovation projects with CDTI R&D funding

CDTI financing for startups

Discover how PID, LIC, and Neotec grants can finance your innovation project

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CDTI R&D funding

CDTI funding is designed to foster the innovation and competitiveness of Spanish companies. We assist you in securing CDTI funding for technological projects, whether you’re a startup or an established business. CDTI offers specific support lines for R&D projects in areas such as digitalization, sustainability, and industrial development, providing access to funds without requiring personal guarantees and guiding you through every stage of your project.

CDTI R&D funding

CDTI funding is designed to foster the innovation and competitiveness of Spanish companies. We assist you in securing CDTI funding for technological projects, whether you’re a startup or an established business. 

01

R&D projects (PID)

PID grants are aimed at funding research and development (R&D) business projects that contribute to the creation or significant improvement of products, processes, or services. This funding is ideal for companies undertaking innovative projects with a strong technological component.

PID grants are aimed at funding research and development (R&D) business projects that contribute to the creation or significant improvement of products, processes, or services

Companies of any size based in Spain that carry out R&D projects with clear potential for innovation and competitive improvement.

• The project must focus on industrial research or experimental development activities.

• Companies must demonstrate the project’s technical and economic feasibility.

• Projects may include collaborations with technology centers and universities.

• Amount: Up to 75% of the project budget, increasing to 85% if co-funded by FEDER funds.

• Interest Rate: Fixed, adjusted based on project risk.

• Repayment Term: Defined according to the project’s feasibility and characteristics.

• Flexibility: Partially repayable, with non-repayable portions.

The Direct Innovation Line supports applied projects that are close to market readiness, with medium or low technological risk. This funding is geared toward companies seeking to enhance competitiveness.

Spanish companies developing innovation projects with direct market impact.

• Projects must have a medium or low technological risk.

• Priority is given to projects with short investment recovery periods.

• Amount: Up to 75% of the budget, extendable to 85% with European co-funding.

• Interest Rate: Euribor +1% maximum.

• Repayment Term: 5 to 7 years.

• Flexibility: Designed for applied projects with low technological risk and high investment recovery potential.

02

Direct Innovation
Line (LIC)

03

Neotec

Neotec is a CDTI program that supports the creation and consolidation of technology-based companies. These companies must focus on developing advanced technologies or knowledge with a business strategy centered on continuous innovation.

Small innovative companies less than three years old with a minimum share capital of €20.000.

• The company’s strategy must be based on technological development as a differentiating factor.

• Businesses whose model relies on third-party services without proprietary technology development are not eligible.

• Amount: Up to 70% of the project budget (maximum of €250,000 per recipient). May increase to 85% (maximum of €325,000) if a PhD is hired.

• Extras: Additional €10,000 for specialized training.

• Flexibility: Non-repayable grants for innovative technology-based companies.

What are the phases of applying for CDTI funding?

01

Preparation: Project analysis, scope definition, and document collection

03

Evaluation: CDTI conducts a technical and economic review to assess innovation and impact

05

Monitoring: Justification of fund usage and compliance with audits

02

Application: Formal submission to CDTI with all required documentation

04

Approval:If approved, the aid is formally granted

01

Recoger información clave y accesos (IRL) + kick-off meeting

03

Construir el modelo financiero (KPIs, P&L y cash flow)

02

Analizar la situación financiera de la compañía y definir prioridades

04

Optimizar procesos clave para una gestión eficiente, estructurada y escalable

05

Engagement mensual y necesidades frecuentes

  • Identificar y gestionar fuentes de financiación
  • Coordinar la estrategia financiera de rondas
  • Gestionar la relación con inversores
  • Coordinar procesos de due diligence/auditoría
  • Diseñar y coordinar procesos de (M&A)
  • Mejorar procesos contables
  • Optimizar el cambio de divisas
  • Asegurar un correcto governance financiero

+200M€

received in fundraising by The Startup CFO clients

+25M€

received in both public funding and R&D tax savings

+450

customers

+25

countries

What you need to know when applying for CDTI grants

You may have asked yourself some of the questions we answer below. At The Startup CFO, we help solve your startup’s financial management challenges, particularly when applying for CDTI R&D grants.

CDTI grants are designed to fund a wide range of expenses related to R&D projects, including:

  • Personnel costs: Salaries for researchers, technicians, and other employees directly involved in the project.
  • Materials and supplies: Costs for materials and consumables needed for research and development activities.
  • Equipment and tools: Depreciation of equipment and tools used in the project during its execution.
  • General expenses: External services, subcontracting, and other indirect project-related costs.
  • Audit and certification costs: Expenses for external validation of the project’s technical and financial aspects.

The process typically takes 6 to 8 months from initial submission to resolution, depending on project complexity and the promptness of document submission. Working with a specialized consultant can expedite the process and ensure all documents are submitted correctly and on time.

CDTI grants primarily target R&D projects aimed at developing new products, processes, or innovative services. Projects must have a strong technological component and demonstrate clear market potential. Additionally, projects should align with CDTI’s strategic innovation areas, such as emerging technologies, sustainability, and digitalization.

Co-financing is a key requirement for most CDTI grants. Applicants must demonstrate their ability to fund a significant portion of the project through their own resources or external financing. Properly structuring this co-financing is critical to meeting CDTI requirements and ensuring project success. Financial advisors can help align all project elements with CDTI’s expectations.

If the project fails to meet its objectives, CDTI may request full or partial repayment of the grant and impose penalties. Continuous project monitoring and strategic adjustments are crucial to ensure milestones and objectives are met within the stipulated timeline. Specialized consultants can help manage these risks and keep the project on track.

CDTI grants can be combined with R&D tax deductions, allowing businesses to further benefit from their innovation investments. Proper tax planning and documentation are essential to justify eligible expenses. Experienced consultants in tax and R&D project financing can guide companies through this process, ensuring all available tax benefits are utilized effectively.

Apply for CDTI’s grants and bring your project to life

Do you want to take your startup’s financial and strategic management to the next level? 
Send us a message. We’ll get back to you as soon as possible to start working together.

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