Every year, multiple grants and subsidies for startups and R&D&I (Research, Development, and Innovation) projects are announced to foster entrepreneurship and the growth of innovative businesses.
These initiatives aim to promote research, development, and innovation (R&D&I) within the business ecosystem, providing startups with key opportunities to fund their projects and establish themselves in the market.
Here are the main public R&D&I funding programs available for startups in 2026.
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Main grants for startups and R&D&I projects
Several public entities offer R&D&I funding programs designed to promote research, development, and innovation in emerging companies.
Among the most prominent are ENISA and CDTI, which provide financial resources tailored to the specific needs of startups.
ENISA
The “Empresa Nacional de Innovación” (ENISA) is a public entity aimed at financially supporting small and medium-sized Spanish businesses seeking to develop innovative projects.
Since its inception, ENISA has invested over €1.1 billion in more than 6,300 companies, establishing itself as a key provider of participatory loans in Spain.
One of the main advantages of ENISA’s grants is that they do not require collateral, meaning entrepreneurs do not assume personal risk in case of default.
Complement your private funding round with ➡️ ENISA loans for startups.
Additionally, ENISA offers repayment terms of up to 9 years and grace periods of up to 7 years, depending on the financing line requested.
Discover more ➡️ ENISA funding for your startup.
ENISA offers different funding lines tailored to the various stages of startup development:
1. ENISA young entrepreneurs
The Young Entrepreneurs ENISA Line (Línea ENISA Jóvenes Emprendedores) is aimed at newly established companies founded by entrepreneurs under 41 years old.
To qualify, the startup must have equity equivalent to 50% of the requested financing, have been founded within the last 24 months, and have some market validation of its product or service, even if it does not yet generate recurring revenue.
The maximum amount for this grant is €75,000.
2. ENISA entrepreneurs
The ENISA Entrepreneurs line (ENISA Emprendedores) is designed for early-stage startups, regardless of the founders’ age.
Requirements include having minimum equity equivalent to the total loan requested, being established for no more than 24 months, and having market validation, usually reflected in revenue.
The maximum amount for this line is €300,000.
3. ENISA growth
The ENISA Growth line (Crecimiento de ENISA) is for companies looking to expand, enhance their competitiveness, or finance corporate operations.
The eligibility criteria for this line are more stringent and include the need for a solid financial structure and a well-defined expansion plan.
CDTI
The Centro para el Desarrollo Tecnológico y la Innovación (CDTI) is a public business entity under the Ministry of Science, Innovation, and Universities.
Its mission is to promote innovation and technological development in Spanish businesses by managing applications for R&D&I funding and support at both national and international levels.
Boost your innovation projects with ➡️ CDTI R&D&I grants.
CDTI offers various programs to encourage R&D&I within the business sector.
Some of the most notable include:
1. NEOTEC program
This program aims to support the creation and consolidation of technology-based companies.
It provides non-repayable R&D&I grants to finance business projects requiring the use of technologies or knowledge developed through research activities, where the business strategy is based on proprietary technology development.
Funding covers up to 70% of the project budget, with a maximum of €250,000 per beneficiary.
2. R&D projects (PID)
CDTI funds business research and development projects aimed at creating or significantly improving a production process, product, or service.
These projects can be individual or collaborative and must focus on technological advancement and innovation.
The aid is partially reimbursable and can cover up to 85% of the approved budget, with a non-repayable portion that varies depending on the project’s characteristics and the company.
3. Direct innovation line (LIC)
This funding line is designed for companies looking to incorporate emerging technologies or improve their production processes and technological capabilities to enhance competitiveness.
It is particularly suitable for businesses aiming to adopt and adapt emerging technologies, apply industrial design and engineering for product and process improvement, or implement significantly improved production or supply methods.
Funding covers up to 75% of the approved budget (85% if co-financed with FEDER), with a non-repayable portion of 17% (7% from CDTI, 10% from Europe).
Tax incentives for financing R&D expenses
In addition to public grants and subsidies, startups can benefit from tax incentives to finance their Research, Development, and Innovation (R&D&I) activities. These advantages help reduce the company’s tax burden and improve liquidity, facilitating reinvestment in new innovative projects.
R&D&I tax deductions
In Spain, companies conducting R&D&I activities can apply tax deductions on Corporate Income Tax:
- Up to 25% of expenses on research and development activities.
- Up to 42% if R&D expenses exceed the average of the previous two years.
- An additional 17% for expenses on research personnel.
Tax Cash-Back: monetizing deductions
If a company does not generate enough taxable income to take advantage of R&D&I deductions, it can opt to monetize them.
This means that the Tax Agency allows companies to request a cash refund for unused tax credits (up to 80%), ensuring additional cash flow for the business.
Startups can thus optimize their tax burden and gain additional liquidity for reinvestment. To maximize these benefits, specialized advisory services are recommended.
How TSCFO can help your startup manage public funding
Managing R&D&I grants can be challenging for many startups due to the complexity of the processes and the wide range of available options.
At TSCFO, we specialize in simplifying this path, offering comprehensive services that cover everything from identifying opportunities to the complete management of R&D&I funding applications.
Identifying funding opportunities
TSCFO’s team analyzes your startup’s specific characteristics and needs to identify the most suitable public funding programs, such as those offered by ENISA and CDTI.
With deep knowledge of each program’s requirements and benefits, TSCFO advises on which R&D&I grants best suit your project.
Comprehensive application management
Once the right funding line is selected, TSCFO handles the entire application process, from preparing and submitting the required documentation to drafting business and financial plans and liaising with the relevant entities.
Our goal is to maximize the chances of securing funds.
Strategic and financial advisory
Beyond funding management, TSCFO offers external CFO services, providing strategic financial advice tailored to your startup’s needs. This includes financial planning, key metric management, and cash flow control, ensuring efficient resource allocation.
Proven experience and results
Our expertise in entrepreneurship and the various R&D&I funding sources allows us to offer personalized and effective solutions for each project.
TSCFO is a strategic partner for startups looking to maximize public funding opportunities, facilitating access to key resources for their growth and market consolidation.
📩 Contact us and boost your success opportunities: info@tscfo.com
