On May 4, 2017, the public discussion on the criteria and conditions for Bulgarian businesses to receive assistance from the EU under the Operational Program "Innovation and Competitiveness" was completed. It is expected that the acceptance of applications for non-repayable euro subsidies by small and large companies will start in early summer. A total of BGN 68.5 million has been allocated for these purposes. (35 million euros), of which each eligible applicant will be able to receive an amount of BGN 100 thousand. up to BGN 1 million Money will be allocated for the development and introduction of a new product (service), improvement of processes in one or more areas of activity – IT, biotechnology, production automation, etc.
The fact that the euro program works in practice is evidenced by the amount that has already been allocated to Bulgarian enterprises since the beginning of its implementation – 50 million euros for the introduction of new technologies, another 10 million euros for the development of innovations were received by startups.
How to participate and what do you need?
If you do not have a company in Bulgaria yet, then go to at this link, if you already have it, then you can participate in the competition both independently and in partnership with scientific organizations. An important requirement is that the company must be at least three full financial years (2014, 2015 and 2016). Therefore, the sooner you move and take care of business in Bulgaria, the sooner you will be able to apply for support from the European Union.
The partners of the applicant for a subsidy from the EU can be: accredited Bulgarian universities, individual faculties, institutes and divisions of the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, experimental laboratories, research institutes and associations with related activities. To become a partner, he must take on at least 10% of the main applicant's expenses. Projects proposed as innovations must be aimed at developing a product (product or service) or process in one of the priority areas of ISIS (Innovation Strategy for Intelligence Specialization).
These include: information and communication technologies (ICT), mechatronics and "clean" technologies, the healthy lifestyle industry and biotechnology, as well as new technologies and the so-called "recreational" areas of production. Let's dwell in more detail on each region.
Informatics and ICT
Fabless and new approaches in design, practical assembly, ICT in engineering, medicine, and creative industries, 3D applications, Big Data, Grid and Cloud technologies, wireless technologies, language technologies, web, hybrid and native applications, outsourcing and ICT-based services and systems.
Mechatronics and Clean Technologies
Mechanical engineering and production of devices, including their parts and mechanisms. Robotics, production of high-tech products, developments in the interests of international companies in the fields of mechanical engineering and instrumentation, design and repair of machines, parts of electric vehicles, resource management systems at the city and home level, conservation, saving and efficient distribution of energy, environmental technologies, use of waste as raw materials in production.
Healthy lifestyle industry and biotechnology
Methods of "clean" production of specific Bulgarian food, cosmetic and other health-related products. Special food and beverages, production of medical instruments, equipment, consumables, medicines, therapeutic methods, nanotechnology in medicine, biotechnology in the field of healthy lifestyle.
New technologies in creative and recreational industries:
Architecture, film and television – production, cultural heritage, design, publishing, ICT with a focus on education, marketing, entertainment, production of goods and services related to alternative tourism and extreme sports.
Budget allocation
The total amount (BGN 68.5 million) is divided into three parts. Each part corresponds to a group to which the enterprise can be attributed according to its size. Thus, the amount of BGN 39.1 million. will be distributed among micro and small enterprises. Medium-sized companies will receive BGN 13.7 million, the remaining BGN 15.6 million. will go to large producers.
The minimum amount of gratuitous assistance to one project will be BGN 100 thousand, the maximum will depend on the category of the enterprise. Micro and small companies can receive a maximum of BGN 500 thousand, medium companies – up to BGN 750 thousand, large companies – up to BGN 1 million.
Assessment process
The assessment is carried out by external experts recognized in their fields. Projects that pass the first check for administrative compliance and admission will move to the next level. It involves a technical and financial assessment. A maximum of 90 points ("dots") can be obtained. Of these, 37 can be given for innovation and practical applicability of the innovation, another 37 points for the innovative potential and financial stability of the candidate. 12 points will be given for "priority". For example, if the project belongs to one of the four industrial areas listed above and will be implemented in the "priority" Northwestern Bulgaria.
The last four points will be awarded to the authors of projects with the most realistic costs. Zero points on this item automatically deprives you of the right to receive a subsidy. The minimum "passing" score is 54. More information about the competition, requirements for projects and companies can be found directly on the website of the Euro program. If you want us to help you understand and prepare for the competition, You are here.
From of this article you will learn how and who in Bulgaria can train their staff with EU money.
Based on materials: www.capital.bg