The Lombardy Region has announced the call for applications for the POR FESR 2014-2020: INNODRIVER-S3 2019 programme, which aims to support micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) in acquiring and developing advanced technological innovation services.

The objectives of the call are:

- to stimulate technological process and product innovation by supporting collaboration between SMEs and research and technology transfer centres (Measure A)
- to assist companies in participating in European research, development and innovation programmes by supporting high-quality projects that were submitted but not funded under the Horizon 2020 SME Instrument (Measure B)

The total budget is €7,000,000, of which €6,100,000 is allocated to Measure A and €900,000 to Measure B.

The deadlines are

• Measure A:

Opening date: 21 November 2019
Closing date: 23 January 2020

• Measure B:

Opening date: 03 October 2019
Closing date: 30 October 2020

Eligible applicants are:

- micro, small or medium-sized enterprises (excluding simple partnerships that do not carry out commercial activities);
- entities that are duly established, registered and active in the Business Register (enterprises not resident in Italy must be established in accordance with the laws in force in their EU state of residence and registered in the relevant Business Register) and which have a registered office in Lombardy by the date of submission of the final report;
- entities that carry out projects within the Lombardy Region.

For Measure A only, self-employed professionals with a VAT number are also eligible if they are:
▪ organised as individuals, associations or companies within professional registers, orders or colleges;
▪ non-regulated professionals as defined by Law 4/2013, including those in associated form;
▪ operating in Lombardy by the date of submission of the final report;
▪ carrying out projects within the Lombardy Region.

For further information on the call, click here.