Innovation agreement : a new step in Italy

“Innovation Agreements” are an instrument of the Ministry of Enterprises and Made in Italy (MIMIT) that supports industrial research and experimental development projects with high technological impact through direct grants and subsidised loans. Applications for the 2025 edition will open on 14 January 2026. The funding aims to strengthen the competitiveness of businesses and foster collaboration between the public and private sectors.

Eligible participants

• Enterprises of any size (with at least two approved financial statements) operating in the industrial or craft sectors.
• Research centres.
• For certain specific areas, service companies or auxiliary enterprises may also participate.

The Agreements combine direct expenditure grants (non-repayable) and, where necessary, subsidised loans. The basic grant intensity varies according to company size: 45% for small enterprises, 35% for medium-sized enterprises, and 25% for large enterprises.
Additional increases may apply to projects involving research organisations, disadvantaged geographical areas, or promoting collaboration.

The programme funds activities that lead to significant improvements in products, processes, or services—particularly in the manufacturing, digital, and telecommunications sectors—with special attention to key enabling technologies.

Application process
Applications for the 2025 edition will be open from 14 January to 18 February 2026.
This MIMIT call is designed to support research and innovation projects with significant technological impact. The total budget allocated amounts to €731 million. Project approval follows a negotiated evaluation procedure to speed up the timeline.