The SIAC – Collective Actions – Qualification of Startups in STEP domains is designed to support collective, non-profit initiatives that contribute to the development and consolidation of the national startup ecosystem.
This measure focuses on promoting the sustainable growth of startups in the NUTS II regions of the North, Centre and Alentejo, with particular emphasis on domains aligned with the European Strategic Technologies for Europe Platform (STEP).
The supported actions are of a structural and collective nature, aiming to generate broad-based benefits for the ecosystem rather than direct aid to individual companies. These include initiatives to map and promote the startup ecosystem, improve regulatory frameworks, facilitate access to funding for startups and scaleups, and encourage the adoption of digital-first approaches in business development and internationalisation.
Additionally, the measure seeks to strengthen the capabilities of ecosystem stakeholders by enhancing legal, financial and business literacy, thereby enabling more informed and efficient management practices across the startup landscape.
The incentive takes the form of non-repayable funding from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), with a maximum co-financing rate of up to 85%, and an indicative budget allocation of €2 million.
This is a call by invitation, with implementation entrusted to a designated entity responsible for delivering activities of collective and strategic interest to the national startup ecosystem.
Requirements
The main requirements for granting support include:
- The operation must consist of collective actions of a non-profit and structural nature, with a clear impact on the startup ecosystem;
- The project must align with the strategic priorities of the STEP domains and relevant European innovation policies;
- The activities must contribute to the qualification, growth, and competitiveness of startups and scaleups;
- The beneficiary must be an eligible non-profit entity designated under the terms of the call (invitation-based procedure);
- The operation must be implemented in the eligible regions (NUTS II North, Centre and Alentejo);
- The entity must comply with general eligibility criteria under COMPETE 2030, including legal, financial and operational capacity;
- The beneficiary must have its tax and social security situation regularised and no outstanding obligations relating to public funding;
- Eligible costs must comply with national and European funding rules.
How to obtain
Applications must be submitted through the COMPETE 2030 portal, using the appropriate electronic form, within the period established in the call.
Given the nature of this notice (invitation-based), the application process is restricted to the designated entity responsible for implementing the collective actions.
The application must include:
- A detailed description of the proposed activities and their expected impact on the startup ecosystem;
- Evidence of alignment with STEP domains and European strategic priorities;
- A technical and financial plan outlining the implementation of the operation;
- All required documentation demonstrating compliance with eligibility and admissibility criteria.
Applications must be submitted between 22 June 2026 and 31 July 2026 (17:00).
Learn more
For further details and access to regional notices, please consult compete2030.gov and balcaofundosue
