With the Ministerial Decree of 19 May 2026, the Ministry of Business and Made in Italy has launched Entrepreneurial Discovery II, the measure dedicated to industrial research and experimental development projects carried out by companies in Basilicata, Calabria, Campania, Molise, Puglia, Sardinia, and Sicily. The goal is to strengthen the competitiveness of Southern Italy's manufacturing base along the technological trajectories of the National Smart Specialization Strategy.
Financial resources
The overall endowment is equal to 505,8 million euro, divided between subsidized financing and direct contribution to expenditure. 60% of the resources are reserved for projects presented by SMEs and business networks, with a 25% sub-reserve allocated to micro and small enterprises.
TO WHOM IS IT ADDRESSED?
The following can access the benefits: companies of any size with at least two approved balance sheets who engage in industrial, agro-industrial, and artisanal activities, as well as research centers. Research organizations, agricultural companies, and industrial service providers may participate as co-applicants.
Projects must be carried out in collaborative form, according to one of these methods:
- network contract, consortium or partnership agreement between a maximum of three proposing entities, of which at least one is an SME;
- project submitted by a single SME (or small to medium-sized company) with the involvement of external parties for at least 10% of the eligible costs.
What is financed
Industrial research and experimental development activities aimed at new products, processes or services (or their substantial improvement) through the development of Key Enabling Technologies (KETs), within the thematic areas and development trajectories defined by the National Smart Specialization Strategy.
Key Enabling Technologies — KETs:
- Advanced materials and nanotechnology;
- Photonics and micro/nano electronics;
- Advanced manufacturing systems;
- Life Science Technologies;
- Artificial intelligence;
- Connection and digital security.
The development trajectories of the SNSI:
- Aerospace and Defense;
- Health, nutrition, quality of life;
- Smart and sustainable industry, energy and environment;
- Tourism, cultural heritage and creative industries;
- Digital agenda, smart communities, intelligent mobility systems.
Projects must include eligible expenses between 1 and 5 million euros, have a duration between 18 and 36 months and be implemented in local units located in less developed regions.
The benefits
Support is granted in the form of:
- direct non-repayable contribution, up to 40% of eligible costs for small businesses (35% for medium-sized businesses, 30% for large businesses);
- subsidized financing equal to 40% of eligible costs, at a reduced rate and with a duration of up to 8 years.
For research organizations, the contribution reaches up to 60% of the eligible costs for industrial research.
How and when to apply
Each subject can submit only one access application. The opening terms and the submission procedures will be defined by the Ministry with a subsequent provision: now is the right time to start structuring the project and checking the eligibility requirements.
The support of Iniziativa
Iniziativa supports companies in verifying eligibility, developing R&D projects, and preparing applications. Contact us for a preliminary evaluation and to understand how your company can access the measure.
📄 Download the complete measurement sheet at the following link link
