- The objective is for medium-sized companies with technological capacity to obtain financing for their growth
- The CDTI will commit around 900 in 2015 million euros to finance R & D & I projects
The Secretary of State for R&D, Carmen Vela, has announced the launch of a fund of private equity to support Spanish companies with medium capitalization. This initiative of the Center for Industrial Technological Development (CDTI) aims to mobilize a total investment of between 400 and 600 million euros, of which 100 million will be provided by the CDTI itself.
This new fund will offer facilities for Spanish medium-capitalization companies with proven technological capabilities to access a capital market that allows them to address higher levels of growth and expansion. The investments will be directed mainly to the sectors of chemistry (including pharmacy), electronics and ICT industry, transport industry, biotechnology and agrifood, energy and capital goods.
Through this instrument the public sector shares risk with Spanish innovative companies that are committed to growth, quality employment and international competitiveness. This measure, together with others of a similar nature dedicated to earlier phases (seed capital and venture capital), allow for the reinforcement of specialized investments in technology companies, completing a path that began in 2012, when the CDTI launched a first initiative in this regard: Venture capital funds Innvierte.
Other measures
Among the novelties for this year, it is worth highlighting the commitment of the CDTI to dedicate 900 million euros to finance R & D & I projects. In addition, it will manage about 800 million euros from the Pluri-regional Smart Growth Operational Program during the 2014-2020 period.
The National Business Research Consortium Strategic Program (CIEN) will have 150 million euros this year, 20% more than in 2014, which will make it possible to finance a greater number of projects.
The Innovation Hotline, whose purpose is to finance business projects that involve the incorporation of innovative technologies and technological modernization of companies, establishes more advantageous interest rates for companies and improvements in advances.
All projects co-financed with ERDF funds will have a non-refundable tranche that can reach up to 20% of the aid granted to each project. In addition, in order to promote the internationalization of Spanish companies, the non-refundable tranche (may reach up to 30% of the aid granted) of international technological cooperation projects has been increased.
With regard to the FEDER Innterconecta 2015 multi-regional program, a new call will be opened with a budget of 110 million euros. This program promotes the development of integrated experimental development projects, with a strategic and large dimension, that develop innovative technologies in future technological areas and in regions with less development.
Finally, the CDTI will grant Neotec grants with grants to promote the creation and consolidation of small technology-based companies with less than four years of life.
