Pilsen Region will support the preparation of strategic innovation projects with a new grant

The Plzeň Region today launched a new subsidy programme for the preparation of strategic research, development and innovation projects. It will provide ten million crowns. Until 31 March next year, research organisations and companies can apply individually for up to CZK 500,000. Up to 20 projects that can contribute to the development of the innovation ecosystem in the region will be supported, announced Jan Přibáň, Head of the Regional Department of EU Funds and Programmes.

The support will focus on the preparation of truly strategic project plans in line with the region's regional innovation strategy (RIS). We will support regional applicants to prepare high-quality applications for support to relevant international, national or regional programme calls, or to prepare them for implementation from other financial sources," Přibáň said. According to him, the preparation of projects is financially and time-consuming, so many potential applicants have not embarked on them before. The new title will provide money for preparation, not for implementation, as is usual.

Applicants can receive up to CZK 500,000, a maximum of 85 percent of the total eligible project costs. "They will be assessed by the regional council for research, development and innovation with the help of external expert evaluators," said Petra Ježková from the regional department. She said the supported project should make a significant contribution to at least one of the key areas defined in the RIS - human resources for research, development and innovation (R&D&I), environment for R&D&I, R&D capacity or innovation and marketing of R&D&I.

Applications will be accepted until the allocation is exhausted, i.e. until 31 March 2025 in the e-grants system. Before submitting them, the applicant must consult with developers from the Regional Development Agency of the Pilsen Region to ensure that they are in line with the RIS. More information and contacts are here.

The grant programme is part of the Smart Accelerator of the Pilsen Region III project, funded by the Jan Amos Komenský Operational Programme. According to the Regional Innovation Strategy 3, its third valid update, the Pilsen Region specialises in biomedicine, smart manufacturing systems, smart mobility, materials engineering and energy. RIS 3 includes figures from statistics concerning the performance of the economy, the structure of employment, and the number of innovative enterprises, which is growing compared to other regions.

Source: CTK