The Strategic Technologies for Europe Platform (STEP), promoted by PARP under the FENG programme (European Development Fund), is a new initiative aimed at strengthening Europe’s technological sovereignty and reducing dependency on third countries in key future economy sectors.
Programme Objectives:
STEP supports companies working in strategic EU areas by promoting:
– the adoption of critical technologies,
– the production of innovative components and solutions,
– sustainable industrial development,
– technological and energy security.
Priority Areas:
1. Biotechnology – production of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs), vaccines, innovative therapies, and advanced genetic technologies.
2. Digital technologies – semiconductors, artificial intelligence, cloud computing, quantum technologies, and cybersecurity.
3. Clean technologies – electrolysers, solar panels, wind turbines, heat pumps, batteries, and carbon capture and storage systems.
Eligible applicants:
– micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs),
– large companies,
– R&D consortia,
– innovative startups with high-tech projects.
Forms of support:
– co-financing of tangible and intangible investments,
– support for R&D and prototype testing,
– assistance for prototyping, production, commercialization, and internationalization,
– incentives for collaboration between enterprises and research centres.
Open calls:
– STEP – Biotechnology – Critical Technology Innovations (22 July – 9 September 2025)
– STEP – Biotechnology – EU Strategic Independence (22 July – 9 September 2025)
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