The Generalitat de Catalunya, the Catalan regional government, has approved a new business innovation strategy for 2026–2030 that aims to help the region surpass 3,000 start-ups.
The plan will commit €78 million to innovation this year, a 30% increase, according to the Generalitat. The funding is intended to support research and development, train and attract technology workers, and help businesses adopt disruptive technologies.
For start-ups, technology companies and businesses seeking innovation funding, the first call is due to open next week. The Generalitat has announced an available budget of €17 million, but the supplied announcement does not specify the opening date, eligibility rules or application process.
The Generalitat estimates that its public investment will mobilise approximately €300 million in private capital, or 3.7 times the public contribution.
Funding will target research, talent and technology
The strategy sets out three main areas for the 2026–2030 period:
- accelerating research and development in Catalonia;
- training and attracting the technological talent needed by innovative businesses; and
- supporting the adoption of disruptive technologies by companies.
The Generalitat said the €78 million package applies to 2026. Its estimate of €300 million in private investment is based on the expected leverage of public funding, rather than on money already committed by private investors.
The government’s announcement was made on Tuesday. Further official information is expected through the Generalitat press room when the first funding call opens next week.
Primary sources: Generalitat de Catalunya, govern.cat, govern.cat, accio.gencat.cat, govern.cat. Reported by elperiodico.com, Roger Hernández Pujol, Pere Roca Soler, Álvaro Pérez, punttic.cat, Gabriel Ubieto, ground.news, Diari ARA.
