Grants of up to 200,000 EUR for innovative SMEs in Bucharest and Ilfov in 2026

What “proof of concept” funding means for SMEs

The Bucharest-Ilfov Regional Development Agency (ADR) has launched for public consultation a new EU funding line for micro-enterprises and SMEs, aimed at the early stages of developing innovative products or services. Through the “proof of concept” programme, companies can receive grants of between 50,000 and 200,000 euro, intended for testing and validating innovative conceptual models before they are launched on the market. This instrument supports the transformation of ideas into functional prototypes or demonstrable solutions that can attract subsequent investment.

Who qualifies for this type of support

The grants are aimed at micro, small and medium-sized enterprises that have their registered office or a place of business in the Bucharest-Ilfov region. Eligibility includes:

• Legally registered companies carrying out economic activity in the region;
• Well-defined project plans aimed at developing an innovative conceptual model or prototype;
• The ability to present a financial and sustainability plan after the funds have been obtained;
• Companies committed to innovation, with potential to scale on the market.

The programme is not intended for solutions that are already mature, but exclusively for those at an intermediate stage, in transition between idea and finished product.

What documents and documentation will be required

To apply, companies must prepare comprehensive documentation supporting the innovative nature and feasibility of the proposed project. Standard documents include:

• The business plan and technical description of the conceptual model;
• Proof of the company's legal status and recent financial statements;
• The estimated project budget and the justification of costs;
• The project implementation timetable and performance indicators;
• Documents attesting to the team's experience or the company's development potential.

The agency will make available a detailed guide, which can be viewed and downloaded from the official ADR Bucharest-Ilfov platform, together with a set of precise evaluation criteria.

The impact of EU funds on the local entrepreneurial ecosystem

Supporting the “proof of concept” phase is essential for the development of innovative companies and has the potential to boost the competitiveness of the Bucharest-Ilfov region. In the current economic climate, where access to risk capital is limited and investing in innovation is risky, these EU grants give entrepreneurs the opportunity to validate their ideas with minimal risk. In addition, projects funded under this scheme can later facilitate access to other sources of funding, both private and public.

Likewise, developing validated conceptual models in the region brings long-term benefits by increasing the number of competitive products, creating jobs and strengthening the local technology sector.

Practical recommendations for applicants

Interested companies should start preparing now, since the application process requires robust documentation and clear objectives. First of all, it is important to identify precisely the stage the project has reached and to draw up a clear strategy for turning the innovative concept into a prototype or demonstrator.

It is advisable to consult the guide put out for consultation and to seek specialist assistance in preparing the documentation, including financial and technical consultancy. Pay attention to deadlines and eligibility criteria – missing documents or inconsistencies can lead to the application being rejected.

Companies should also plan the post-funding follow-up to ensure the project is implemented successfully and to allow for possible access to subsequent stages of funding and development. This period can be a crucial moment for setting new business directions and for the company's research and development activity.

Those who succeed in obtaining these grants will benefit from solid financial support to test their innovative ideas without depending exclusively on their own capital, giving them a real chance of competitiveness on the local and international market.

Want to find out what non-refundable funding you can access?

The Todos Company team helps you with the whole process: from checking eligibility and calculating your score, to preparing the application file and submitting the project.

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