PoCIDIF 1.3.2: deadline extended to 30 October for researchers brought in from abroad, €13.35 million

The PoCIDIF call for Measure 1.3.2, "Attracting personnel with advanced skills from abroad to create centres of excellence", has been extended. Projects can be submitted in MySMIS2021 until 30 October 2026, 17:00, instead of 30 September as originally planned. The extension was made by MIPE Order no. 1488 of 25 September 2026. The call has a budget of 13,351,703 euro and is aimed at SMEs and research organisations that want to build centres of excellence around specialists brought in from abroad.

In brief

• Programme: Smart Growth, Digitalisation and Financial Instruments Programme 2021-2027 (PoCIDIF), Priority 1, Action 1.3, Measure 1.3.2
• Authority: PoCIDIF Managing Authority, Ministry of Investments and European Projects
• Beneficiaries: SMEs (including micro-enterprises) and research organisations within the national research and development system under Articles 7 and 8 of OG no. 57/2002
• Total budget: 13,351,703 euro, of which 10,000,000 euro from the ERDF and 3,351,703 euro from the state budget
• Funding: up to 100% for research organisations, except those whose economic activity exceeds 20% of their total activity
• Submission period: 31 July 2026, 10:00 – 30 October 2026, 17:00
• Status: call open, deadline extended by MIPE Order no. 1488/25.09.2026

What has changed?

Order no. 1488 amends a single provision of the guide approved by MIPE Order no. 1190/2026, namely section 4.3.2, "Closing date and time of the call for proposals". The new text reads: "Projects may be submitted until: 30 October 2026, 17:00". The order applies from its publication on the ministry's website, announced on 28 September 2026.

All other conditions in the guide remain the same. The final version of the guide, with its annexes, the clarification note and the amending order, is published on the call page on mfe.gov.ro.

Who can apply and what is funded?

According to the call sheet, the following can apply:

• SMEs, including micro-enterprises;
• research organisations within the national research and development system under Articles 7 and 8 of OG no. 57/2002, whether public or private law.

Eligible activities are industrial research, experimental development and product innovation. These are joined by the mandatory information and publicity activities, project management and, optionally, the audit. Research and innovation costs must represent at least 50% of the project's eligible value.

There are two calls, depending on the region: PCIDIF/951 for less developed regions and PCIDIF/950 for the more developed region (Bucharest-Ilfov).

How much funding do private research organisations receive?

In its clarification note of 26 August 2026, the PoCIDIF MA stated that the phrase "public law" in section 3.4 of the guide was a clerical error. Funding of up to 100% therefore applies to all research organisations, public or private. The exception is organisations whose economic activity exceeds 20% of their total activity. These fall under the rules of the state aid scheme approved by MIPE Order no. 3284/2023.

For SMEs, the aid intensity is set under the state aid scheme for RDI (MIPE Order no. 3284/2023) or the de minimis scheme for RDI (MIPE Order no. 605/2024), depending on the activity. You will find the exact percentages in the applicant's guide.

How and by when do you apply?

The application is submitted exclusively in MySMIS2021, by 30 October 2026, 17:00. The technical submission requirements (an account on the platform and electronic signing of documents) are described in the applicant's guide. The steps are explained in our guide to PoCIDIF 1.3.2.

What this means for your business

Our recommendation is to use the extra four weeks for the things that take longest, not to postpone. These are usually:

• the commitment of the specialist from abroad: CV, letter of intent and the timetable for their arrival in Romania. The exact requirements regarding their experience are in the guide and are worth reading carefully before you contact them;
• the 50% threshold for research and innovation costs. Check it in the budget before adding equipment or indirect costs;
• SME status and the calculation of de minimis aid already received, if the project falls under the de minimis scheme.

The call is particularly suited to companies that already have a research core and a clear product direction, as well as private research organisations with economic activity below 20%. If you are not sure whether your company is eligible, start with the eligibility check.

Frequently asked questions

What is the new deadline for PoCIDIF 1.3.2?

Projects can be submitted in MySMIS2021 until 30 October 2026, 17:00, under MIPE Order no. 1488 of 25 September 2026. The original deadline was 30 September 2026.

Have any other conditions in the guide changed?

No. Order no. 1488 amends only section 4.3.2 of the guide, that is, the closing date and time of the call. The budget, beneficiaries and eligible activities remain those in the guide approved by MIPE Order no. 1190/2026.

Can private research organisations apply with 100% funding?

Yes. According to the clarification note of 26 August 2026, funding of up to 100% applies to research organisations regardless of their legal status. The exception is those whose economic activity exceeds 20% of their total activity.

What is the budget of the call?

13,351,703 euro, of which 10,000,000 euro from the ERDF and 3,351,703 euro from the state budget. The money is split across two calls: one for less developed regions and one for the more developed region.

Official sources

• MIPE Order no. 1488/25.09.2026 amending the Applicant's Guide, Measure 1.3.2
• MIPE: announcement on the amendment of the guide for Measure 1.3.2
• MIPE: guide page for Action 1.3, Measure 1.3.2, with all documents
• Clarification note on the co-financing rate for private-law research organisations
• EU Opportunities: call sheet for Measure 1.3.2

Information checked on 29 September 2026. Conditions may be changed by the managing authority — check the guide in force before submitting.