RON 288 million in funding for SMEs through Swiss funds: SME Eco-Tech in 2026
The Ministry of Economy has announced that at the end of May 2026 the online call will open for funding totalling up to 288 million lei, dedicated to small and medium-sized companies in Romania.
Todos & Company editorial team · EU funding consultancy since 2006
The SME Eco-Tech programme: a new opportunity for Romanian SMEs
The Ministry of Economy has announced that at the end of May 2026 the online call will open for funding totalling up to 288 million lei for small and medium-sized businesses in Romania. The resources come from Swiss funds, through the SME Eco-Tech programme, an initiative designed to stimulate innovation and sustainable development in SMEs. Interim minister Irineu Darău stressed that the implementation of this call will take account of current economic challenges and will aim for a transparent and efficient process.
Who the eligible beneficiaries are and which areas are targeted
The programme is aimed at small and medium-sized enterprises based in Romania that operate in economic sectors with potential for growth and green innovation. The focus is in particular on companies with projects involving environmentally friendly technologies, energy efficiency, sustainable production or innovative Eco-Tech solutions. SMEs must clearly demonstrate their ability to implement projects that can help reduce polluting emissions or digitalise processes in an environmentally friendly way.
In addition to the sector criterion, the financial situation of the companies, the structure of the management team, and the scalability and export potential of the products or services developed will also be considered. This supports the selection of projects that offer not only local impact but also international potential.
Documentation and steps for accessing the funding
Interested entrepreneurs must prepare comprehensive documentation, which should include:
- A detailed business plan, with an emphasis on the technological and environmental components;
- The estimated budget and a cost-benefit analysis of the investment;
- Proof of eligibility, including the company's registration certificate and accounting documents;
- A description of the project team and relevant expertise;
- The implementation strategy and the schedule of activities.
You are advised to check the official application platform regularly for the detailed criteria, the applicant's guide and the necessary annexes, which will be published when the call opens. Working with consultants specialised in EU funding can significantly increase your chances of success.
The economic context and the importance of this funding
SMEs are the backbone of the Romanian economy, generating over 60% of GDP and the majority of jobs. However, they face major challenges such as limited access to finance, pressure from energy costs and the need to adapt quickly to increasingly strict sustainability requirements.
The Swiss funds for Eco-Tech provide concrete support at this difficult time. The capital channelled through the programme not only provides the financial resources needed to adopt green technologies, but also encourages a healthy competitive environment geared towards continuous innovation. In this way, Romanian companies can become more resilient, more productive and more attractive on domestic and international markets.
Practical recommendations for entrepreneurs
Before the call launches in May 2026, companies should start shaping their projects carefully, taking into account the eligibility criteria and the types of investment that can be funded. It is crucial to be ready to provide concrete, measurable data on the project's environmental and economic benefits. Investing in a consultant experienced in structural funds can significantly reduce the risk of your application being rejected.
It is also advisable to monitor the progress of implementation, keep a clear record of expenditure and develop partnerships that will support the project's sustainability after the funding ends. Early preparation and a rigorous approach can turn this opportunity into a decisive factor in boosting the competitiveness of small and medium-sized businesses in Romania.
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.
