CDTI PID 2026: A Complete Guide to Funding R&D Projects
The CDTI PID (Research and Development Projects) is the most accessible funding programme offered by the Centre for the Development of Industrial Technology (CDTI). It allows individual companies to develop their own technology with funding of up to 75% without the need for partners.
With a permanent open call and flexible budgets, this programme is ideal for innovative companies. However, with thousands of applications submitted each year, understanding eligibility requirements and optimizing your proposal is critical. This guide covers everything you need to know.
What are CDTI PID Grants?
- What is it? Funding for individual R&D projects, without the need for a consortium.
- Maximum funding: Up to 75% of the project cost: 35% grant + 40% loan at 0% interest.
- Budget: No maximum limit.
- Duration: From 1 to 5 years.
- Application period: Permanently open, with no deadline.
- Decision timeline: Approximately 4–6 months.
- Sectors: All technology sectors.
Research and Development Projects (PID) are designed to support companies carrying out R&D activities aimed at creating or significantly improving technologies, products, services, or processes.
This partially repayable funding combines advantageous financial conditions with a non-repayable grant component, allowing companies to reduce the risk associated with their innovation investments.
In addition, one of its main advantages is that the call remains open throughout the year, enabling companies to submit projects whenever they are ready.
Key Benefits of CDTI PID Funding
CDTI PID grants stand out for offering particularly attractive conditions for innovative organizations:
- Up to 85% financing of eligible project costs.
- Non-repayable grant component ranging from 10% to 33%, depending on project characteristics.
- Financing with 0% Euribor and no additional guarantees required.
- Advance payments of up to 50% of the approved funding, with a maximum of €300,000.
- Compatibility with R&D&I tax incentives.
- Average decision time of approximately three months.
Who Can Apply?
CDTI PID grants are available to companies, startups, technology centres, and universities established in Spain that are developing industrial research or experimental development projects with a significant innovative component.
Eligible projects include:
- Development of new products or services.
- Technological improvement of existing solutions.
- Digitalization and technological transformation initiatives.
- Advanced industrial processes.
- Sustainable technologies and circular economy solutions.
- Solutions based on artificial intelligence, automation, or emerging technologies.
Main Requirements
- Incorporated in Spain before a notary.
- Significant technological content within the project.
- Financial stability: not under insolvency proceedings, bankruptcy, or suspension of payments.
- Compliance with tax and social security obligations.
- Co-financing capacity: minimum 25% own contribution.
- Project implementation centre located in Spain.
Budget Example
€400,000 Project: Grant: €140,000 (35%) + Loan: €160,000 (40%) = €300,000 in public funding. Company co-financing: €100,000 (25%).
Eligible costs:
- R&D personnel salaries
- Research equipment
- Technological subcontracting
- Software
- Prototypes
- Required certifications
Not eligible costs:
- General overhead expenses
- Travel costs
- Marketing activities
- Administrative operating expenses
- Pre-existing licenses
Timeline CDTI PID 2026
| Milestone | Timing |
|---|---|
| Application Period | Permanently open (no deadline) |
| Estimated Decision | 4–6 months from submission |
| Notification | Continuous (in order of submission) |
| Project Start | 1–2 months after approval |
Advantage: There are no fixed deadlines. Apply when your project is ready. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis (first come, first served).
Well-structured applications achieve success rates of 35–45%, while poorly prepared proposals are rejected in more than 60% of cases.
Evolution Europe specializes in CDTI PID funding. Our team has successfully managed dozens of innovation projects across a wide range of sectors.
Our CDTI PID Services
- Project Assessment: Is your project eligible? Does it have real funding potential?
- Technical Proposal Writing: Clear, persuasive, and optimized project documentation.
- Budget Development: Realistic, detailed, and fully justified financial planning.
- Exploitation Plan: Commercial strategy, market potential, and business viability.
- End-to-End Project Management: Support from application submission through project completion.
Contact us for a free assessment of your CDTI PID project. We will help you optimize your application and significantly improve your chances of securing funding.
