Ayudas Cervera CDTI

Technology Transfer R&D Projects: Cervera grants

Strengthen your company’s R&D with the CDTI’s Cervera Programme

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Cervera partially repayable grants are aimed at SMEs and MIDCAPS companies that wish to strengthen their technological capabilities through collaboration with knowledge-generating centres in priority areas of R&D.

The programme funds industrial research and experimental development projects with coverage of up to 90% and a non-reimbursable tranche of 33%, in a call for proposals open all year round to promote strategic technologies such as advanced materials, AI, the circular economy and smart manufacturing.

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Intensive funding

Up to 90% of the approved budget, with 33% non-refundable.

Advantageous financial terms

35% down payment with no guarantees, repayment over 10–15 years, and comprehensive coverage of expenses.

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Collaboration with knowledge centres

At least 10% of the project executed by technology centres.

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Open call throughout the year

Apply whenever you need to and adjust your strategic planning.

90%

Max. funding

33%

Non-refundable portion

12–36

-month project duration

Key information

Count on Evolution to boost your business R&D&I.

Check if you are eligible

💡 Start early: prepare the proposal 1–2 months in advance to define the technology, coordinate with the centres, and gather the technical, financial, and environmental documentation.

About this programme
CDTI Cervera grants are partially repayable loans for SMEs and mid-caps that develop R&D projects. They promote technology transfer through collaboration with knowledge centres in priority areas, offering up to 90% funding with 33% non-repayable and flexible repayment terms.
Who can participate (beneficiary entities)

The following may apply:

  • SMEs and mid-cap companies (MIDCAPS) that are not in default according to Law 3/2004.
Types of projects

Funding is provided for industrial research or experimental development projects aimed at improving a product, process or service, and which fit into one of the Cervera Priority Technologies.

Cervera Priority Technologies

Projects must align with one or more of these areas:

  • Advanced materials
  • Circular economy
  • Energy transition
  • Smart manufacturing
  • Health technologies
  • Safe and healthy food chain
  • Deep learning and artificial intelligence
  • Advanced mobile networks
  • Smart transport
  • Information protection
  • Quantum computing
Terms and conditions of funding

Cervera Funding

  • Up to 90% of the approved budget.
  • Includes a 33% non-refundable portion (TNR).
  • Advance payment of up to 50% (max. €300,000) without additional guarantees.
  • Flexible repayment terms: 10- or 15-year loans with half-yearly repayments.

Eligible costs

  • Staff, materials and equipment.
  • Contract research, patents and licences.
  • Consultancy, auditing and coordination costs.
  • DNSH report and other costs directly related to the project.
Deadlines
  • The Cervera call for proposals is open all year round, so you can submit your application at any time.
  • However, it is recommended that you start preparing your project in advance in order to coordinate collaboration with knowledge centres and gather the necessary technical, financial and environmental documentation (including DNSH).
Application process

The Cervera process follows four main steps:

  1. Project preparation: defining the scope, priority technology and collaboration with knowledge centres.
  2. Electronic submission to the CDTI headquarters with the technical report, budget and financial documentation.
  3. Technical, financial and incentive effect assessment by the CDTI.
  4. Resolution and signing of the financing agreement, followed by project implementation and justification.

Do you need assistance with CDTI´s Cervera funding?

Our consultants will explain everything you need to know about CDTI Cervera Grants in detail.

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Obtain Cervera funding from CDTI for your company

  • Our working methodology is based on several stages led by our team of experts and supported by our funding search tool.
  • Funding searching tool: Provides us with all the latest information on all types of public funding.
Control de convocatorias (1)

Call for proposals monitoring

We identify projects with the potential to obtain funding through the CDTI’s Cervera Grants, analysing their technological maturity, their fit with Cervera’s technological capabilities, and the feasibility of collaborating with accredited technology centres, a key requirement of the programme.
Diagnóstico y preparación

Diagnostic and preparation

We carry out eligibility analysis and structure the project technically and financially: definition of the R&D plan, justifiable budget, planning of collaboration with Cervera centres, calculation of the reimbursable and non-reimbursable portions, and complete preparation of the file on the CDTI platform.

Obtención de ayuda (2)

Obtaining funding

We drafted and submitted the proposal, ensuring compliance with the CDTI’s technical, financial and administrative requirements, and tailoring the report to maximise its assessment in the technical, economic and impact evaluation of the Cervera programme.

Gestión del proyecto (1)

Project management

We offer support throughout the entire process: signing and formalising the contract with CDTI, processing advance payments, technical monitoring, assistance with audits, and support in justifying expenses in accordance with CDTI criteria.

Discover our Funding Search Tool

Our Funding Search Tool keeps you connected to the latest public funding opportunities — from national and regional programmes.

Access the funding search tool

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“We particularly appreciate the team’s flexibility in offering us a financial proposal tailored to the needs of start-ups. We also value their ability to communicate with international and multidisciplinary teams, as well as their ability to identify potential improvements in the consortia and the tasks initially proposed.”

 

Ana Bouchet, Co-founder of Lifesome Therapeutics

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“The Evolution Europe team demonstrated a keen understanding of the company’s problem and the scientific complexity of the project. Their technicians provided critical and constructive feedback that significantly improved the original proposal.”

 

Joseba Villate, CEO of Alterity

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“Evolution was instrumental in improving and refining our business model and marketing strategy. In addition, the proposal was written to a very high standard; we could not have achieved this without Evolution’s help.”

Fadhil Musa, co-founder of Delox

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“The collaboration with Evolution has been very positive. From the outset, the process was smooth and clear. The Evolution team responded quickly and facilitated the formation of the consortium, which made the whole process much easier.”

Guillermo Molano, Co-Founder & CEO of Terracelab

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“The Evolution Europe team demonstrated a keen understanding of the company’s problem and the scientific complexity of the project. Their technicians provided critical and constructive feedback that significantly improved the original proposal.”

Ignasi Hontecillas, Director of R&D, Quality and

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“Evolution´s team has acted professionally at all times, listening to our needs and always paying close attention to the deadlines and requirements of the grants we have applied for and received.”

Jaime Mir Pastor, Manager of Mirmar

Other funding opportunities

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EIC STEP Scale-Up

Boost the growth of your strategic technology company with significant EU capital investment through the EIC STEP programme.

  • Obtain between €10 million and €30 million in equity investment to accelerate the industrial deployment and growth of deep-tech or critical technologies.
  • Aimed at start-ups, SMEs and small mid-caps with technologies at TRL 6–9, seeking to scale up in key strategic areas for Europe.
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R&D Tax deductions

Lower your corporation tax by taking advantage of a powerful and flexible incentive for innovative companies.

  • Recover between 25% and 59% of your R&D&I expenses.
  • Possibility of monetising the deduction even without profits.
  • Applicable to research, development and technological innovation projects.
  • Compatible with grants such as CDTI, ENISA or European programmes.
  • Maximum legal certainty with the Binding Reasoned Report.
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Social Security Bonus for Research Staff

  • Lowers labour costs for R&D staff by up to 40%.
  • Immediate monthly savings applied directly to social security contributions.
  • Fully compatible with R&D tax deductions if your company has the Innovative SME Seal.
  • Additional bonus of +5% for young researchers.
  • Additional bonus of +5% for women.

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The definitive guide to securing R&D funding   

  • Learn how to identify the best funding opportunities for your project.
  • Discover the strategies used by leading innovators to obtain grants, navigate complex processes, and maximise their funding.
  • Access proven tips for writing winning grant proposals.

Download it now and increase your chances of obtaining funding!

FAQ

Frequently asked questions about the Cervera Grants programme.

Are Cervera grants only for SMEs?

Medium-cap companies (MIDCAPS) can also benefit.

Is there an obligation to collaborate with technology centres?

Yes, it is a requirement that at least 10% of the budget be executed by knowledge-generating centres.

Can it be combined with other European funds?

Yes, unless the additional funding comes from the EU budget.

Can projects be financed anywhere in Spain?

Yes, there are no territorial restrictions.

What size should the project budget be?

The budget for the Cervera project must be at least €175,000. There is no maximum limit, but the budget must be consistent, technically sound and aligned with the selected priority technology.

How do I know if I am eligible for Cervera?

You are eligible if you meet these basic requirements:

  • You are an SME or a mid-cap company (MIDCAP).
  • You are not in default according to Law 3/2004.
  • Your project is industrial research or experimental development.
  • The project fits into one of the Cervera Priority Technologies.
  • You are going to collaborate with knowledge-generating centres (at least 10% of the budget).
  • You can demonstrate that the aid has an incentive effect, i.e. you apply before starting the project.

If you meet these points, your company is a good candidate for Cervera grants.

How are projects evaluated?

Projects are evaluated according to three sets of criteria:

  • Technical: innovation, technological maturity, quality of the proposal and participation of knowledge centres.
  • Financial: economic viability of the company, consistency of the budget and capacity for return.
  • Incentive effect: the grant must be requested before the project begins and demonstrate that it will accelerate or improve its execution.
Do I need to have an environmental report?

Yes. In Cervera, it is mandatory to submit a DNSH -Do No Significant Harm report demonstrating that the project does not cause significant environmental impact. This report can be financed within the project and must be issued by an accredited entity.

What is the CDTI funding search tool?

Staying up to date with calls for proposals and funding opportunities is essential for accessing the grants and subsidies your company needs. At Evolution Europe, we use advanced technology to identify the most suitable opportunities for your company.

With our Funding search tool, you will have immediate visibility of the CDTI’s open funding opportunities and other public funding options relevant to your project.

Would you like to apply for Cervera grants and strengthen your company’s technology?

Get your free consultation. Contact us