LIC y LIC A CDTI

Boost your company’s competitiveness with the CDTI LIC and LIC-A lines

Helping start-ups and SMEs turn innovative ideas into solutions that transform the market.

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The CDTI’s LIC and LIC-A grants are designed to promote technological innovation and productive expansion projects.

These instruments enable companies to innovate, modernize, and grow, with favorable financial conditions and in the form of loans and non-reimbursable tranches. LIC aid lines support investments to improve productive and technological capacity, while LIC-A finances actions to optimize processes, incorporate advanced technology, and increase industrial competitiveness.

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Competitive and flexible funding

Up to 75% of the budget, extendable to 85% in LICs if co-financed with ERDF.

Non-refundable portion

Up to 30% of the financing obtained may not be repaid, depending on the funds available and the location of the company carrying out the project.

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Low interest rates and no fees

LICa: Euribor + 0.75%, LIC, Euribor +0.5% or Euribor +1% depending on the return on the loan in 5 or 7 years.

Open call throughout the year

Flexibility to submit your application at any time.

175K€

Minimum budget/project

75%

Of the approved budget grant

9-24

Months project duration

Key Information

Check if you are eligible

💡 Tip: Start as soon as possible! We recommend beginning preparations at least 2–3 months before submission to ensure eligibility, structure the project, and gather all necessary documentation.

About this programme

The LIC (Direct Innovation Line) and LIC-A (Direct Expansion Line) are CDTI instruments that finance business projects.

  • LIC supports technological innovation projects in products, services or processes.
  • LIC-A funds production expansion or modernisation, especially in assisted regions 2022–2027, with higher aid intensities.

Both lines offer long-term financing, reduced interest rates and the possibility of a non-repayable tranche (TNR).

Who can participate (beneficiary entities)

The LIC and LIC-A lines are aimed at:

  • Private companies of any size (SMEs and large companies*).
  • Individual projects, not consortia.
  • Companies with sufficient financial solvency to cover the rest of the budget.

Geographical scope:

  • LIC: applicable throughout Spain.
  • LIC-A: only for projects located in assisted regions 2022–2027, with higher aid intensities.

*LIC not accessible for Large Business Groups (LBGs) located in certain autonomous communities.

Types of projects - CDTI Direct Innovation Line (LIC)

Technological innovation projects that improve products, services or processes, incorporating new or significantly improved technologies that increase the technical capacity of the company, reduce costs and improve efficiency and competitiveness.

Types of projects - Direct Expansion Line (LIC-A)

Investments aimed to increase production capacity, modernise facilities and improve industrial processes, including new production lines and actions in assisted areas, with the aim of promoting the expansion and competitiveness of industrial companies.

Funding terms
Terms LIC – Direct Innovation Line LIC-A – Direct Expansion Line
Funding Up to 75% (85% with ERDF) 70–85%
Average Project Duration 5–7 years 9 years
Grace period  1 year 1 year from the end of the project.
Interest Reduced fixed rate Reduced fixed rate
TNR Not applicable. 7–10% depending on the area.
Regulation  Minimis regime Assisted regions
Expenditure incurred  Not eligible for funding Not eligible for funding
Focus Innovación tecnológica Expansión productiva

Down payments:

  • Up to 50% without guarantees.
  • Up to 75% with guarantees accepted by CDTI.
Key dates
  • Open call throughout the year (no deadlines).
  • Average decision time: 2-3 months, depending on the evaluation workload.
  • The project cannot start before the application (incentive effect).
Application process
  1. Preparation: Define the project and identify whether it meets the technical and financial requirements.
  2. Submission: Send the application and required documentation via the CDTI’s electronic headquarters.
  3. Evaluation: The CDTI analyses the technical and economic feasibility and, in the case of LIC-A, whether it fits into assisted areas.
  4. Decision: Approval is issued, the contract is signed, and advance payments can be requested.

Do you need help with LIC or LIC A from the CDTI?

Our consultants will explain in detail everything you need to know about this aid from the Ministry of Science and Innovation – Public Business Entity Centre for Industrial Technological Development.

Contact us

Obtain CDTI LIC or LIC A grants 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 search tool: Provides us with the latest information on all public grants.
Control de convocatorias (1)

Call for proposals monitoring

Identification of projects with potential for obtaining public funding or loans linked to R&D&I activities.

Diagnóstico y preparación

Diagnostic and preparation

We carry out eligibility analyses and ensure the correct technical and financial structuring of the project, preparing the entire CDTI dossier.

Obtención de ayuda (2)

Obtaining funding

Submission of public funding applications, ensuring compliance with all technical requirements.

Gestión del proyecto (1)

Project management

We offer support in signing and processing, assistance with audits and expense justification, as well as guidance in complying with the DNSH principle.

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 

Real impact, proven results

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Mirmar – Investment for its industrial growth

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“The experience of working with Evolution was very positive. Evolution provided us with key strategic support, helping us to structure and strengthen our proposal. Their experience in innovative projects helped us to meet the requirements.”

Joseba Villate, CEO of Alterity

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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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“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 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 Food Safety at AGROCAT

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“The collaboration with Evolution has been very positive. From the outset, the process was smooth and clear. The Evolution team was quick to respond and form the consortium, which facilitated the process.”

Guillermo Molano, Co-founder & Chief Executive Officer of Terracelab

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“The Evolution 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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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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Patent Box

  • Lowers your effective corporation tax rate by up to 10%.
  • Up to 60% reduction in the tax base for income from the transfer or exploitation of intangible assets (patents, software, industrial designs).
  • Simple implementation — no need to capitalise the asset on the balance sheet.
  • Retroactive application possible and compatible with other aid (tax deductions, ENISA, CDTI).
  • Ideal for companies that market their own technology.

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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 LIC and LIC-A programmes.

What is the difference between LIC and LIC-A?

LIC funds innovation throughout the country. LIC-A targets projects in assisted regions with a focus on technological expansion.

What criteria does the CDTI use to evaluate your application?

The assessment focuses on:

  • Technical quality: consistency, technological approach and feasibility.
  • Business impact: improved competitiveness, job creation, growth.
  • Economic capacity: solvency and sufficient financial structure.
  • Territorial impact (LIC-A):
    • Location in an eligible area.
    • Alignment with regional policies.
    • Compliance with the incentive effect.

In addition, CDTI will analyse the consistency between the budget, objectives and risks.

What type of projects are supported?

Projects to improve processes, products or production capacity through innovative technologies.

Is a guarantee required?

Not for down payments of up to 50%. This can be extended to 75% if acceptable guarantees are provided.

What does TNR mean?

TNR (Non-repayable portion): percentage of the grant that does not have to be repaid.

What is the CDTI funding search tool?

Staying up to date with calls for proposals and funding lines 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 into the CDTI’s open lines and other public funding options relevant to your project.

Ready to apply for LIC or LIC-A funding for your project?

Get your free consultation. Contact us