Grants to Boost Innovation and Decarbonization in Local Businesses (Spain)

The BIC Araba Innovation and Decarbonization Grant supports businesses and organizations in Álava that are adopting advanced technologies and low-carbon practices. The program provides up to €60,000 per year per entity to improve competitiveness, promote innovation, and accelerate sustainable economic growth.

The BIC Araba Innovation and Decarbonization Grant is a regional funding initiative designed to help companies and research-oriented organizations modernize operations, reduce carbon emissions, and adopt forward-looking technologies. The program directly supports projects that strengthen productivity, efficiency, and environmental sustainability in Álava.

Program Objectives and Strategic Focus

The program aims to:

• Promote innovation-driven business transformation

• Support decarbonization and sustainable practices

• Increase regional competitiveness

• Encourage adoption of advanced and digital technologies

• Foster a greener and more resilient local economy

By subsidizing innovation-related costs, the initiative lowers the barrier for organizations to invest in future-ready solutions.

Who Is Eligible?

The program is open to a wide range of entities operating in the Historical Territory of Álava.

Eligible Applicants

• Companies of any legal structure with a registered office or operational center in Álava, active for at least one year

• Self-employed individuals with tax domicile in Álava and at least one year of registration with the Spanish Tax Agency

• Technology and research centers based in Álava with a minimum of two years of establishment

• University teaching units located in Álava

• Foundations, business associations, and corporate R&D units with a physical presence in the territory for at least two years

Applicants must demonstrate that their proposed activities directly support innovation or decarbonization goals.

Funding Amount and Limits

Each eligible entity may receive:

• Up to €60,000 per year in grant funding

Funding is awarded based on project relevance, feasibility, and alignment with regional sustainability and innovation priorities.

Eligible Expenses

The grant supports both external and internal innovation-related costs.

External Costs

• Contracting qualified suppliers or experts to carry out innovative actions

• Specialized technical, digital, or sustainability services

Internal Costs

• Personnel costs related to the design, development, execution, monitoring, or evaluation of innovation projects

Fixed Asset Investments

For companies with 100 or fewer employees, the grant may also cover:

• Computer applications

• Machinery
  These must align with the General Accounting Plan categories and directly support innovation or decarbonization efforts.

How the Program Works

Step-by-Step Process

1. Define an innovation or decarbonization project aligned with program goals

2. Identify eligible costs and prepare a detailed project plan

3. Confirm organizational eligibility and operational presence in Álava

4. Submit the grant application to BIC Araba

5. Undergo evaluation based on innovation impact, sustainability contribution, and feasibility

6. Receive funding and implement the approved actions

Why This Program Matters

This initiative:

• Accelerates the transition to low-carbon business models

• Supports technological modernization

• Strengthens Álava’s innovation ecosystem

• Encourages collaboration between industry and research organizations

• Contributes to long-term sustainable economic growth

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Proposing projects without a clear innovation or decarbonization component

• Including ineligible fixed assets or expenses

• Applying without meeting the minimum operational history requirements

• Failing to link personnel costs directly to innovation activities

• Submitting incomplete financial or technical documentation

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the maximum funding available per entity?
Up to €60,000 per year.

Can small companies apply?
Yes, companies of all sizes are eligible, with additional fixed-asset support for firms with 100 or fewer employees.

Are self-employed professionals eligible?
Yes, if they are tax-registered in Álava for at least one year.

What types of projects are supported?
Projects focused on innovation, technology adoption, and decarbonization.

Are personnel costs eligible?
Yes, if they are directly linked to innovation-related activities.

Can research institutions apply?
Yes, technology centers, university units, and corporate R&D entities based in Álava are eligible.

Is this funding available annually?
Yes, eligible entities may receive up to €60,000 per year, subject to program conditions.

Conclusion

The BIC Araba Innovation and Decarbonization Grant offers a valuable opportunity for businesses and research organizations in Álava to modernize operations, reduce environmental impact, and improve competitiveness. By supporting innovation-focused investments and sustainable practices, the program plays a key role in shaping a greener, more future-ready regional economy.