35 FCT-certified CoLABs can apply for funding

Until March 15, 2022, the 35 Collaborative Laboratories (CoLAB) recognized by December 2021 by FCT can respond to the Expression of Interest for public funding launched by the National Innovation Agency (ANI), through the Interface Mission, under Component 5 "Capitalization and Business Innovation" of the Recovery and Resilience Plan.

This is basic public funding until June 2026, with an allocation of €80 million, which aims to support qualification, equipment modernization, technical training of assets, and support for highly qualified resources by CoLAB. In addition to this support, ANI is also promoting applications for the recognition process of Technology and Innovation Centers (CTI), which will be awarded by the member of the Government responsible for the economy for a period of six years. The deadline for submitting applications is March 15, 2022.

CoLabs have currently created more than 560 jobs, of which 174 (32%) are for PhDs, and operate in eight main thematic areas: Agri-food; Biodiversity and Forests; Climate, Space, and Ocean; Digital and Communication Systems; Energy and Sustainability; Materials, Circular Economy, and Urban Sustainability; Health; Social Services and Tourism.

Within the scope of Portugal 2020, a call for proposals for funding aimed at CoLABs has already been issued, with the title assigned by the FCT, in the Thematic Area of Competitiveness and Employment – European Social Fund, with a view to supporting the activities of these institutions, namely the hiring of highly qualified human resources. Funding was awarded to 27 Collaborative Laboratories by the North, Center, Lisbon, Alentejo, and Algarve Regional Operational Programs of PT 2020 in the amount of €59,397,868 and through FCT Tax Revenues in the amount of €11,838,306, intended to support the general operating expenses arising from the implementation of the CoLAB Research and Innovation Agenda, with a maximum funding limit of 20% of the eligible costs under the above-mentioned Call.

The FCT ensures the CoLab recognition process, which is valid for a period of five years and renewable after an evaluation process by a panel of international experts. The ANI is the entity that monitors the implementation of the research and innovation agenda as well as the CoLAB funding process.