35 FCT-certified CoLABs can apply for funding

Until March 15, 2022, the 35 Collaborative Laboratories (CoLAB) recognized by December 2021 by the 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 euros, the aim of which is to support the qualification, modernization of equipment, technical training of assets and support for highly qualified resources by the CoLABs. In addition to this support, ANI is also promoting applications for recognition 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.

The CoLabs have currently created more than 560 jobs, 174 (32%) of which are for doctoral graduates, and operate in 8 main thematic areas: Agrifood; 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, there has already been a call for proposals for funding aimed at CoLABs with the title awarded 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. The funding was awarded to 27 Collaborative Laboratories, by the PT 2020 Regional Operational Programs North, Centre, Lisbon, Alentejo and Algarve, in the amount of €59,397,868 and through FCT Tax Revenue in the amount of €11,838,306, to support general operating costs arising from the implementation of the CoLAB Research and Innovation Agenda, with a maximum funding limit of 20% of eligible costs under the aforementioned Call.

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