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35 FCT certified CoLAB can apply for funding

Until March 15, 2022, the 35 Collaborative Laboratories (CoLAB) recognized until December 2021 by FCT may 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 a basic public funding until June 2026, with an allocation of 80 million euros, and aims to support the qualification, modernization of equipment, technical training of assets and support for highly qualified resources by CoLAB. In addition to this support, ANI is also promoting applications for the process of recognition of Technology and Innovation Centers (CTI), which will be awarded by the Government member 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 of them (32%) for PhD graduates, and operate in 8 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.

Under Portugal 2020, there has already been a call for proposals for funding directed to the CoLABs with the title awarded by the FCT, in the Thematic area of Competitiveness and Employment - European Social Fund, in order to support the activities of these institutions, including the hiring of highly qualified human resources. The funding was allocated to 27 Collaborative Laboratories, by the Regional Operational Programs North, Center, Lisbon, Alentejo and Algarve of PT 2020 in the amount of 59 397 868€ and through FCT Tax Revenue in the amount of 11 838 306€, intended to support general operating expenses arising from the implementation of the CoLAB's Research and Innovation Agenda, with a funding ceiling of 20% of eligible costs under the above-mentioned Call.

FCT ensures the recognition process of the CoLabs 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.