Applications for the 8th Edition of the Promove Program are open until January 29, 2026

The application period for the 8th edition of the Promove Program – The Future of the Interior will be open until January 29, 2026. This is an initiative of the “la Caixa” Foundation, in collaboration with BPI and in partnership with the Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT), aimed at supporting innovative initiatives in strategic areas for sustainable development and the enhancement of regions and communities in the northern, central, and southern interior of the country.

In the 2026 edition, non-repayable grants will be awarded to three types of initiatives: pilot projects (up to €150,000), mobilizing R&D projects (up to €250,000), and innovative ideas developed by university students (€5,000 prize).

For mobilizing R&D projects, the new edition of Promove maintains support lines for initiatives that fall within areas considered strategic for the development of the interior, namely: thermal waters, parks and nature reserves, studies on biological risks, and the promotion of new crops and natural products. Pilot projects and ideas should focus on the areas of natural resource management, the creation of new centers of development and innovation, and the enhancement of heritage to attract tourists and new residents.

Through this program, FCT supports the promotion of R&D projects that contribute to the development of inland regions, based on knowledge and innovation with a view to enhancing local resources and skills and strengthening qualified human resources.

Since 2018, the Promove Program has awarded more than €23.4 million in non-repayable grants, benefiting 88 pilot projects, 44 Mobilizing R&D projects, and 47 innovative ideas. Of this amount, more than €6.3 million was provided by FCT under a joint financing agreement ("matching funds"), through which, since 2021, FCT has added its contribution to that of the "la Caixa" Foundation.

Discover the winning projects of the 7th edition of the Promove Program.

See the Promove Program – The Future of the Interior page for application submissions and more information about the Call.