Call has ended!
The funding calls concern the building and development of testing, experimentation, research, and innovation environments that support the development of 5G/6G, artificial intelligence (AI), and quantum computing technologies as well as promote sustainable growth and digitalization.
Online info session in Finnish on Tue Mar 29 10 a.m.
The funding calls
The funding call is connected to the Sustainable Growth Program for Finland, which is part of the EU’s Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF). RRF funding promotes structural renewal in business and industry and the creation of a competitive edge based on Finnish companies’ sustainable solutions.
The funding process will be carried out according to the instructions below, conditional to European Commission approval.
Building or developing testing, experimentation, research, and innovation environments that promote the development of 5G/6G, AI, and quantum computing
The 5G/6G evolution, artificial intelligence, and quantum computing are key elements of future technological competitiveness. At present, Finland has a strong position in these technologies and their application. To be an attractive environment for companies’ RDI investments and a partner in EU and other international cooperation, Finland must offer competitive conditions and infrastructures for the cooperation required in the development of leading technologies.
This forms the basis of the funding call for projects aimed at building or developing testing, experimentation, research and innovation environments that promote the development of 5G/6G, AI, and quantum computing. A total of EUR 7.3 million has been allocated to the funding call, and the goal is to launch testing, experimentation, research or innovation environment projects that support SMEs, Finland’s export sector, and related research.
Building or developing testing, experimentation, research, or innovation infrastructures that support sustainable growth and digitalization
The Sustainable Growth Program for Finland aims to safeguard Finnish and European competitiveness by improving the opportunities for both companies and researchers to experiment with advanced applied solutions in controlled operating environments. This forms the basis of the funding call for projects aimed at building or developing testing, experimentation, research, and innovation environments that support sustainable growth and digitalization.
The funded projects are not limited to any specific technology or business area. However, every funded project must promote or take advantage of digitalization in a significant manner. Digitalization must play a significant role in the project and bring it novelty value, and it must also be the primary means of solving the underlying challenge of the infrastructure plan. In addition, the funding call emphasizes the general sustainable growth objectives of the Sustainable Growth Program for Finland.
A total of EUR 20 million has been allocated to the funding call, and the goal is to launch testing, experimentation, research or innovation environment projects that support SMEs, Finland’s export sector, and related research.
What kinds of projects are eligible for this funding?
Through RRF infrastructure funding calls, Business Finland funds investment-focused projects aimed at building and developing testing, experimentation, research, and innovation infrastructures intended for extensive business use as well as research-oriented RDI joint projects of the Co-innovation type that support the generation and development of the above-mentioned infrastructures.
The funding call includes three separate forms of funding:
- Research infrastructure funding
- Innovation cluster funding
- Co-Innovation RDI funding
Research infrastructure funding may only be used for costs related to infrastructure investments. Innovation cluster funding may be granted for investments and operating an innovation cluster. In these types of funding, Business Finland may provide funding up to 50% of the total eligible costs of the project. The funding is provided as aid.
Co-Innovation projects adhere to the normal aid levels and other general criteria set out for Business Finland's Co-Innovation projects. The funding is always provided as aid, and industrial research must account for more than half of the costs.
The funding will not burden the quota of the temporary Covid-19 disruption aid scheme of EUR 2.3 million authorized by the European Commission.
How to apply for funding?
Basic applicant and application information is completed in the Business Finland's online service.
Select one of the following funding services depending on the type of funding you are applying for:
- Research infrastructures: 'Research infrastructure funding'
- Innovation clusters: 'Research, development, and piloting'
- Co-Innovation projects: 'Co-Innovation'
Funding schedule
The RRF infrastructure funding calls will be conducted in 2022. Business Finland will make the funding decisions according to the normal selection criteria by the end of 2022.
Submit your application by May 23, 2022
The projects funded through the RRF must be completed by no later than December 2025.
Read about the Sustainable Growth Program for Finland
#SustainableGrowth
