The Italian government has been pursuing a path to bolster companies and entrepreneurship, especially innovative one, for some years through a series of supporting measures. In addition to countless business incentives, there are ad hoc measures to help companies and small businesses’ transition towards digitalisation and innovation. 

For complete information on tax and fiscal incentives visit this page 

Here are the most significant measures currently in place. They are “first come, first served” measures, allocated at specific periods during the year and refunded on an annual basis.

Patents+

The incentive supports micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) for the purchase of specialized services related to patents. The expenses related to the following fields are eligible:  

 

▪ industrialization and engineering (feasibility study, planning, prototypes, etc.); 

▪ organization and development; 

▪ technological transfer (proof of concept, due diligence, NDA, etc.). 

 

The aid provides a grant of max €140,000 up to 80% of the eligible costs. This limit can grow up to 100% for applying companies established after university/academic spin-off operations.

Design+

The incentive aims to support micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), even newly established, for the purchase of specialized services aimed at the enhancement of single/multiple designs and models registered starting from January 1st 2018. 

The aid provides a grant up to 80% of the eligible costs, up to €60,000. 

Brands+

Incentive of the Ministry of Economic Development (DGTPI-UIBM) aimed at favoring the registration of national trademarks abroad, both at European level (at the EUIPO, European Union Office for Intellectual Property) and internationally (at WIPO , World Intellectual Property Organization), with the aim of supporting the innovative and competitive capacity of Italian companies. Granting and provision of non-repayable incentives for the purchase of specialized services aimed at encouraging the registration of Community trademarks (MEASURE A) and / or international trademarks (MEASURE B). Up to € 25,000.