PRR – Artificial Intelligence in SMEs: applications now open

AI in SMEs: the PRR opens applications to support the adoption of Artificial Intelligence in Portuguese companies

The new call under the Recovery and Resilience Plan (PRR), part of investment C05-i14.01 – Business Innovation, launches the “AI in SMEs” funding line, aimed at micro, small and medium-sized companies looking to integrate Artificial Intelligence (AI) solutions into their processes and operations.

Managed by Banco Português de Fomento, this programme offers non-repayable funding of up to 75% of eligible investment, with a ceiling of 300 thousand euros per company. The aim is to speed up the digital transformation of Portuguese businesses, driving efficiency, competitiveness and sustained innovation.

What the funding covers

The “AI in SMEs” line was designed to encourage the practical use of AI technologies across two main areas:

• Productivity: solutions that make work more efficient, such as virtual assistants, automatic document analysis, predictive maintenance systems or Software as a Service tools (Copilot, Gemini, Claude, among others).
• AI applied to the business: tools that improve interaction with customers and partners — such as chatbots, recommendation systems, sales forecasting, sentiment analysis or inventory optimisation.

Eligible costs include software, equipment, consultancy and training, as well as hiring up to two technicians or managers dedicated to implementing the solutions, over a maximum period of 24 months.

Who can apply

Applications are open to SMEs of any legal form, with organised accounts, a settled tax position and valid electronic SME certification. The minimum investment is 5,000 euros, and projects must start between 1 January 2025 and 30 June 2026, with a maximum implementation period of 24 months.

Application deadlines

Applications are submitted through the SIGA-BF platform, in two phases:

• Phase I: 30 September to 31 October 2025
• Phase II: 31 October to 28 November 2025 (if funding is still available)

The total budget for this call is 100 million euros, and it may be increased depending on how the PRR is being implemented.

An opportunity to rethink growth

More than a technology upgrade, this incentive is a chance for Portuguese SMEs to rethink how they create value, make the most of their resources and connect with their customers. Artificial Intelligence is no longer a promise — it is an essential skill for the decade ahead.

More information at recuperarportugal.gov.pt/candidaturas-prr