AI in SMEs: The PRR Opens Applications to Support the Adoption of Artificial Intelligence in Portuguese Companies
The new call for proposals under the Recovery and Resilience Plan (RRP), as part of investment C05-i14.01 – Business Innovation, launches the “AI in SMEs” initiative, aimed at micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises seeking to integrate Artificial Intelligence (AI) solutions into their processes and operations.
Administered by Banco Português de Fomento, this program provides non-repayable grants covering up to 75% of eligible investment, with a maximum limit of 300,000 euros per company. The goal is to accelerate the digital transformation of the Portuguese business sector, promoting efficiency, competitiveness, and sustained innovation.
What we aim to support
The “AI in SMEs” initiative was designed to promote the practical use of AI technologies in two main areas:
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Productivity: solutions that boost work efficiency, such as virtual assistants, automated document analysis, predictive maintenance systems, or Software-as-a-Service (SaaS ) software (Copilot, Gemini, Claude, among others).
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AI in business: tools that improve interaction with customers and partners—such as chatbots, recommendation systems, sales forecasting, sentiment analysis, and inventory optimization.
Eligible expenses include software, equipment, consulting, and training, as well as the hiring of up to two technicians or managers dedicated to implementing the solutions, for a maximum period of 24 months.
Who is eligible to apply
SMEs of any legal form may apply, provided they maintain organized accounting records, are in good standing with tax authorities, and hold a valid electronic SME certification. The minimum investment is 5,000 euros, and projects must begin between January 1, 2025, and June 30, 2026, with a maximum implementation period of 24 months.
Application deadlines
Applications are submitted through the SIGA-BF platform in two phases:
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Phase I: September 30 to October 31, 2025
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Phase II: October 31 to November 28, 2025 (if funding is still available)
The total budget allocated for this call is 100 million euros, which may be increased depending on the implementation of the PRR.
An opportunity to rethink growth
More than just a technological upgrade, this initiative is an opportunity for Portuguese SMEs to rethink how they create value, optimize resources, and connect with their customers.
Artificial Intelligence is no longer just a promise—it is an essential skill for the coming decade.
More information is available at recuperarportugal.gov.pt/candidaturas-prr
