Programme for applied research

We support projects in the RDIE focus areas. For more information, see https://www.taie.ee/
.

Below are examples, and if in doubt, please ask for further guidance:

• Digital solutions across all sectors: artificial intelligence, machine learning algorithm development, large language models, the Internet of Things, and cybersecurity.
• Health technologies and services: projects in digital health, drug development, personalized medicine, e-health, medical devices, diagnostics, etc.
• Utilization of local resources: projects in food technologies, wood, mineral resources, secondary raw materials and waste, as well as innovative materials technology solutions.
• Smart and sustainable energy solutions: energy production and efficiency, resource-saving, climate-neutral energy production and renewable energy, flexibility and storage technologies, and smart grids.

Funding is provided to carry out research and development activities within a company. Specifically, funding can be applied for the following activities: applied research, product development (i.e., experimental development), related feasibility studies, and the initial protection of intellectual property created in the project. Below is an overview of the maximum funding rates for eligible costs, depending on the type of activity, company size, and whether the project is carried out alone or in cooperation with partners.

TRL (technology readiness level) indicates the maturity of the development. Guidance on determining TRL can be found here

Applied research (TRL 3–5)

Funding rate for applied research depending on company size:

• 70% (small), 
• 60% (medium), 
• 50% (large). 

Funding rate for applied research in effective cooperation, depending on company size:

• 80% (small), 
• 75% (medium), 
• 65% (large). 

Experimental product development (TRL 6–7)

Funding rate for experimental product development depending on company size:

• 45% (small), 
• 35% (medium), 
• 25% (large). 

Funding rate for experimental product development in effective cooperation, depending on company size:

• 60% (small), 
• 50% (medium), 
• 40% (large). 

Feasibility study

Support for feasibility studies is available if carried out for applied research or experimental product development. Feasibility studies are funded only when conducted together with applied research or experimental product development activities:

• 70% (small), 
• 60% (medium), 
• 50% (large). 

Initial intellectual property protection

Funding rate is 50% when applying under the group exemption regulation (applies to small and medium-sized enterprises) or 80% when applying as de minimis aid.

Follow-up funding for successful RUP projects via EIC

The RUP program is certified as a plug-in to the EIC Accelerator, which significantly simplifies the EIC application process. The EIC Accelerator supports high-risk, high-impact R&D activities of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). For further development of successful RUP projects, a full application can be submitted to the EIC after evaluation by EIS. Participation in the plug-in program requires a short pre-assessment.

Contact: [email protected]

Only costs directly related to applied research, experimental product development, feasibility studies, and initial intellectual property protection are eligible. General administrative costs such as project management and reporting are not eligible.

ffective collaboration” means that the partners involved in the project jointly develop the project and share costs, risks, and results. Partners (e.g., another company, research institution, or public sector organization) contribute both financially (each partner covers at least 30% of the project costs from their own funds) and with input, and the achievements are jointly owned by all parties. In cases of effective collaboration, it is possible to apply for a higher support rate – up to 80% for applied research and 60% for product development.

A service provider, on the other hand, is engaged in the project as a subcontractor: they provide a specific paid service (e.g., laboratory analysis, engineering service, consultancy) and do not have rights to the project results or share in the risks. A service provider can also be from abroad, and their costs must be reasonable and market-based. Importantly, using a service provider does not increase the support rate, unlike participating as a partner, which qualifies as effective collaboration.

In simple terms: partner = joint development and risk sharing; service provider = you order work from them, but they do not invest their own money in the project.

Funding can be used to cover costs directly necessary for project activities. Eligible costs include, for example, salaries of research staff, use of testing equipment, materials, prototype production, laboratory services, expert consultations, patent application fees, etc. – everything directly related to carrying out the applied research or product development.

Ineligible costs are general business expenses or project management costs that do not contribute to the project content – for example, daily administrative work, accounting, general office expenses, project management labor, reporting preparation, etc. All costs must be justified and necessary specifically for the supported development activity.

The RUP application process consists of several sequential steps. Below is an overview of the application stages with brief explanations:

• Pre-consultation

The applicant submits their idea for pre-consultation and meets with RUP consultants (see above). During the consultation, you receive valuable feedback on the project content and an overview of whether the project meets RUP conditions. You also receive recommendations for developing the project.

Attend a pre-consultation

• Pre-evaluation

If, during the pre-consultation, the project plan reaches the required quality, EIS experts evaluate the project’s compliance with the program’s objectives and conditions. The content of the project, the applicant’s own funding capability, and the accuracy of submitted documents are reviewed. Projects that pass pre-evaluation may proceed to submit a full application.

• Application submission

Once the project has passed pre-evaluation, an official application can be prepared. Application forms and guidelines are available on the specific call’s subpage. The application, along with all required attachments, must be submitted through the EIS e-support system: https://etoetus.rtk.ee/
.

• Application evaluation

Submitted applications are evaluated by independent experts and an evaluation committee. The project’s scientific and technological level, innovativeness, feasibility, and impact are assessed. Information provided in the application as well as other publicly available sources about the project and applicant are taken into account. If needed, additional clarifications may be requested from the applicant. The evaluation committee makes a recommendation to the EIS Board on whether to fund the project.

Detailed funding conditions are provided in the support regulation:

Support regulation for projects in open calls since 2022

Support regulation for projects submitted since 28.07.2025