Autumn 2026 will bring new subsidy opportunities for research, development and decarbonization of industry

The final conditions will be known only after the announcement of the individual calls. However, companies should not wait to prepare project plans. A timely assessment of the project’s eligibility, setting its scope and quantifying the expected benefits will greatly facilitate the preparation of the application.

TREND – Technology Leaders

The TREND programme of the Technology Agency of the Czech Republic supports industrial research and experimental development projects, the results of which have the potential for practical use. The announcement of a new public call is expected in October 2026 and the level of support may reach up to 70% of the eligible project costs.

The call is particularly interesting for companies that prepare new or significantly improved products, technologies or procedures through their own research and development. Small, medium-sized and large enterprises that already have experience in implementing research and development with their own capacities can apply for support. Research organizations can also participate in the project. Projects will be able to be implemented throughout the Czech Republic, including Prague.

At what costs will it be possible to use the support:

The support will be able to cover operating costs directly related to the implementation of research and development activities, in particular:

• personnel costs of R&D team members;
• costs of contract research and other professional services;
• costs of materials and supplies used in the project,
• indirect costs related to the implementation of the project.

For successful preparation, it will be especially important to:

• clearly define research and development activities,
• describe technological novelty and technical uncertainties,
• establish concrete and verifiable results;
• demonstrate the possibilities of practical use of the project results,
• prepare a realistic schedule and budget.

The final requirements for applicants, supported activities, eligible costs and the method of evaluation will be confirmed in the documentation of the new call.

ENERG ETS: billion-dollar support for the decarbonisation of industry

The second expected opportunity is the ENERG ETS call aimed at industrial companies operating installations participating in the EU ETS system. Its aim is to support significant investments in increasing energy efficiency, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and modernising industrial technologies.

Applications are expected to be received in autumn 2026. The projects will be able to be implemented throughout the Czech Republic, including Prague. An allocation exceeding CZK 20 billion is expected.

The following maximum aid intensity is provisionally envisaged:

• 60% for small businesses;
• 50% for medium-sized enterprises;
• 40% for large enterprises.

The support will be available in particular for:

• modernization of production and processing facilities,
• modernisation of energy sources and energy distribution,
• energy-saving measures in production processes,
• technologies contributing to the reduction of CO₂ emissions,
• related construction and infrastructure investments.

The key condition will be the demonstrable energy or emission benefit of the project. The previous call required a reduction in total energy consumption by at least 20% or a reduction in direct greenhouse gas emissions by at least 40%. However, the specific requirements and the method of demonstrating them will be set out only in the new call.

It is advisable to start preparing projects now

Although the TREND – Technology Leaders and ENERG ETS programmes support different types of projects, in both cases quality preparation will be essential.

For R&D projects, it will be important to correctly define research activities, technological novelty and expected results. For investments in decarbonisation, it will be necessary to assess the technical solution, the expected energy and emission savings, the investment costs, the economics of the project and the readiness for its implementation in a timely manner.

What we can help you with

In particular, we will help you:

• to verify the suitability of the project for a specific subsidy programme,
• assess the basic eligibility conditions;
• choose the appropriate method of public financing;
• Set up a project, its schedule and budget,
• prepare the application and the required documentation,
• provide support during the implementation and administration of the project.

If you are preparing a research and development project or an investment in energy savings and emission reduction, do not hesitate to contact us. We will be happy to discuss the subsidy potential of your project with you and recommend further appropriate steps.