The European Commission has certified the Innovation Support Fund, managed by the public company Sodiar and promoted by the General Directorate of Industrial Promotion and Innovation of the Government of Aragon, as a Plug-In Program of the European Innovation Council for Spain. This recognition makes Sodiar the fourth certifying entity of the EIC Accelerator in the country, allowing for expedited access for innovative companies to substantial European funding.
The Accelerator program is part of Horizon Europe and provides financial support to startups and SMEs with innovative and disruptive products, services, or business models. It is designed for companies that require substantial funding but face challenges obtaining it from the private sector due to the high risks associated with scaling transformative projects.
Sodiar will carry out this activity with the support of public entities such as the Technological Institute of Aragon (ITA), the Hydrogen New Technologies Foundation in Aragon, the Aragonese Institute of Health Sciences (IACS), and Aragon Exterior (Arex), as well as private entities like the AITIIP Foundation and CIRCE Foundation. Oversight will be provided by the General Directorate of Industrial Promotion and Innovation of the Government of Aragon.
This recognition facilitates access for innovative Aragonese projects to the Accelerator through an efficient analysis process. The quota assigned to Spain is 61 SMEs throughout the program, which includes funding through a combination of grants and capital, mentoring in scaling and strategic planning, visibility, and networking. According to Ana Blanch, managing director of Sodiar, collaboration among public-private actors in the research, development, and innovation sector ensures a rigorous analysis in accordance with the criteria established by the European Council.
