Innovate in Crete: 75% Grant for Newly Established Startups – The Complete 2026 Guide

Before submitting your application, you must select one of the two categories. This choice determines the required supporting documents and the overall strategy for your application.

Category 1 - Creation of New Innovative Enterprises (Under Establishment)

This category applies to businesses that have not yet commenced operations. Applicants must have draft Articles of Association signed by all founders/partners and must officially register the business with the Tax Office after the electronic submission of the application. 40% of the total budget (€1,000,000) has been allocated to this category.

Category 2 - Support for New Innovative Enterprises (Existing Businesses)
This category applies to existing businesses that commenced operations on or after January 1, 2021. It also includes startup and spin-off companies that meet the eligibility criteria. 60% of the total budget (€1,500,000) has been allocated to this category, with the possibility of transferring funds between categories if the allocated budget is not fully utilized.

In both cases, the business must qualify as a micro or small enterprise (Commission Recommendation 2003/361/EC – Annex I of EU Regulation 651/2014).

The proposed investment project must fall within at least one priority area of the Regional Specialisation of Crete under the National Smart Specialisation Strategy (RIS3). The eligible sectors are:

• Tourism, Culture & Creative Industries
• Agri-food Value Chain
• Environment & Circular Economy
• Life Sciences, Healthcare & Pharmaceuticals
• Sustainable Energy
• Digital Technologies

If your business idea falls within one of these sectors - even across multiple sectors - you have a solid foundation for applying. However, the most important factor is not simply fitting into an eligible sector; it is your ability to convincingly demonstrate the innovation of your product or service, as this is a key evaluation criterion.

The eligible project budget for each proposal ranges from €30,000 to €150,000. Projects with a budget below €30,000 are automatically rejected. With a 75% grant rate, a €100,000 project would receive €75,000 in public funding, while your required private contribution would be €25,000.

Keep two important points in mind: First, the costs of external professional services (consultancy, feasibility studies, business plan development, and expert services) are eligible for funding up to 40% of the total project budget. This means that part of the professional support you will need throughout the application process can also be covered by the grant. Second, the development of a new website is eligible for funding of up to €3,000, making it an excellent opportunity to enhance your company's digital presence alongside your investment project.

The eligibility start date for project expenses is the publication date of the official detailed call for applications. Any expenses incurred or contracts signed before that date are not eligible for funding, even if they have not yet been invoiced.

This means two important things:

• Do not rush to purchase equipment or sign contracts before the official call is published—you will lose eligibility for those expenses.
• Do, however, start preparing your application immediately. The preparatory work—selecting the appropriate category, documenting your innovation, planning your project budget, and gathering proof of available funds—is not considered an eligible expense. Instead, it is what gives your proposal a competitive advantage in a comparative evaluation process.

Before proceeding, make sure you meet the following requirements:

• Your investment project falls within at least one priority area of the Crete RIS3 Smart Specialisation Strategy.
• The investment will be implemented exclusively at a single business location within the Region of Crete.
• You already have (Category 2) or will establish a business location in Crete.
• Your business operates under an eligible NACE activity code (to be specified in the Annex of the official call).
• You can demonstrate the availability of funds to cover at least 25% of the eligible project costs.
• Your business operates - or can legally operate - in the proposed activity, with all required licenses and permits.
• Your product or service has documented innovative characteristics.
• You submit only one application per Tax Identification Number (Category 2) or per applicant entity (Category 1).

If you can check off most of these requirements, it is worth exploring your eligibility further. If you have doubts about any of them, that is exactly where we can help.

The programme uses a comparative evaluation process. All applications are scored and ranked, and funding is awarded to those achieving the highest scores until the available budget is exhausted. During the evaluation process, information is cross-checked through national databases (such as the Independent Authority for Public Revenue (AADE) and the ERGANI Information System) to verify the submitted data.

In practice, simply meeting the minimum eligibility requirements is not enough. A successful application requires strong evidence of innovation, a realistic and well-structured project budget, and a clear alignment with the strategic priorities of the Region of Crete. These are the factors that often determine the difference between an approved and a rejected proposal.

Preparation before the official call opens. We do not wait for the programme to launch before getting started. While the scheme is still in the pre-publication stage, we begin building your application strategy so that when the official call is published, you are ready to submit a strong, competitive proposal.

Fast response times. Our free eligibility assessment is completed within 48 business hours after receiving your information. No waiting weeks for an appointment or a reply.

Innovation documentation that earns points. We understand what evaluators look for in a comparative assessment and know how to present your business idea with clear, evidence-based documentation that stands out.

End-to-end application management. From selecting the appropriate application category and NACE code, to documenting your financial contribution, submitting your proposal through OPSKE, and supporting the implementation phase - we manage the entire process so you can stay focused on your business.

Personalised support. You are more than just another application. You work with a dedicated consultant who understands your business, answers your questions, and explains every step in clear, practical language.

Everything coordinated under one roof. If your project also requires a new website (eligible for funding up to €3,000), a marketing strategy, or trademark registration, we can coordinate every aspect as part of a unified approach.

When will applications open?

The programme is currently in the pre-publication stage. The official application period will be announced in the decision of the Regional Governor of Crete accompanying the publication of the detailed call for applications. Businesses that prepare in advance have a clear advantage in a programme based on comparative evaluation.

How much funding can I receive?

The programme provides a 75% grant for projects with eligible budgets ranging from €30,000 to €150,000. For example, a €100,000 project would receive €75,000 in grant funding.

My business started in 2020. Am I eligible?

No, not under Category 2, which is limited to businesses that commenced operations on or after January 1, 2021. However, other ESPA funding programmes may be more suitable for your business - contact us for a free eligibility assessment.

I have not established my company yet. Can I still apply?

Yes. You may apply under Category 1 (Businesses Under Establishment). You will need draft Articles of Association signed by all partners and must officially register the company after submitting your application.

What does "innovation" mean under this programme?

Your product or service must demonstrate documented innovative characteristics that are assessed during the evaluation process. You do not need to be a technology company—innovation may relate to a product, service, process, business model, or the application of existing solutions in a new field.

Do I need to have all of the required funding available?

No. You only need to demonstrate that you have access to funds covering at least 25% of the eligible project costs, either through your own resources or external financing.

Can I purchase equipment now and include it later?

No. Only expenses incurred from the publication date of the official call for applications onwards are eligible for funding. Proper timing is therefore essential.

Are consultancy costs eligible?

External consultancy services (such as studies, project development, and expert advice) are eligible for funding up to 40% of the project budget. However, the fee for preparing and submitting the grant application itself is not eligible, and we make this clear from the outset.

Where must the investment be implemented?

The investment must be implemented exclusively at a single business location within the Region of Crete. A branch office may be established if required, but there can only be one implementation site.

How long is the implementation period?

Up to 24 months from the final approval of the application.

How is the application submitted?

Applications are submitted exclusively online through the OPSKE platform. There is no physical application file, and we manage the entire submission process on your behalf.

During a short, free assessment, you will find out:

• Whether your business or business idea is eligible for the Innovate in Crete programme.
• Which application category (under establishment or existing business) best suits your project.
• How much funding you can realistically apply for and which expenses can be included.
• What you should prepare now so that you are ready when the official call opens.

No obligation. No pressure. Just a clear understanding of whether this funding opportunity is right for your business.

Entec Consultants - Funding and Business Development Consultants for Companies in Crete.

The pre-publication notice and the official detailed call for applications, including all annexes, are published on the official websites of the Managing Authority of the CRETE Programme (pepkritis.gr), ESPA (espa.gr), EFEPAE (efepae.gr), and ANAK S.A. - Development Agency of Crete (ank.gr). Please note that the pre-publication notice is for informational purposes only. The final terms and conditions are those set out in the official call for applications.