Digitalization of SMEs - Sardinia Region

Purposes and Objectives
‍
The call supports the digital transition of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises in Sardinia, including start-ups and recently established companies, through non-repayable contributions for productive investments and consulting services. The intervention is aimed at encouraging the adoption of digital technologies that improve automation, interconnection, management and analysis of data in business processes, strengthening the competitiveness and sustainability of the regional economic system.

Financial endowment
The total budget of the call is 22,002,856 euros.

Beneficiaries
Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, including start-ups and newly established companies, operating in the economic sectors admitted according to the ATECO 2025 classification, can apply. Only one application per company is allowed.

Eligible interventions
Digitalization Plans (PdD) aimed at introducing or integrating digital solutions into business processes, products or services are feasible.
The interventions can cover the entire production cycle, from design to production, from logistics to commercialization (B2B and B2C), to after-sales services and support functions such as ERP, CRM, cybersecurity, system integration, data management and the use of artificial intelligence.

Eligible technological solutions
Digitalization Plans may include basic and advanced technologies such as: artificial intelligence, machine learning and deep learning; robotics and advanced manufacturing; digital manufacturing; simulation and digital twins; augmented reality; blockchain; digital supply chain; Industrial IoT; cloud and high performance computing; cyber-security; big data and analytics; ERP, MES and CRM systems; human-machine interfaces (HMI); real-time location systems (RTLS); and solutions for e-commerce and digital payments. The contribution ceilings vary according to the complexity of the project, with the possibility of awards linked to digital assessment, certifications and sustainability.

Digitalization Plan
The Digitalization Plan must describe the objectives, the technologies adopted, the expected results, the initial and final digital maturity levels, the schedule of activities and the economic and financial sustainability of the intervention.
The amount of aid requested must be between 50,000 euros and 200,000 euros.

Duration of projects
The projects must be started the day after the grant of the contribution and concluded within 18 months, with the possible possibility of extension for a further 6 months. The deadline for completing the interventions is 31 March 2029.

Eligible expenses
Expenses are allowed for:

• tangible and intangible productive investments (machinery, plants, software, licenses, patents and certifications);
• specialist consultancy services, including digital assessments, support, training and intellectual property;
• personnel costs, recognized on a flat rate basis;
• general expenses, recognized as a lump sum.

Form and Intensity of Aid
The benefit is granted in the form of a non-repayable contribution.
The company can choose between two aid schemes:

• De Minimis Regime, with a base intensity of 70% of eligible expenses, which can be increased to 90% thanks to the expected rewards;
• GBER Regime, with varying intensity depending on the type of expenditure and the size of the company, without the application of rewards.

Prizes
The De Minimis scheme provides for increases in aid intensity for elements such as:

• implementation of the digital assessment;
• possession of the legality rating;
• compliance with regulations on machines, cybersecurity and artificial intelligence;
• staff training;
• environmental, social sustainability and ESG rating.
  The prizes can be cumulated up to a total maximum of 90%.

Selection procedure
The procedure is evaluative at the counter.
Eligible applications are funded based on the chronological order of submission, subject to the exhaustion of available resources.

Submission of the application
The application must be submitted exclusively online through the SIPES system of the Region of Sardinia.
The compilation is available starting at 12:00 on February 23, 2026, while the final submission of applications is possible from 12:00 on March 2, 2026.

Territorial scope
Region of Sardinia.

How does Export Concept help you?
‍Export Concept supports companies in verifying the eligibility requirements for the call, in the gap analysis to assess the level of digitalization, in the design of the Digitalization Plan, in the preparation of the online application and in the complete management of the contribution, up to the final reporting of the eligible expenses.