Support for the digitalisation of SMEs in the industrial transition process (draft call 2025)
Note, 30 October 2026. This article describes the draft call Support for the digitalisation of SMEs in the industrial transition process for Adriatic, Pannonian and Northern Croatia, on which the Ministry of Regional Development and EU Funds held a public consultation from 23 May to 7 June 2025. By 30 October 2026 the call had not been published on eufondovi.gov.hr, so the amounts and conditions below apply only as a draft. Current calls are tracked in our guides EU grants for businesses 2026 and Business incentives and upcoming calls 2026.
In May 2025 the call was in the public e-consultation phase (eSavjetovanja), and its official publication was expected in the following weeks. Please note that the information in this article is subject to change.
According to the draft, it is intended for companies that want to modernise production processes, improve business models or develop new services by investing in digital technology solutions.
Key information
- Total allocation: EUR 30,000,000.00
- Total allocation for Adriatic Croatia: EUR 8,000,000.00
- Total allocation for Pannonian Croatia: EUR 16,000,000.00
- Total allocation for Northern Croatia: EUR 6,000,000.00
- Aid amount: EUR 20,000.00 to 120,000.00
- Project duration: up to 12 months
- Call modality: open (continuous) call
- Number of applications: one project proposal per applicant
- Partnerships: not allowed
| Aid intensity | Company size |
| Up to 50% of eligible costs | Medium-sized enterprises |
| Up to 65% of eligible costs | Small enterprises |
| Up to 80% of eligible costs | Micro enterprises |
| Up to 85% of eligible costs | Micro enterprises, newly established (up to 3 years) |
Who can apply?
- Legal or natural persons that are micro, small or medium-sized enterprises
- The registered office or branch must be registered in the relevant region of Croatia
- At least 1 full-time employee
- Total operating revenue must be higher than the requested aid amount
Not eligible are entrepreneurs from the following sectors:
- NKD (National Classification of Activities) sectors 58.2 and K
- Primary agriculture and fisheries
- Trade, real estate, gambling, financial and legal activities
Eligible activities include:
- purchase and implementation of digital solutions (software, hardware),
- cloud computing and network application solutions,
- employee training (up to 10% of the total project value),
- development of digital strategies and plans for more efficient business operations (up to EUR 2,000).
The project must result in the introduction of digital technologies and a significant improvement of business processes, models or services, and must have an economic and social impact in its funding region.
Ineligible activities
Ineligible activities include, among others, developing websites and online shops, purchasing IT equipment for regular business operations that is not related to the project, vehicle-related costs, leasing and used equipment, recoverable VAT, and costs incurred outside the project implementation period.
Horizontal principles: equality, sustainability and fundamental rights
In accordance with Article 9 of Regulation (EU) 2021/1060, all projects must promote the horizontal principles of the European Union, which include gender equality, non-discrimination and equal access, the integration of persons with disabilities, respect for fundamental rights and the promotion of sustainable development. In the application form, applicants must clearly describe how the project contributes to these principles.
DNSH principle: no harm to the environment
The project must comply with the “Do No Significant Harm” (DNSH) principle, which means it must not cause significant harm to the environment. The funds therefore cannot be used for activities related to fossil fuels, environmental pollution, landfill waste disposal, tobacco production and similar activities that run counter to the objectives of the European Green Deal.
S3 strategy: Smart Specialisation to 2029
The project must be aligned with one or more S3 thematic priority areas:
- Personalised healthcare
- Smart and clean energy
- Smart and green transport
- Security and dual use: awareness, prevention, response and remediation
- Sustainable and circular food
- Customised and integrated wood products
- Digital products and platforms
Applicants must clearly state:
- which S3 area the project contributes to
- how the project fits into the relevant RVC action plans
Industrial transition and RVCs: a focus on regional competitiveness
The call is part of a broader industrial transition programme for Croatian regions, aimed at increasing competitiveness and employment through the digital modernisation of SMEs. Project activities must take place within the defined region, all eligible costs must be incurred in that region, and the project results must have a lasting economic and social impact on the local community.
In addition, the project must be aligned with one or more regional value chains (RVCs), such as the blue economy, health and quality of life, and green and sustainable technologies. If the project does not demonstrate a clear link with the relevant RVC, it may be rejected as ineligible.
The call Process Innovation in S3 Areas (PK.1.3.11), open until funds run out and no later than 31 December 2026, finances process innovation in manufacturing, in particular projects aimed at digitalisation or the green transition. Investments in equipment can also be financed with HBOR loans for entrepreneurs 2026 combined with investment tax incentives.
For more information and help in preparing your project proposal, contact us at info@omniasolutions.hr.
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