With de minimis support, your company can innovate – easily and affordably
Maybe you already have an idea in your company of something that could be done more efficiently. Or perhaps you just sense that change is needed but aren’t sure what exactly. You might even think that innovation is only for large companies with laboratories and R&D teams. But it’s quite the opposite. “At Brain4Industry, we are here even for those who don’t yet know exactly what they want to change. And most importantly – with us, you can do it simply and for a reasonable price. Thanks to de minimis support, you can access our services with minimal costs and without lengthy paperwork,” says Jan Hrdlička, Project Manager of the EDIH BRain4Industry.
So even if I don’t have a concrete plan, I can still contact you?
Absolutely. You don’t need a clear vision or detailed assignment. All you need is the willingness to improve something. Tell us how your company operates, what challenges you face, and what could work better – and we’ll help you find a concrete solution. Whether it’s a new product, more efficient production, or automating routine tasks with the help of AI.
And how does de minimis fit into this?
It’s a way to cover part of the costs of provided services from public funds – specifically through the EDIH (European Digital Innovation Hubs) program and the Brain4Industry Innovation Centre in Dolní Břežany, which we are involved in as a research institution.
Unlike traditional subsidies, companies don’t have to fill out complicated applications, wait months for a decision, or prepare lengthy reports. We simply sign a short agreement together, the client adds a declaration of honor, and we handle the entry into the de minimis register ourselves. The whole process takes just a few days, allowing the company to start working with us almost immediately.
Na jaké služby lze de minimis využít?
Na veškeré služby, které poskytujeme, a které pomáhají firmám inovovat. Od návrhu nového výrobku, vylepšení stávající technologie, digitalizaci procesů až po odborné poradenství a školení. Firmy k nám ale mohou také přijít a zkusit si na 3D tiskárně vytisknout vlastní produkty – ať již prototypy, nebo malé série, i na to lze financování ve formátu de minimis využít.
What services can de minimis be used for?
For all the services we offer that help companies innovate. From designing a new product, improving an existing technology, and digitizing processes, to expert consulting and training. Companies can also come to us to try 3D printing their own products – whether prototypes or small series – and de minimis funding can be applied here as well.
Which companies is this suitable for?
The main rule is not to exceed the support limit over the last three fiscal years, which is €300,000 (about CZK 7.5 million). If the company or related entities – such as sister or subsidiary companies – have already received support in other ways (e.g., through other projects or grants), that’s fine; it just needs to be added up and checked that the limit is not exceeded.
How does it work in practice?
You contact us – ideally with an idea or problem you’re addressing. We’ll look at what we can do, whether de minimis can be applied, and in what amount. Usually, the amounts involved don’t limit the companies in any way. We prepare the contract, guide you through the process, and take care of most of the paperwork. We explain everything clearly so you know what, when, and why things are being done.
Since 2023, we have worked with most of our clients under the de minimis support scheme. This allows us to offer our services at a discount – usually around 50% compared to the full price. For services within the EDIH project, the total support for the company is even higher thanks to direct EU funding.
What are the benefits?
- Fast arrangements – no unnecessary waiting.
- Cost savings – part of the expenses is covered by the support.
- No grant applications – we’ve already handled the complex stuff.
- You can try working with us and testing technologies you don’t normally have access to.
- And if it works well, we can continue with a bigger project.
I want this too – what should I do?
Certainly. For example, with Ergona Opava, we developed a new orthosis for patients with hand spasticity – it’s lighter, cheaper, and faster to produce thanks to 3D printing. Everything was developed in-house and tailored to the company’s needs. Or we helped Speed Lease, which operates SIXT car rentals in the Czech Republic, with the digitalization of their business processes.
Chci to taky – co mám udělat?
Just contact us. Together we’ll look at whether your request can be addressed through de minimis and propose a concrete plan. You can find our contacts on our website.
Author: Klára Horová, marketingová manažerka Brain4Industry
