The Basque Government will keep open the grant programs for Artificial Intelligence and Industrial Cybersecurity for SMEs in Araba, Bizkaia, and Gipuzkoa until November 2nd and November 23rd, respectively. The budget has been increased to 28 million euros, with 14 million euros allocated to each program.
The Artificial Intelligence program will be available until November 2nd, while the Industrial Cybersecurity program will remain open until the 23rd of the month. These grants aim to promote the digital transformation of companies and protect industry from cyberattacks.
This budget increase, from 22 to 28 million euros, is part of the "package of measures for the hidden industry" and will serve to address the consequences arising from the conflict in the Middle East. The Basque Government has increased by 51.4% the subsidies for transformation and diversification of SMEs, allocating a total of 277 million euros.
The Artificial Intelligence 2026 program is aimed at industrial and service companies with a center of activity in Araba, Bizkaia, and Gipuzkoa, and can cover up to 60% of the project, with a maximum of 100,000 euros per company. The Industrial Cybersecurity Program also covers up to 60% of the eligible expenses of the project, offering grants of up to 100,000 euros annually per company, extending beyond internal security to product design and evaluation.
Both programs are a "priority" of the Axis of Optimal Industry within the Basque Industrial Plan 2030, highlighting the "need to promote artificial intelligence and cybersecurity" and aiming to strengthen the strategic sectors of IRABAZI, HAZI, and JAUZI by enhancing "cybersecurity and business resilience".
