The Strategic Technologies for Europe Platform (STEP) is a European Union platform designed to strengthen industrial competitiveness and boost EU strategic autonomy. It mobilizes both public and private financial resources within a coordinated investment framework targeted at vital strategic sectors.
How STEP Works
The STEP initiative coordinates funding across multiple existing EU programs (such as Digital Europe, Horizon Europe, and others). Its main objective is to channel financial support directly to areas where the EU requires the most significant technological breakthroughs.
Projects Supported by STEP
Eligible projects within these sectors must deliver innovative elements with commercial potential while contributing to European self-sufficiency:
- Digital and deep-tech technologies – e.g., AI, quantum technologies, cybersecurity.
- Clean and resource-efficient technologies – e.g., renewable energy sources, energy storage, hydrogen technologies.
- Biotechnologies – e.g., biopharmaceuticals, medical diagnostics.
- Defense technologies – targeting projects in air and missile defense, unmanned systems, cyber defense, secure communications, maritime and underwater technologies, military mobility, reconnaissance systems, and protective tech.
Entities Eligible for STEP Funding
Applications can be submitted by project partnerships involving businesses, research institutions, and public sector partners that aim to advance strategic technological goals and expand European industrial capacity.
STEP in the Context of Czech Subsidies
In the Czech Republic, the STEP framework is reflected in national calls under OP TAK, specifically STEP – Investment – Development and Production of Critical Technologies with an overall allocation of roughly CZK 2 billion, and Applications STEP – Research and Development of Critical Technologies providing CZK 5–120 million per project.
Companies can secure grants for technologies that reduce EU dependency on imports of critical components and technologies. The goal is to improve Europe's global competitive standing and support sustainable growth and innovation in crucial economic sectors.
