What is TA CR – Technology Agency of the Czech Republic?

The Technology Agency of the Czech Republic (TA CR) is an organizational unit of the state. It was established in 2009 under Act No. 130/2002 Coll. on the Support of Research, Experimental Development, and Innovation. Its primary objective is to allocate state support to these key sectors.

Centralizing Research Funding Through TA CR

Prior to the establishment of TA CR, state support for applied research was fragmented across numerous government entities. This decentralized structure made navigation difficult and hindered efficient utilization of available funding. TA CR centralized this support and introduced a unified, transparent public tender system. The agency was also created to strengthen collaboration between research organizations (such as universities and scientific institutions) and the business sector.

Core Mission of TA CR

The main role of TA CR is to design and implement programs for applied research, experimental development, and innovation, thereby boosting the economic growth and competitiveness of the Czech Republic. It supports projects whose outcomes offer real-world practical applications—ranging from patents and prototypes to software and certified methodologies. Grants are available to research institutes, universities, and private enterprises.

Key Funding Programs

TA CR administers a range of specialized funding calls. Among the most prominent are:

• BETA2 – Support tailored to applied research addressing public administration needs, with project tenders commissioned by ministries and state bodies.
• SIGMA – Dedicated to long-term research initiatives, offering support of up to CZK 400 million per project.
• TREND – Targeted at industrial research for both technology leaders and "newcomers" embarking on their first R&D projects. Book a consultation with us regarding this program.
• Innovative SMEs / Eurostars Partnership – Support for small and medium-sized enterprises developing innovative research projects with international scope.
• M-ERA.NET – A European research network focusing on materials science and engineering.

Connection to European Union Funds

Although TA CR primarily distributes national funds from the state budget, it maintains a strong presence within the broader European context. The agency participates in several European partnerships under the Horizon Europe program, where the European Commission co-funds 30% of the total budget. As a result, TA CR serves as a bridge between Czech science and European research programs, allowing Czech entities to draw on EU funding through cross-border collaboration.

Opportunity to Cover Up to 100% of R&D Costs

For companies seeking to invest in innovation, TA CR represents one of the primary public funding mechanisms in the Czech Republic. Grant intensity ranges from 80% to 100% of eligible costs, depending on the category of applicant and the specific program. A well-prepared grant application can significantly lower R&D expenses while strengthening a company's competitive position in the market.