The keys to Argentina’s satellite and aerospace project development program

RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – Argentina’s Ministry of Productive Development has extended until October 25 the first call for bids for the Enhancing the Knowledge Economy program to access subsidies to acquire machinery, equipment, furniture, supplies, manage certifications and hire professionals.

It did so through Provision 491/2021 of the Undersecretariat of Knowledge Economy, published on Monday in the Official Gazette.

The program was launched in the second half of last month and plans to allocate US$250 million for projects to strengthen satellite and aerospace industry processes and services in order to boost and increase the dynamism of this strategic production sector, which is key for international competitiveness.

When it was launched, the deadline for registration had been set for October 15, but “due to consultations made by companies interested in participating in the call, and considering that preparing the required presentations to participate may require considerable time, the deadline has been extended to October 25,” the provision stated.

The Satellite and Aerospace Development Program has a budget of US$250 million and will provide non-reimbursable contributions (NRA) of US$18 million per individual project and US$46 million for joint projects.

If the projects meet gender perspective criteria, the amounts may be increased to US$20 million and US$50 million, respectively.

The program is open to public, private or mixed companies from all over Argentina that wish to undertake projects aimed at strengthening processes and services in the satellite and aerospace industry; to develop prototypes, products or new technological services for the production chain; to scale production aimed at modifying processes, and projects aimed at generating technological platforms.

With the subsidies, the selected projects will be able to acquire machinery, equipment, supplies, apply for certifications and hire professionals, among others, .

Those interested in applying for the subsidy may register their projects through the Distance Procedures System (TAD).