Balance of the CDTI–Community of Madrid Alliance: €1.25 Billion Strengthening the Innovation Ecosystem

Do you have a disruptive tech project in Madrid? Are you looking for an investment partner that not only provides capital but also strategic vision and institutional support? Pay attention—because the collaboration between CDTI Innovación and the Community of Madrid has just reaffirmed its commitment, and your startup could be the next big beneficiary.

On October 10, 2025, both institutions held their sixth Joint Commission, a meeting that further consolidated this public–private alliance. Over the past five years, this synergy has mobilized a total budget of nearly €1.25 billion to finance 1,264 R&D&I projects with a Madrid stamp.

The analysis of this collaboration reveals a funding model that goes beyond traditional grants, establishing itself as a key driver of technological innovation within Madrid’s business ecosystem. This post explores the details of the alliance, its economic impact, and the strategic sectors being strengthened.

Impact Analysis: Figures and Results (2023–2024)

The latest Joint Commission figures highlight the program’s effectiveness: nearly €1.25 billion mobilized, with CDTI contributing 69%, and 1,264 R&D&I projects launched at the heart of Madrid’s business fabric.

This momentum has been channeled through key instruments such as IDI (Individual R&D Projects), the Direct Innovation Line, and the Cervera Program, while also encouraging participation in large-scale strategic initiatives like “Missions Science and Innovation.”

Promoting tech entrepreneurship has also been central, with the INNVIERTE program committing venture capital to 43 innovative SMEs. At the same time, the region’s international projection has been reinforced, with entities participating in 105 projects under consortia such as EUREKA and EUROSTARS, and strengthening their role in Horizon Europe.

This institutional synergy is therefore much more than a funding channel: it is a strategic engine that generates competitiveness, transfers knowledge, and consolidates Madrid’s technological leadership on the global stage.

Priority Sectors: Investment Focus

The alliance channels resources into technological areas considered strategic for regional and national competitiveness, so companies with projects in these fields have a greater likelihood of aligning with the program’s objectives.

Specifically, investment is concentrated in sectors such as aerospace, with technologies for satellites and unmanned vehicles; biotechnology and health, focused on advanced therapies and digital health platforms; advanced materials for industrial applications; clean energy and sustainability, aimed at the energy transition; digitalization and ICT, including AI applications, Big Data and cybersecurity; and quantum computing, which explores the next frontier of this technology.

Access to funding: process and recommendations

For technology companies seeking capital, this collaboration represents a consolidated funding pathway that requires meticulous preparation.

The process begins with a research and alignment phase, where it is essential to study the different CDTI funding lines and the Community of Madrid programs, analyze previously funded projects to understand the selection criteria, and verify the project’s alignment with the defined strategic sectors.

Next, the proposal preparation phase requires precisely articulating the technological innovation and its competitive advantage, developing a detailed business plan that justifies technical and commercial viability, and quantifying the expected impact in terms of market, employment, and return on investment.

Finally, the application process involves staying informed about the opening of calls through official channels, preparing a comprehensive technical and financial dossier that meets all formal requirements, and, for companies without prior experience, considering the support of consulting firms specialized in managing these grants.

A well-prepared project is one that anticipates the evaluation criteria in advance, thereby maximizing its chances of being selected. Do not leave your application process until the last moment.

The CDTI–Community of Madrid alliance has proven to be a strategic engine for the regional ecosystem. This effort not only strengthens the competitiveness of Madrid-based companies but also positions the region as a European benchmark in technological innovation.

Now is the time to turn this opportunity into action. If you lead an SME or startup with an innovative project, take advantage of this framework of institutional and financial support to make the leap. In this regard, on the ONE Platform you will find content such as the post “Innovating in Truly Essential Sectors”, the webinar “Key Investment Sectors and Trends in Spain”, the infographics “The Startup Ecosystem of the Community of Madrid” and “The EU Support Ecosystem”, as well as the funding and calls section, which will help you prepare your proposal and connect with the innovative entrepreneurial ecosystem.

Do not miss the opportunity to boost your idea with the backing of an alliance that is already making a difference in Madrid, and prepare your project to take it to the next level.