The CDTI Innovation opens the 8th called Spain-China CHINEKA and a new pilot line for strategic projects
The two modalities, framed in the CDTI International Call Plan, will support market-oriented bilateral R&D projects in priority sectors for both countries.
The new bilateral calls Spain-China for the period 2026-2027 are articulated in parallel in two modalities: the 8th regular call CHINEKA, aimed at market-oriented industrial R&D projects for the development of new products, processes or services, and a new pilot modality of CHINEKA+ Strategic Projects, designed to promote initiatives of greater magnitude and technological ambition.
Two modalities for different projects and priority sectors
The 8th joint Spain-China call under the CHINEKA International Program maintains the focus of previous editions and is aimed at standard industrial R&D projects. The proposals should be based on one of the ten priority sectors established: sustainable cities, water treatment, energy, climate change, circular economy, smart manufacturing, extended biomedicine, modern agriculture and fisheries, heritage and advanced materials.
The projects will last between two and three years and must have a minimum budget of 175,000 euros in the Spanish part.
For its part, the new pilot line CHINEKA+ seeks to finance large-scale flagship initiatives (flagship), with a high technological impact, exceptional novelty and significant commercial potential. In this first call, the projects must focus on four areas: renewable energies, biomedicine and advanced therapies, intelligent production and manufacturing technologies and sustainable mobility.
This modality requires a minimum budget of 800,000 euros in Spain and includes projects of a maximum duration of two years, with an expected start in January 2028.
Participation and funding
In the regular modality CHINEKA must participate, at least, a Spanish company and a maximum of one proposal per thematic area will be admitted. In CHINEKA+, the participation of at least one SME or medium capitalization company (MIDCAP) will be necessary, although it is recommended to have two, and each Spanish applicant can submit a maximum of one proposal.
In both modalities, research bodies, such as universities, public research bodies and innovation and technology centres, will be able to participate through subcontracting, through external collaboration. The R&D tasks must be balanced between the partners of both countries, so that none exceeds 70% of the global budget.
In terms of funding, MOST will be able to contribute up to RMB 3 million per project in the 8th called CHINEKA, with an overall budget of RMB 72 million and a maximum of 25 projects funded.
The CHINEKA+ pilot line will have a specific allocation of 3 million euros from the CDTI, through the INNOGLOBAL FEDER, and 24 million RMB from the MOST. Chinese funding can reach RMB 6 million per project and up to four projects can be funded.
In Spain, the funding of the 8th named CHINEKA projects will be channeled mainly through the R&D Projects line (IDI), with the possibility of accessing INNOGLOBAL FEDER 2027 grants in the eligible regions. In the case of CHINEKA+, the CDTI will reserve a specific allocation of 3 million euros from the call for grants INNOGLOBAL FEDER 2027.
Submission of proposals and deadlines
The opening of both calls took place on October 30, 2026 and applications must be submitted through the official platforms of each country.
The common international stage has the deadline of November 30, 2026, at 16:00 (local time), for the presentation to the MOST in China, and January 15, 2027, at 14:00 (CET), for the applications to the CDTI in Spain.
On January 29, 2027, the eligibility of the proposals will be notified. Spanish entities whose projects have been eligible must submit the application for national funding before February 26, 2027.
The resolution of the 8th called CHINEKA and the granting of the CHINEKA+ seal are scheduled for September 2027.
CDTI Innovation
The Center for Technological Development and Innovation, CDTI E.P.E. It is the innovation agency of the Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities, whose objective is the promotion of technological innovation in the business environment. The mission of the CDTI is to ensure that the Spanish business fabric generates and transforms scientific and technical knowledge into globally competitive, sustainable and inclusive growth.
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