An innovation voucher is a simplified form of support in which a company receives a voucher to purchase expert services, usually from a research organisation, university or accredited provider. Compared to a classic project, the administration is substantially lower, the amounts are smaller and decision-making is faster, which makes it a suitable tool for testing an idea before a major investment. It is typically used for a feasibility study, technology testing, solution design, a prototype or an expert assessment. The support is usually provided as de minimis aid, so it counts towards the company's three-year limit, and usually requires co-financing. The key point is that the service provider must be from the range of eligible entities – ordering from an ordinary commercial company outside the list is usually a reason for rejecting the entire expenditure.
See also: De minimis aid scheme, Grant for Company Digitalisation, Feasibility study.
