Primary portal
VVI — Výskumno-inovačný portál
Aggregated search for all Slovak research funding calls across all providers. Filter by "podnikateľský sektor" to show company-eligible calls only.
vvi.gov.sk/vyhladavac-podpory ↗Internal Working Document · Unlisted · Version 1.0 · June 2026 · Updated from live government sources
Grant & Funding Landscape
Slovak and EU funding programs accessible to companies (s.r.o.) for digital health, AI, and cognitive research. Program details, eligibility, amounts, deadlines, and recommended application strategy for NeuroFlex.
Contents
Important context: The "half billion euros by 2028" referenced by Professor Žilka likely refers to the combined allocation across Program Slovensko, Plán Obnovy, and national R&D funding for research and innovation in Slovakia — which in aggregate does run to several hundred million euros for the 2021–2027 programming period. Individual grant programs accessible to companies range from €300K (APVV) to €15M (large health innovation calls). Companies can apply directly — no requirement to route through a university, though university/SAV partnerships significantly increase competitiveness.
Overview
Quick Reference — All Programs
| Program | Amount per project | Eligible | Status | Priority for NeuroFlex |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| APVV VV 2025 | up to €300K | Companies ✓ | Open — deadline 11. 2. 2026 | High (near-term) |
| MZ SR — Zdravá spoločnosť infraštruktúra | up to €6M | Companies + partners ✓ | Open (PSK-MZ-010-2024) | High (requires consortium) |
| MZ SR — Prelomové technológie | up to €3M | Companies ✓ | Planned — opens 2026 | Very High (directly aligned) |
| MZ SR — Neuro/Onko/Kardio (Misia Zdravie) | up to €52M total | Companies + partners ✓ | Planned — open Q1–Q2 2025 (reassess) | High (neurology focus) |
| TEF-Health (AI testing) | services / infra access | SMEs ✓ | Open | Medium (R&D infrastructure) |
| VAIA — Finančný nástroj (loan) | loan + up to 30% forgiven | Companies ✓ | Open | Medium (complement to grants) |
| POO — Digitálna transformácia 2 (MIRRI) | €5–45M total pool | Companies ✓ | Closed (watch for V06) | High when re-opened |
| Horizon Europe — Health Cluster 1 | €2–8M typical | Consortia ✓ | Rolling calls | High (Phase 2) |
| IHI (IMI successor) | €5–30M | Consortia + pharma ✓ | Rolling calls | Very High (Phase 3) |
| Alzheimer's Association (US) | USD 100K–500K | Research teams ✓ | Annual cycles | Medium (academic credential) |
Section 2
Slovak National Programs
APVV VV 2025 — Verejná výzva na výskum a vývoj Priority 1
OpenThe most immediately accessible Slovak grant for NeuroFlex. Covers all scientific domains, including applied research in digital health and AI. Companies (podnikateľské subjekty) are eligible. Maximum funding per project is €300K; the budget covers salaries, services, materials, travel. Companies receive funding under state aid scheme SA.109803, which may reduce intensity slightly (typically 25–50% co-financing required vs 100% for academic applicants).
For NeuroFlex Phase 1, this grant is ideal for funding: behavioral probe development and validation; pilot study with local Cohort A/B recruitment through Comenius University or SAV; personal baseline algorithm development; initial latent trait measurement methodology.
Application requires: Electronic submission through APVV's new information system; Vecný zámer (project description, max 15 pages); evidence of R&D activity as part of company business activities.
→ Recommended: apply for Phase 1 feasibility study (N=200–300, 12 months) in partnership with SAV Institute of Neuroimmunology as co-applicant. SAV partnership increases funding rate and scientific credibility.
PSK-MZ-010-2024 — Dobudovanie infraštruktúr, od myšlienky k produktu (MZ SR) Priority 1
OpenThis is the largest currently-open Slovak health research grant directly accessible to companies. It funds the development of research and innovation consortia in the "Zdravá spoločnosť" (Healthy Society) domain of SK RIS3 2021+. Projects must go from idea to product — exactly the NeuroFlex Phase 1–2 trajectory. The call explicitly includes: innovative diagnostic software, medical technology, AI-based health solutions.
NeuroFlex relevance: the call supports consortia between companies, universities, and SAV. A NeuroFlex consortium (NeuroFlex s.r.o. + SAV + Comenius University + clinical partner) is a plausible applicant. The "from idea to product" framing aligns with NeuroFlex's development stage.
Important constraint: This call likely requires a research consortium lead, not a solo company application. The most strategic structure would be: SAV or Comenius University as lead applicant, NeuroFlex s.r.o. as a partner and platform developer. The grant funds personnel, infrastructure, and R&D costs for all partners.
→ Raise this call at the SAV meeting. Ask Professor Žilka whether SAV Institute of Neuroimmunology could serve as consortium lead, with NeuroFlex as technical/platform partner.
MZ SR — Prelomové technológie a inovácie v zdravotníctve Priority 1
Planned 2026This planned call is the most directly aligned with NeuroFlex of all Slovak programs. It explicitly funds: "inovatívne prostriedky zdravotníckej techniky, vrátane software" (innovative medical technology including software) and "inovatívne diagnostické a terapeutické postupy" (innovative diagnostic procedures). The call targets TRL advancement — from early concept to market-ready prototype.
NeuroFlex can position itself precisely in this call as: a digital behavioral monitoring platform for early detection of cognitive decline — a software medical device (SaMD) on the development pathway to CE/FDA marking. The call's emphasis on TRL progression aligns with NeuroFlex's Phase 2 validation objectives.
→ Monitor for opening announcement from MZ SR. Prepare a project concept (2–3 pages) in advance so that a full application can be submitted within 4–6 weeks of call opening. This is the highest-value near-term Slovak grant for NeuroFlex as a standalone company applicant.
MZ SR — Neuro, Onko, Kardio (Misia Zdravie) Priority 2
PlannedMisia Zdravie is the Slovak government's flagship health innovation initiative. 83 project concepts were submitted by January 2025, covering AI-powered diagnostics, screening programmes, and specialist care networks. The neurology domain is directly relevant to NeuroFlex.
The initiative is creating a framework for selecting pilot projects that address systemic gaps in Slovak healthcare. If NeuroFlex submits a project concept through Misia Zdravie — framed as "digital early detection in cognitive neurology" — it could gain both funding and institutional visibility within the Slovak health system.
→ Check misiazdravie.gov.sk for the status of the 83 submitted concepts and whether a new submission window is opening. Consider submitting a NeuroFlex project concept as an unsolicited expression of interest if no formal call is open yet.
Section 3
Program Slovensko 2021–2027 (EU Structural Funds)
TEF-Health — AI Testing for SMEs in Healthcare Priority 2
OpenTEF-Health provides small and medium enterprises with access to testing environments, datasets, and expert consultation for developing and validating AI solutions in healthcare — specifically for testing and experimenting in real-world healthcare scenarios. This is not a cash grant but access to infrastructure worth several hundred thousand euros.
Relevance: NeuroFlex Phase 2 will need AI validation infrastructure. TEF-Health could provide access to healthcare datasets, expert AI reviewers, and possibly a clinical test environment. More importantly, TEF-Health participation demonstrates technical readiness (TRL advancement) useful for subsequent grant applications.
→ Investigate current TEF-Health operators in Slovakia (the scheme runs through designated "Centres of Excellence in Testing"). Contact MIRRI SR for the list of current TEF operators and onboarding process.
VAIA — Finančný nástroj (Slovak Investment Holding) Priority 3
OpenNot a grant — a subsidised bank loan for innovation and digitalisation projects, with up to 30% of the principal potentially forgiven depending on project type, region, and applicant category. Useful for capital expenditure (server infrastructure, development costs) not easily covered by research grants. Lower barrier to entry than competitive grant calls.
→ Use as a complement to grant funding if NeuroFlex needs rapid capital deployment before grant approval. Contact Slovak Investment Holding (sih.gov.sk) for current bank partner list and application procedure.
Section 4
Plán Obnovy (Recovery and Resilience Facility)
09I05-03-V04 — Inovatívne digitálne riešenia (VAIA)
Closed (Oct–Dec 2024)This call explicitly funded: "systémy umelej inteligencie, systémy na zber a spracovanie údajov" (AI systems, data collection and processing systems). AI in healthcare was an explicit target domain. A similar call (V05 or V06) is expected to be announced — monitor VAIA's website for the successor.
→ Watch for the next round (expected 2026). Prepare project description in advance: NeuroFlex as an "AI-based behavioral biomarker platform" fits this call's scope precisely.
17I04-04-V05 — Digitálna transformácia Slovenska 2 (MIRRI)
Closed (Aug 2025)Covered AI, superpočítače, virtual/augmented reality, big data applications in the economy. SK RIS3 domain 3: Digitálna transformácia Slovenska. Healthcare AI was in scope. Successor call expected from MIRRI.
→ Monitor MIRRI SR (mirri.gov.sk) for successor call. This mechanism may re-open under a different code.
POO timing note: The Slovak Recovery Plan (Plán obnovy) must disburse all funds by mid-2026 to meet EU deadlines. Some calls that closed in late 2024 or 2025 may not have successor rounds under the same POO mechanism. However, unspent or returned funds may be recycled through Program Slovensko calls (EFRR/ESF) in 2026–2027. The shift from POO to Program Slovensko as the primary funding vehicle is expected in 2026.
Section 5
EU-Level Programs (Phase 2–3)
Innovative Health Initiative (IHI) — IMI Successor Priority 1 · Phase 3
Rolling callsIHI is the successor to IMI2, which funded RADAR-AD, DigiAD, LETHE, and other digital biomarker projects. IHI specifically targets digital health, AI in medicine, and prevention. A NeuroFlex consortium application (NeuroFlex s.r.o. + SAV + DZNE + Amsterdam UMC + pharmaceutical partner such as Roche, Biogen, or Lilly + FINGERS/Karolinska) would be a very strong fit for an IHI call on digital behavioral biomarkers in neurodegeneration.
IHI requires an industry co-applicant from the European pharmaceutical or medical device industry. The pharma partner does not need to be a shareholder in NeuroFlex — they participate as a project partner with a complementary scientific interest (e.g., digital endpoints for their clinical trials).
→ Horizon for Phase 3 (3–5 years). Prerequisite: at least one peer-reviewed publication and established clinical partnerships (DZNE, Amsterdam UMC). Begin conversations with potential pharma partners at AAIC or CTAD conference. Track IHI calls at ihi.europa.eu.
Horizon Europe — Health Cluster 1 Priority 1 · Phase 2
Rolling annual callsHorizon Europe Health Cluster calls relevant to NeuroFlex appear under: "Personalised medicine and digital health"; "Brain health and neurodegeneration"; "AI in clinical decision support"; "Remote monitoring in neurology". Work programmes for 2025–2027 include explicit calls for digital biomarkers in neurodegenerative diseases.
A typical NeuroFlex consortium for a Horizon application: NeuroFlex s.r.o. (Slovakia, platform and AI) + SAV (Slovakia, neuroscience) + DZNE (Germany, clinical cohort) + Amsterdam UMC (Netherlands, clinical cohort) + Karolinska/FINGERS (Sweden, prevention intervention) + 1–2 additional partners (e.g., KInIT for ML, clinical hospital for patient recruitment).
→ Horizon Phase 2 (2–3 years). Prerequisite: pilot study results (even N=100–300) to demonstrate feasibility. Submit Expression of Interest to potential consortium partners after the SAV meeting. Use the APVV VV 2025 grant to fund the pilot that makes you eligible for Horizon.
Alzheimer's Association — International Research Grant Priority 2 · Phase 2
Annual cycleThe Alzheimer's Association funds international research through several mechanisms: Part the Cloud (translational research), Zenith Award (distinguished scientists), New Investigator Research Grant (early career), and targeted pilot grants for digital biomarker research. Requires institutional affiliation — a NeuroFlex application would need to be submitted through SAV or a university partner.
Strategic value beyond funding: an Alzheimer's Association grant is a scientific credential recognized globally in the Alzheimer's research community. It signals that the research has been peer-reviewed by the leading disease-specific scientific body. This is useful for subsequent IHI or Horizon applications.
→ Consider submitting under the Pilot Grant for Technologies to Advance Alzheimer's Research mechanism, jointly with SAV, following completion of the initial APVV-funded pilot study. Typical award: USD 100–150K for 1–2 years.
Section 6
Application Strategy for NeuroFlex
Strategic Principle
Each grant builds the evidence base for the next. APVV funds the pilot that makes you eligible for Horizon. Horizon funds the validation study that enables an IHI consortium. Do not wait for the perfect large grant — apply for the next accessible grant immediately.
1
Immediate (before Feb 11, 2026): Submit APVV VV 2025 application. Feasibility study: behavioral probe validation, personal baseline algorithm development, pilot recruitment N=100–200 (Cohort A + D) with SAV as co-applicant. Budget: €200–300K. Duration: 24 months. This is the foundational step — even a small successful grant establishes NeuroFlex as a recognized research entity in the Slovak system.
2
Q1 2026: Raise PSK-MZ-010-2024 at the SAV meeting. Explore whether SAV can serve as consortium lead for a €2–4M application under this call, with NeuroFlex as platform partner. This would fund Phase 1–2 infrastructure development at a scale APVV cannot reach.
3
2026 (when opened): Apply to MZ SR Prelomové technológie grant as primary applicant (company). Up to €3M. This is the highest-priority standalone company grant. Prepare the application concept now: NeuroFlex as "inovatívny diagnostický software" for behavioral monitoring in cognitive neurology, targeting TRL 4→6.
4
2027 (after pilot results): Submit Horizon Europe Health Cluster application with consortium (NeuroFlex + SAV + DZNE + Amsterdam UMC + Karolinska). Requires: pilot publication, established clinical partnerships, letters of collaboration from DZNE and Amsterdam. Budget: €4–8M over 4 years.
5
2028+ (after Horizon Phase 2): IHI consortium application with pharmaceutical industry partner. Budget: €10–25M. This is the pathway to clinical validation and regulatory development (SaMD, CE marking pathway).
Company structure note: To maximize grant competitiveness, consider registering NeuroFlex s.r.o. as a company that formally engages in "výskum a vývoj" (research and development) — this may require registering R&D activities with the Slovak Statistical Office (SO SR) and maintaining basic records of R&D expenditure. This is not operationally burdensome but is a formal requirement for some grant eligibility criteria. Verify with a grant consultant or legal advisor before submitting.
Section 7
Key Contacts and Portals
National grants
APVV
Slovak Research and Development Agency. VV 2025 call closes 11. 2. 2026. New system for electronic submission.
apvv.sk ↗Innovation authority
VAIA
Výskumná a inovačná autorita. Manages health domain calls (Zdravá spoločnosť), innovation vouchers, and coordinates SK RIS3 strategy.
vaia.gov.sk ↗Misia Zdravie
Health Innovation Mission
Slovak government's flagship health innovation initiative. Neurology is one of four priority domains. Track for project concept submission windows.
misiazdravie.gov.sk ↗EU grants
Horizon Europe Portal
European Commission funding portal. Filter by "Health" topic. Use "Find Partners" tool to identify potential consortium members.
EC Funding Portal ↗IHI
Innovative Health Initiative
IMI successor for pharma-academia-SME health research consortia. Digital biomarkers in neurodegeneration is a recurring topic.
ihi.europa.eu/apply-funding ↗