SPI – Sociedade Portuguesa de Inovação

SPI and Nanoprogress: Driving Regional Innovation through the GreenStep Project

green step

SPI and Nanoprogress: Driving Regional Innovation through the GreenStep Project

A distinguished Nanoprogress cluster member, SPI, is actively involved in the GreenStep project, creating tangible opportunities for innovation and interregional growth. This collaboration highlights SPI’s commitment to sustainable industrial transformation and cross-border cooperation across Europe.

About GreenStep and the SPI–Nanoprogress Partnership
GreenStep is a European initiative under the I3 (Interregional Innovation Investments) instrument, designed to support the green, digital, and sustainable transition of Energy-Intensive Industries (EIIs). Its goals include strengthening regional innovation ecosystems, promoting interregional investment projects, and aligning regional Smart Specialisation Strategies (S3) across eight regions in six countries.

Nanoprogress leads the coordination of GreenStep, leveraging its expertise in nanotechnology, advanced materials, and cross-sector cluster collaboration. SPI contributes its strong regional networks, in-depth local insight, and access to SMEs and industrial actors in Portugal.

Through this partnership, SPI’s partners gain access to pilot projects, knowledge exchanges, investment-readiness support, and cross-regional innovation initiatives. This collaboration enables SPI to channel its technical and industrial expertise directly into the GreenStep framework.

Benefits for SPI

Access to Interregional Innovation Networks
Participation in GreenStep connects SPI partners with clusters, universities, and industry partners across Europe—opening new pathways for collaboration, research, and joint projects.

Support for Sustainable Transformation and Funding Readiness
GreenStep offers capacity-building initiatives that help regions and industries adopt green and digital practices. SPI can benefit from methodological guidance, business case development, and opportunities to participate in pilot projects.

Enhancing Competitive Advantage
Early involvement in GreenStep allows SPI to adopt cutting-edge technologies sooner, positioning them as frontrunners in sustainable and advanced industrial processes.

Deepening Collaboration Year by Year
The collaboration between SPI, Nanoprogress, and the wider GreenStep network continues to grow. As the project evolves, both cluster organisations aim to expand pilot deployments, explore new joint initiatives, and attract additional funding. The strong trust built through previous collaborations enables SPI and Nanoprogress to co-design initiatives that align with regional priorities and industrial needs.

SPI remains committed to strengthening this partnership, leveraging its national reach and cluster expertise to maximize GreenStep’s impact—not only in Portugal but across all participating European regions. Together, SPI and Nanoprogress are paving the way for a more sustainable, interconnected, and innovative industrial future.