Expanded concessional loan program supports small high‑tech firms under the Takeoff initiative
The national effort to back high‑tech, innovative small and medium‑sized enterprises with concessional loans at 3% per year has been broadened under the federal project Takeoff — from start‑up to IPO. The expansion now includes small technology companies managed by a new category of beneficiaries, amplifying access to affordable capital for advanced ventures across the country.
According to the SME Corporation’s press service, the pool of funds available under the concessional loan program for small technology companies (MTK) has been raised to up to 1 billion rubles. This step broadens the capacity to support a broader set of startups and scale‑ups working in priority high‑tech domains.
For high‑tech small and medium‑sized enterprises, the program maintains a ceiling of up to 500 million rubles, ensuring continued support for mid‑stage companies seeking to accelerate product development, scale operations, or optimize working capital. The funding remains attractive due to its preferential rate and its alignment with national technology priorities.
First Deputy Prime Minister Andrei Belousov noted that MTK loans can now be applied for through the SME.RF digital platform, simplifying access and streamlining the application process for eligible companies. The move reinforces the government’s commitment to digitize public‑sector financial services and improve speed to funding for innovative businesses.
Under the program terms, approved firms can secure funds at a 3% annual rate for both investment purposes and working capital needs. To qualify, applicants are expected to leverage technologies from a list of 14 priority high‑tech areas when developing products. These areas include artificial intelligence, quantum communications, and other strategic technologies that underpin national competitiveness.
Russian officials emphasize that expanding support for small technology companies advances the objective of strengthening technological sovereignty and supporting import substitution. This aligns with the strategic guidance issued by the president to foster domestic capability in critical technologies and reduce reliance on external suppliers.
Support through preferential lending is described as a catalyst for moving small high‑tech firms toward new stages of growth, enabling them to accelerate research and development, scale production, and reach new markets. Industry leaders suggest that easier access to affordable capital can shorten development timelines and improve the ability to attract additional private investment.
Alexander Isaevich, General Director of SME Corporation, stated that 1,700 companies have already received MTK status, illustrating meaningful traction for the program across the innovation ecosystem. The intake of MTK status reflects a broad spectrum of small technology enterprises that meet program criteria and demonstrate potential for strong growth and impact.
To qualify for this state support, companies must operate in priority sectors, be affiliated with the Ministry of Transport and Trade, or successfully pass the examination conducted by innovative development institutions. In addition, the firms should have an annual revenue of 100 million rubles and a historical average annual growth rate of at least 10%. These criteria are designed to identify ventures with the strongest potential to scale and contribute to national technological objectives.
It is worth recalling that the preferential loan program was launched in April 2022, on the president’s initiative within the Takeoff framework. Since then, the program has become a central instrument in accelerating the growth of promising technology companies and reinforcing the country’s innovation ecosystem.