Digital transformation has driven the development of increasingly advanced technological solutions. However, demonstrating that a software project represents a genuine technical advancement requires an objective evaluation that can verify its innovative nature.
ICT certificationis specifically designed to analyze technology projects to determine whether they represent an advancement over existing solutions and whether they meet the necessary criteria to be consideredResearch and Development (R&D)orTechnological Innovation (TI) activities.
In addition to providing an independent technical assessment, this process highlights the value of the work carried out by companies and facilitates the technical justification required to qualify fortax deductions,public grants, orfundingfor innovation projects.
What is an ICT certification, and why is it important?
ICT certification is a technical evaluation process that analyzes a technology project to determine its level of innovation and verify whether it incorporates significant advances over the prior art.
This analysis is based on a detailed review of the development work carried out, assessing both the technological solution implemented and the project’s coherence and the level of technical complexity achieved. The result is an objective evaluation that demonstrates the innovative nature of the project through technical reports prepared by specialists.
What is evaluated during an ICT project certification?
The certification of ICT projects requires a technical review of the development to verify whether the solution represents a technological advancement and meets the requirements necessary to be classified as Research and Development (R&D) or Technological Innovation (TI).
- Scope of the Project: The certification process begins with a comprehensive analysis of the project to understand its objectives, context, and key characteristics.
- Technological Component: The evaluation makes it possible to identify the technological contribution made and the value generated by the development carried out.
- Innovative nature: One of the aspects analyzed is the project’s level of innovation and its contribution to improving or creating technological solutions.
- Activities Carried OutThe report also reviews the activities carried out during the project and their relationship to the stated objectives.
- Results AchievedThe certification takes into account the results achieved and how they address the needs and challenges initially identified.
- Technical Justification for the Project: The process includes a specialized technical assessment based on the available documentation and the evidence provided by the company
Technical Reports to Support Innovation: Technical reports are prepared that summarize the findings of the evaluation and demonstrate the innovative nature of the project, thereby facilitating its eligibility for tax deductions, public grants, and other sources of funding.
A Step-by-Step Guide to Obtaining an ICT Certification
ICT certification follows a structured process that allows for an objective analysis of a technology project’s innovative nature and provides a technical justification for the activities carried out. Although the requirements may vary depending on the nature of the project, the procedure typically consists of the following phases:
1. Preliminary Project Evaluation
The first step is to conduct an initial analysis to determine whether the development falls under the categories of R&D or Technological Innovation. To do this, the project’s objectives, the technologies used, the technical challenges addressed, and the degree of novelty compared to existing solutions are examined.
2. Compilation and Analysis of Documentation
Once the feasibility of the certification has been validated, the available technical documentation is compiled. This information may include project reports, functional documentation, technical specifications, architectural diagrams, completed developments, and any other evidence that demonstrates the technological work performed.
3. Specialized Technical Analysis
Experts conduct an in-depth evaluation of the project to identify its innovative elements, the technical complexity of its development, any technological uncertainties that have been resolved, and the advances made relative to the state of the art. This phase forms the basis for the subsequent technical justification.
4. Preparation of technical reports
After completing the evaluation, technical reports are prepared that outline the project’s characteristics, the analysis conducted, and the arguments supporting its classification as an R&D or Technological Innovation activity. These documents provide an objective and independent assessment of the work carried out.
5. Obtaining Certification
Once the technical documentation has been validated, the corresponding certification is issued. This certification officially attests to the technological and innovative nature of the project and serves as supporting documentation for applications for tax incentives, public grants, or financing.
Support Throughout the Entire Process
Beyond the technical reports, the certification includes guidance on defining the scope of the project and identifying its key distinguishing features.
This guidance allows for a more precise analysis of the degree of innovation in the development, helps align the project with the requirements for certification, and improves the way in which the activities carried out are documented and justified. It also helps ensure that the technical information needed to support the project evaluation is properly structured.
Thus, the certification not only objectively validates the technological innovation developed, but also helps organizations present their projects on a solid technical foundation that is consistent and aligned with the evaluation criteria required to qualify for tax deductions, public grants, and other sources of funding.
At ACERTA , we help companies highlight the technological innovation of their software developments through an independent and specialized technical evaluation process. Our goal is to provide a solid foundation for demonstrating the innovative nature of each project and to provide technical support for the activities carried out.
In addition, we support organizations throughout the entire certification process, helping them identify the unique features of their projects, properly document their technological innovations, and adapt to the requirements of the various certification programs. In this way, we help companies maximize the value of their projects and provide them with a solid technical justification that is aligned with the evaluation criteria.
Benefits of ICT Certification in Digital Transformation
ICT project certification allows companies to objectively demonstrate the technological value of their developments and provide technical validation of the work they have done.
Among its main benefits are:
- Demonstrate the innovative nature of a technology project.
- Provide technical justification for R&D or technological innovation activities.
- Facilitate access to tax deductions.
- Support applications for public grants and other sources of funding.
- To have technical reports based on an objective analysis.
- Highlight the technological advancements made by the company.
Questions Frequently Asked Questions
- It is a technical evaluation process that analyzes a technology project to determine whether it represents an advancement over existing solutions and whether it can be considered an R&D or technological innovation activity.
- Technical reports provide objective evidence of a project’s technological value and innovative nature. They serve as key documentary evidence to support R&D and technological innovation activities and facilitate access to tax incentives, grants, public aid, and other funding opportunities.
- Any company that has developed its own technology project is eligible for an ICT certification, regardless of its size or industry. This includes everything from small and medium-sized enterprises to large organizations that have carried out software development, digitization processes, or technological innovation initiatives.
- Certification provides important technical support to demonstrate a project’s innovative nature, facilitating access to tax credits, grants, and other sources of funding. However, final approval will depend on the requirements established in each program or call for proposals.
- ICT certification provides technical support to demonstrate that certain activities can be considered R&D or Technological Innovation (TI) under Article 35 of the Corporate Income Tax Law, thereby reinforcing the application of the corresponding tax deductions.