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I3 – Interregional Innovation Investments 2026

European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) · I3 Instrument

Εκτελεστικός Οργανισμός του Ευρωπαϊκού Συμβουλίου Καινοτομίας και των ΜμΕ – EISMEA (European Innovation Council and SMEs Executive Agency)

In plain words

Grants of €2–10 million per project for consortia from different regions that bring mature innovations (from TRL 6) to market in the digital and green transition and smart manufacturing. 70% of costs must go into investments in companies, mainly SMEs. The coordinator must be a public or non-profit body, so a business joins as a partner.

Who can apply

Consortia of at least 3 independent organisations from 3 regions in 2 countries, with at least one from a more developed region. Businesses (especially SMEs) join as partners or receive financial support from the project (up to €100,000 each).

What it pays for

70% of eligible costs (100% for support to third parties) for demonstrating, commercialising and scaling up innovations: investments in companies, testing and piloting, business planning, certification, IP protection. 18–36 months.

What must be true for you

Tick what applies. Saved on this device only.

  • A consortium of at least 3 organisations from 3 regions in 2 countries, with shared smart-specialisation (RIS3) priorities and an S3 compliance declaration.
  • Coordinator: a public body, a non-profit or a body appointed by national/regional government to support SMEs.
  • At least 70% of direct costs invested in companies; in Strand 2a, at least 50% of costs in less developed regions.
  • Innovation at technology readiness TRL 6 or higher.
  • 30% own contribution.

How to apply

  1. Read the I3-2026-INV1 and I3-2026-INV2a call documents on the Funding & Tenders Portal.
  2. Contact your Region or innovation bodies (clusters, chambers) that are building I3 consortia.
  3. Agree your role (beneficiary partner or recipient of support) and your share of the budget.
  4. The coordinator submits the proposal with a detailed budget and S3 declaration by 12 Nov 2026, 17:00.
  5. If the project is funded, watch for its open calls for SMEs (up to €100,000 per company).

Where to apply: EU Funding & Tenders Portal – ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunitie…

Deadline

Deadline 12 November 2026, 17:00 Brussels time, for both strands (Strand 1 and Strand 2a).

Sources we read

Research notes: Strand 1 (I3-2026-INV1, €28.2M) and Strand 2a (I3-2026-INV2a, €30.2M, for less developed regions) both close 12 Nov 2026 17:00 CET; budget_total is their sum. Call document (2a): grants normally €2–10M per project, 70% funding rate (FSTP 100%), FSTP max €100,000 per recipient and max 30% of costs. Consortium rules: Strand 2a needs at least 3 entities from 3 regions in 2 eligible countries (at least one in a more developed region); Strand 1 needs at least 5 entities from 5 regions in 3 countries, including at least 2 in less developed regions. Companies can be partners but cannot coordinate (the coordinator must be a public body, a non-profit or an entity entrusted by national/regional government); SMEs mostly benefit as sub-grant recipients (EU-based SMEs only). Both call documents read on 17/10/2026; no extension. Whether a given Greek region counts as 'less developed' must be checked on the EU regional map cited in the call. Amount fields null because the grant is per consortium. Not in the original scope list but an EU-managed call open to companies.

See also