Call window open I3 Instrument Strand 2a (I3-2026-INV2a) — interregional innovation investments in less developed regions
An EISMEA call worth €30.2 million (ERDF) for interregional consortia bringing mature innovations (minimum TRL 6) to market in less developed regions. Projects usually receive €2–10 million, with 70% funding. Third-party SMEs can receive up to €100,000 each.
- Who can apply
- Consortia of at least 3 independent entities established in 3 different regions of 2 eligible countries (state…
- Total budget
- 30.2 million
- Funding amount
- Typically 2–10 million
- Submission period
- 13 May 2026 – 12 November 2026, 17:00 (CET, Brussels time)
Checked against official sources on · funder: European Innovation Council and SMEs Executive Agency · official source
The call window is open. The time left until the deadline decides whether we can still build your application in time, so call today.
Who can apply
Consortia of at least 3 independent entities established in 3 different regions across 2 eligible countries (EU Member States, including overseas countries and territories, plus EEA countries or countries associated with I3). At least one entity must be in a more developed region. Public or private legal entities may take part, for example SMEs, large companies, clusters, development and innovation agencies, universities and public authorities. The coordinator must be a public body, a non-profit organisation or an entity mandated by national or regional authorities to develop or implement innovation and investment actions for SMEs.
What it covers
- Demonstration, testing, piloting, large-scale product validation and market replication (new or improved products, processes or services)
- Adapting existing prototypes to companies' needs, for demonstration in a real environment (prototyping from scratch is not eligible)
- Complementary use of testing and demonstration infrastructures across several regions, including their depreciation
- Consultancy for investments, market entry plans and preparation of follow-up investments
- Support actions (mentoring, coaching, matchmaking, acceleration programmes, exchanges), only together with the investments
- Financial support for third-party SMEs through open calls lasting at least 2 months (FSTP), up to a maximum of 30% of total eligible costs
Apply in the current call window
- We analyse whether you qualify and under which programme exactly.
- We build the application: business plan, budget, supporting documents.
- We submit during the call window and follow the evaluation.
- We stay with you through the reimbursement file and final payment.
Frequently asked questions
What is the submission deadline for the I3-2026-INV2a call?
The I3 Strand 2a call (I3-2026-INV2a) opened on 13 May 2026. Applications are submitted online through the European Commission's Funding & Tenders Portal by 12 November 2026, 17:00 CET (Brussels time). Paper applications are not accepted.
How much funding can you obtain for an I3 Strand 2a project?
The call budget is €30.2 million. A project usually receives a grant of between €2 million and €10 million, but other amounts may also be requested if justified. The Commission reimburses 70% of eligible costs and 100% of the financial support given to third-party SMEs. Indirect costs are covered as a flat rate of 7% of eligible direct costs.
Can a company or institution from Romania submit an I3 project on its own?
No. The application must be submitted by a consortium of at least 3 independent entities from 3 different regions, located in at least 2 eligible countries. At least one partner must be from a more developed region. The coordinator must be a public body, a non-profit organisation or an entity mandated by authorities, for example a cluster or a development or innovation agency.
What types of projects does I3 Strand 2a fund?
I3 Strand 2a funds mature innovations, from TRL 6 upwards, to bring them to market. Projects may include demonstration, testing, piloting, large-scale validation, adapting existing prototypes to companies' needs, investment consultancy and market entry plans. The accepted themes are the digital transition, the green transition and smart manufacturing. Prototyping from scratch is not eligible.
How can SMEs that are not part of the consortium receive funding?
Through financial support to third parties (FSTP). The consortium runs open calls lasting at least 2 months, and through them SMEs in EU Member States receive up to €100,000 each. The amount may be higher only if it is necessary and justified in the application. FSTP costs cannot exceed 30% of the project's total eligible costs.
What budget conditions must be met for less developed regions?
At least 50% of total eligible costs must be incurred in less developed regions. In addition, at least 70% of eligible direct costs must go towards investments in companies, especially SMEs. Projects usually last 18–36 months. Evaluation results are expected in May 2027.
How long does it take to prepare the application?
It depends on the complexity of the project and the documents you already have. The first step is the eligibility analysis, which tells you what needs to be prepared.
What happens if I do not qualify?
We tell you before any contract is signed, and if another suitable programme exists, we point you to it.
Next step
Apply in the current call window — I3 Strand 2a Instrument (I3-2026-INV2a) — interregional innovation investments in less developed regions
Fill in the form and we will tell you whether you qualify. If you do not qualify under this programme, we will tell you which other one you could apply for — or that there is none, if that is the case.
or call us directly on 0755 167 167
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