The I3 Instrument work program for the years 2025, 2026 and 2027 has been published

As followed from previous editions, the I3 instrument aims to provide advisory and financial support to a consortium of innovation actors from the quadruple helix ecosystems among less developed, transition and more developed regions, with shared or complementary smart specialization areas,  to bring their innovations to a mature level, ready for scale-up and commercialisation (TRL 6 to 9).  

I3 projects shall address digital and green transitions challenges as well as smart manufacturing challenges and must fall under one of the following calls for proposals:

• Strand 1: Financial and advisory support for investments in interregional innovation projects in shared smart specialization areas. (Call deadline: 13 November 2025)

This call targets consortia of innovation actors aimed at increasing the competitiveness and resilience of EU value chains by taking new and innovative solutions towards market maturity, leading to new or significantly improved products, services, or production processes.

• Strand 2a: Financial and advisory support for investments in interregional innovation projects for the development of value chains in less developed regions. (Call deadline: 13 November 2025)

The call focuses on supporting the creation of new value chains in less developed regions and their better integration in existing pan-European value chains. 

• Strand 2b: Capacity building for the development of value chains in less developed regions. (Call deadline: 19 March 2026)

This call supports innovation actors from the quadruple helix in less developed regions to reinforce their regional innovation ecosystems, including the development of  their institutional capacities to mobilise companies to move from good investments ideas to mature business plans for (interregional) innovation investments.

The activities than can be funded include: the value chain analysis to identify ecosystem challenges and opportunities; the capacity building for quadruple helix actors to develop business plans; the pre-piloting investment ideas and validating assumptions with stakeholders; among others.

The action, with a budget of 175.352.687€ is managed by the European Innovation Council and SMEs Executive Agency (EISMEA).

The participation is open for a consortia of quadruple helix actors from EU Member states and Non-EU countries associated to the I3 Instrument. The participation of EU outermost regions is encouraged.

The co-financing rate is up to 70% of the eligible costs and up to 100% for Financial Support to Third Parties (FSTP) costs.

The indicative duration of projects is 18 – 36 months.

We can support you in the developing of project proposals for these calls.

Reach out for further information!