Funding available to promote European innovation through smart specialisation and interregional collaboration.

The European Innovation Council and SMEs Executive Agency (EISMEA) has launched two new calls for proposals for the Interregional Innovation Investments (I3) Instrument:

• Strand 1 – Financial and advisory support for investments in interregional innovation projects in shared or complementary smart specialisation areas – inclusive partnerships with less developed regions. Budget: €28.2 million.
• Strand 2a – Financial and advisory support for investments in interregional innovation projects in shared or complementary smart specialisation areas, including in less developed regions. Budget: €30.2 million.

Applicants must be legal entities (public or private bodies) established in an EU Member State or listed EEA countries and countries associated to the I3 Instrument or countries which are in ongoing negotiations for an association agreement and where the agreement enters into force before grant signature.

Registration is open for an online Info Session on 27 May 2026 (9:30-12:00).