The European Commission launched on 17 May 2023 two new I3 Instrument calls for proposals with a budget of EUR 62 million. These calls were launched in parallel with the Horizon Europe - European Innovation Ecosystems call to jointly tackle the disparities in research and innovation performance across the EU.
New Interregional Innovation Investments (I3) Instrument calls are out!
- 23 May 2023
The European Commission launched two new Interregional Innovation Investment (I3) Instrument calls on 17 May 2023, with a budget of EUR 62 million. These calls are open to consortia of applicants from private organisations (SMEs, start-ups), public institutions and academia (universities, research organisations).
What do we support?
The I3 Instrument aims to foster interregional collaboration. It targets consortia of innovation actors, promoting coordinated investments to strengthen existing or new value chains. It is focused on bringing innovations to a mature level, ready for commercialisation and scale-up, with a particular aim to develop new value chains in less developed regions and to integrate them into the broader EU value chains.
Consortiums applying to the I3 calls must consist of a minimum of three to five independent legal entities from diverse regions, particularly emphasising active involvement and addressing the needs of participants from less developed regions.
Thematic Priorities for the I3 Instrument Calls
The calls prioritise thematic areas on digital transition, green transition, and smart manufacturing, aligned with the burning challenges outlined in the New European Innovation Agenda, such as increasing global food security, improving healthcare and achieving circularity.
Under the digital transition, investments should establish innovative digital solutions for businesses, public administration and healthcare.
Within the green transition, support is aimed at innovative sustainable solutions in value chains, green technology, industry, transport and mobility, food systems, agriculture, clean energy, and reducing pollution.
Smart manufacturing focuses on innovative solutions for products, processes and services that foster a circular economy and the shift towards more environmentally sustainable production.
Engaging with the Smart Specialization Community
To engage in various existing thematic partnerships, foster knowledge-sharing and synergies and amplify the impact of interregional innovation projects, we invite you to actively engage with the wider community through the Commission's Smart Specialization Community of Practice and its partnerships.
How to apply:
The calls are open for applications from 17 May until 17 October 2023, 17:00 CET:
- Interregional Innovation Investments Strand 1 (I3-2023-INV1)
- Interregional Innovation Investments Strand 2a (I3-2023-INV2a)
An online info session for potential applicants is scheduled on 25 May, at 09:30-12:00 CET.
Registrations for the info session are open on this page.