On 22 May 2025 the European Commission has launched the 2025–2027 Work Programme for the Interregional Innovation Investments (I3) Instrument, allocating €176 million to support regional innovation across the European Union. The initiative is designed to strengthen interregional value chains, foster cross-border cooperation, and help regions scale up market-ready technologies, with a particular focus on sustainable and circular economic models.
The I3 Instrument supports consortia that bring together small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), research organisations, public authorities, civil society, and end-users. The aim is to facilitate investment-ready innovation projects, offering both financial support and tailored non-financial assistance such as business planning, intellectual property protection, and access to testing and demonstration facilities. To qualify, projects must be developed to at least a Technology Readiness Level (TRL) of 6 and fit within the broader strategy of regional smart specialisation.
The 2025 call for proposals is structured around three thematic priorities: digital transition, green transition, and smart manufacturing. Among the three priorities, the green transition stands out for its focus on environmental sustainability and regional transformation, that are the core interests of initiatives as the e-SAFE project aimed to integrating solutions for the energy and seismic renovation of buildings. Indeed, the I3 Programme supports projects that contribute to clean energy, pollution reduction, circular economy models, and sustainable construction and agriculture. Thus, the calls promoted by this programme represent a valuable opportunity for e-SAFE to advance its goals.
The I3 Instrument is divided into two primary strands for investment and one additional strand for capacity-building. Strand 1 supports regions with shared smart specialisation priorities, encouraging cooperation and the formation of strong interregional value chains. Strand 2a is focused on less developed regions, helping them build and connect new value chains through partnerships with more advanced regions. A third strand, 2b, will open later in 2025 to fund capacity-building activities in regions that need additional support to participate in interregional innovation.
For the 2025 calls, which opened on 22 May, consortia applying under Strand 1 must include at least five entities from five different regions and three EU countries, including two partners from less developed regions. For Strand 2a, at least three entities from three different regions in two countries are required.
About Funding and Deadlines
Projects can request between €2 million and €10 million in funding, and may last between 18 and 36 months. The EU will fund 70% of total eligible costs, with indirect costs calculated at a flat rate of 7%. In cases where financial support is passed on to third parties, the funding rate can reach 100%.
The deadline for submitting proposals under Strands 1 and 2a is 13 November 2025, while Strand 2b will open on 23 October 2025 and close on 19 March 2026.
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Therefore, the I3 Instrument is part of the EU’s broader initiative to support regions in developing their innovation ecosystems and bringing high-impact ideas closer to market, offering an opportunity that e-SAFE can leverage.
Here is an example of I3 project from the 2024 call:
Fostering Innovation & the Twin Transition for iNclusive EnvironmentS and Smart homes
For further information on how to apply, applicants can consult the European Innovation Council and SMEs Executive Agency (EISMEA) website.
Learn more about the I3 Programme in the Infoday session presentation, held online on June 11.
