Work Programme 2025-2027
The European Commission has adopted the new Work Programme for the Interregional Innovation Investments (I3) Instrument for 2025-2027, allocating €176 million. The next calls are planned to open in May and October 2025
What is the I3 Instrument
The Interregional Innovation Investments (I3) Instrument, under the Smart Specialisation and interregional collaboration, I3 Instrument strengthens regional ecosystems, fosters sustainable investment connections, and accelerates market uptake of research results.
- Budget
- over €490 million available in the 2021-2027 programming period
- up to €10 million per project
- 70 % of EU contribution for all beneficiaries and cost categories
- 100 % of EU contribution of financial support to third parties
Investment project requirements- minimum 3- 5 partners from different Member States and regional ecosystems
- close to market projects (TRL 6-9)
- innovation and impact oriented investments
Programme structure- Strand 1 supports consortia from regions with shared smart specialisation areas, ready to invest in interregional innovation projects.
- Strand 2a funds value chain development in less developed regions, integrating them into EU value chains.
- Strand 2b strengthens regional innovation ecosystems, building capacity for interregional business cases.
I3 Instrument under the ERDFERDF funds interregional innovation projects (TRL 6-9) to reshape EU value chains and bring innovations to market.
It supports investments under shared smart specialisation (S3) in:
- Green transition
- Digital transition
- Smart manufacturing
I3 Instrument factsheetLearn more about the three dimensions of the Interregional Innovation InvestmentsInstrument: what we are looking for & what is is is there for you.
Funding opportunities
The Investment calls - Strand 1 & 2a were open till 13 November 2025. The capacity-building Strand 2b call is open till 19 March 2026.
- 22 May 2025Investment Calls: Strand 1 & 2a
closing 13 November 2025
23 October 2025Final Capacity Building Call Cap2bclosing 19 March 2026
Get support
Access the I3 Instrument Support Facility for guidance on building consortia, sharing knowledge, and aligning with EU and regional priorities. Explore the FAQs, Info Day recordings, and communication toolkit for guidance on funding, collaboration, and outreach.
- Frequently asked questions
For detailed guidance on eligibility, application procedures, and funding rules, consult the FAQs on the Funding and Tenders Portal.
Recordings & presentationsAccess recordings and presentations from I3 Instrument Info Days: detailed guidance, and practical tips to prepare a strong proposal.
Communication for funded projectsEffectively promote your actions and results. Plan, tailor your messaging and learn about your obligations as a EU grant recipient.
Funded projects
- 301 millioncommitted
by the end of Q1 2025, to project holders under the I3 Instrument
70funded projectsincluding both investments and capacity building projects
45investment projectsat least 70% of the funding directly allocated to companies and SMEs
25capacity building projectsecosystem growth, investment scouting, networking & benchmarking
News
On 24 September 2025, Brussels became the meeting point for Europe’s interregional innovation community. More than 170 participants from across the EU gathered for this major event: the Annual I3 Instrument Forum
I3 Instrument Work Programme 2025-2027 adopted
I3 Instrument Support Facility Discussion Groups call for experts