I3-2026-INV2a - Interregional Innovation Investments Strand 2a

Eligible expenses typically include costs directly related to the implementation of the innovation project, including personnel, equipment, subcontracting, travel, and other project-related activities. Eligible expenses must comply with the rules defined in the detailed call document and the EU Grants Model Grant Agreement.

Contributions to the EU’s digital transition, green transition, or smart manufacturing priorities.

Strengthened European value chains through interregional investment cases with deployment and scale-up potential.

Balanced participation of less developed, transition and more developed regions.

Project maturity, clarity of business and investment cases, and involvement of SMEs.

Potential for market uptake, commercialisation, long-term integration, and follow-up investment.

Quality of policy recommendations and exploitation strategies.

Specific exclusions are not detailed in the summary provided. Exclusions would follow EU standard rules and any restrictions described in the official call documents.

Projects must provide action-oriented policy recommendations at project conclusion, with practical, evidence-based guidance for regional, national, and European policymakers, including conditions for follow-up investment, practical implementation, and replication.

Consortium submits an application through the EU Funding & Tenders Portal using the standard I3 application form and budget template.

Submission and evaluation processes outlined in sections 8 and 9 of the call document, with assessment against set award criteria, scoring, and thresholds.

Completed I3 application form (Part B and financial tables).

Detailed description of business and investment cases, project objectives, and role of participants.

Evidence of compliance with eligibility and operational capacity criteria.

S3 Compliance Declaration and commitment of partners.