I3 INSTRUMENT – I3-2026-CAP2B – Capacity Building- 2026

Objectives

• To build capacity in less developed regions to develop and strengthen their regional innovation ecosystems and value chains
• To improve the capacity of public authorities and innovation intermediaries
• To build capacities for a successful participation in Strand 1 or Strand 2a calls or other complementary EU programmes
• To ensure that the knowledge and capabilities gained during the project can be replicated, adapted, and embedded in the regional ecosystem

Priorities

• Priority 1: Strengthening regional innovation ecosystems
• Priority 2: Facilitating knowledge and talent mobilisation
• Priority 3: Increasing investment readiness through improved business and investment planning
• Priority 4: Enhancing value chain integration through ecosystem building and S3 partnerships

Among financed actions

•  Coordination and support actions targeting regional actors

Proposals must include at least one core action (see call document)

Eligibility

• Be a legal entity (public or private bodies)
• Be established in one of the eligible countries, i.e.:
  • EU Member States (including overseas countries and territories (OCTs))
  • non-EU countries:
    • 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 (list of participating countries)
• A consortium composed of minimum 2 independent legal entities representing 2 regional ecosystems from 2 different eligible countries must be constituted. Other conditions detailed in the call document.

Additional information

• Initial duration of the action: between 18 and 24 months

Extensions are possible, if duly justified and through an amendment of the grant agreement.

• Contact: EISMEA-I3-INSTRUMENT-CALLS@ec.europa.eu

Useful

• Guidelines: Click here
• Other call documents: Click here
• Executive Agency website: Click here
• More information: Click here

• Total budget of the call: 9.8 millions
• Amount of the grant: between 500.000 and 1.5 million euros
• Funding rate: up to 100% of the total eligible costs