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Expanding Investment Ecosystems
EU-wide call to strengthen connected innovation ecosystems; funding for transnational consortia to mobilize private investments in less developed regions. Application deadline: 20.01.2026.
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Grant criteria
Funding objective
Strengthening and expanding interconnected European innovation ecosystems through inclusive, systemic collaboration among various stakeholders to support start-ups from 'Moderate/Emerging Innovator' regions, to mobilize venture investments, and to enhance cross-border innovation cooperation.
Eligible expenses
- Personnel expenses
- Material costs
- Travel expenses
- Subcontractor services
- Market analyses and consulting costs
Non-eligible expenses
- Real estate acquisitions
- Retroactive costs
- Debt settlement
Eligible to apply
- Public Institutions
- Companies
- Non-profit Organizations
Funding requirements
- At least three independent legal entities from three EU or associated countries
- At least one partner from a 'Moderate/Emerging Innovator' region and one from a 'Strong/Innovation Leader' region
- Focus on consortium formation between business acceleration providers, investor networks, and innovation hubs
Documents required for application
- Project description
- Financing plan
- Curriculum vitae of the project management
- Market analysis report
- Consortium agreement
- Documentation of the R&D phases
Evaluation criteria
- Excellence
- Impact
- Quality and efficiency of implementation
Description
With a funding volume of up to €1,000,000 per project, this EU-wide grant program supports transnational consortia in mobilizing private venture investments in less developed regions (“Moderate/Emerging Innovator”). It funds 24-month projects that enable inclusive, systemic collaboration between business acceleration service providers, investor networks, and innovation hubs. Participation of at least three independent legal entities from three EU or associated countries is required – including at least one organization from “Moderate/Emerging Innovator” regions and one from “Strong/Innovation Leader” regions. The objective is to strengthen interconnected European innovation ecosystems through targeted exchange of expertise, market and regulatory knowledge, as well as joint activation measures. Applicants bring expertise in digitalization, corporate financing, research & innovation, and consulting services.
Eligible for funding are public institutions, companies, and non-profit organizations based in the EU or associated states. The funding scope includes, among others, personnel expenses, material costs, travel expenses, subcontractor services, as well as market analyses and consulting costs; real estate acquisitions, retroactive costs, and debt settlement are considered ineligible. Selected project consortia receive 100% cost coverage. Evaluation criteria include excellence, impact, and quality and efficiency of implementation. Submission of complete application documents – including project description, financing plan, CV of project leader, market analysis report, consortium agreement, and documentation of R&D phases – is possible until January 20, 2026, 17:00 (Brussels time).
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