Implementing co-funded action plans for connected regional innovation valleys

The main goal of this opportunity is to build efficient, open, and interconnected European innovation ecosystems. It aims to accelerate innovation across the EU by focusing on regional strengths and reducing the innovation divide. The initiative supports key areas such as the green and digital transitions, net-zero objectives, and deep tech, with the goal of enhancing EU value chains and tackling societal challenges. Geographic coverage includes both Member States and Associated Countries of the European Union, specifically targeting regions with varying levels of innovation capacity.

• Consortium Composition: Must include at least three national or regional authorities from three different Member States or Associated Countries, with at least one from a "moderate/emerging" innovator region and one from a "strong/leader" innovator region.
• Complementary Funding: A single letter of intent must indicate the source of the required 50% complementary funding.
• Cost Allocation: At least 50% of total eligible costs must go to financial support for third parties and/or to Pre-Commercial Procurement (PCP) or Public Procurement of Innovative solutions (PPI).
• Thematic Focus: Applicants must select a technological area and agree on action plans before submission, focusing on interregional innovation projects linked to EU priorities.
• Project Outcomes: Projects must deliver tangible results, focus on technology development/deployment (TRL 6-8), and involve cooperation between research and innovation actors.
• Exclusions: Identical proposals submitted under a specific call are not eligible.
• Additional Requirements: Proposals must plan for the competitive selection and funding of at least three interregional innovation projects and demonstrate scalability and EU added value.

Example Projects:

• Launching a cross-border deep tech accelerator program involving regions with different innovation capacities.
• Developing and deploying green technology solutions through a consortium of regional authorities and research institutes from three EU countries.
• Implementing public procurement for innovative digital health solutions across several EU regions with varying innovation strengths.

• Financial support to third parties (FSTP) for interregional innovation projects
• Costs related to Pre-Commercial Procurement (PCP) activities
• Costs related to Public Procurement of Innovative solutions (PPI)
• Personnel costs directly involved in project implementation
• Travel and accommodation expenses for project-related activities
• Equipment and materials necessary for project activities
• External expertise and consultancy services
• Communication, dissemination, and networking costs
• Training and capacity-building activities
• Project management and coordination costs

Restriction: At least 50% of the total eligible costs must be allocated to FSTP and/or PCP/PPI. The maximum financial support to third parties is EUR 600,000 per project.

• Co-financing rate: 50% of the total eligible costs
• Budget for this Call: 35,000,000€
• Number of Grants attributed: 5
• Maximum value per project: 8,000,000€
• Minimum value per project: 5,000,000€

• Consortium of at least three national or regional authorities from three different Member States or Associated Countries
• At least one consortium partner from a "moderate/emerging" innovator region and one from a "strong/leader" innovator region
• Associated Countries classified by their innovation ranking may also participate under specific conditions
• At least 50% of eligible costs must be for FSTP and/or PCP/PPI activities
• A single letter of intent must confirm the source of the required 50% complementary funding
• Applicants must agree on a thematic area and action plan before submission
• Proposals must include plans for competitive selection and funding of at least three interregional innovation projects
• Applicants must demonstrate scalability, EU added value, and synergies with other strategies or funds