Deadline: 30-Sep-2026
The 38th IraSME Call for Proposals supports international research, development, and innovation (R&D&I) projects involving small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and research organizations. The program funds collaborative projects that develop innovative products, processes, and technical services beyond the current state of the art while strengthening cross-border cooperation, competitiveness, and commercialization potential.
Overview
The 38th IraSME Call for Proposals is an international funding initiative designed to encourage collaborative innovation among SMEs and research and technology organizations across participating countries and regions.
The program supports high-impact R&D projects that involve significant technical challenges and strong market potential. Through international cooperation, participating organizations can share expertise, reduce innovation risks, accelerate technology development, and improve competitiveness in global markets.
Funding is provided through national and regional ministries and agencies that participate in the IraSME network, with each partner funded according to the rules of its respective national or regional program.
Program Details
- Program Name: 38th IraSME Call for Proposals
- Program Type: International Research, Development, and Innovation Funding
- Target Applicants: SMEs and Research & Technology Organizations (RTOs)
- Project Duration: 12 to 36 months
- Collaboration Requirement: International consortium
- Funding Source: National and regional funding agencies within the IraSME network
- Project Focus: Development of innovative products, processes, and technical services
Key Focus Areas
The program supports projects involving:
- International research and development (R&D)
- Technological innovation
- Product development
- Process innovation
- Technical service development
- Prototype development
- Applied research
- Experimental development
- Industrial innovation
- SME competitiveness
- Technology transfer
- Cross-border collaboration
- International innovation networks
- Market-oriented innovation
- Research-industry partnerships
- Commercialization of technology
What is the IraSME Program?
IraSME is an international network that promotes collaborative research and innovation projects among companies and research institutions from different countries.
The initiative aims to help SMEs access international expertise, share development costs, reduce innovation risks, and create technologies that can compete in global markets.
Projects funded through IraSME are expected to deliver solutions that exceed the current international state of the art and demonstrate clear commercial and technological value.
Program Objectives
The call seeks to:
- Strengthen the competitiveness of SMEs.
- Encourage international cooperation in research and innovation.
- Support collaboration between businesses and research institutions.
- Accelerate development of innovative technologies.
- Reduce risks associated with innovation investments.
- Promote market-oriented research and development.
- Support prototype development and validation.
- Expand international innovation networks.
Types of Projects Supported
Funding is available for projects focused on developing:
New Products
Projects may create innovative products that provide significant technological improvements or introduce entirely new solutions to the market.
New Processes
Applicants may develop improved manufacturing, production, operational, or technological processes that increase efficiency or performance.
Technical Services
The program supports innovative technical services that provide enhanced functionality, performance, or market value.
Prototype Development
Projects may include technical and experimental development activities up to the prototype stage.
This includes:
- Design validation
- Technology testing
- Demonstration activities
- Prototype construction
- Proof-of-concept development
Innovation Requirements
Projects must go beyond the current international state of the art.
Applicants should clearly demonstrate:
- Technological novelty
- Innovative approaches
- Competitive advantages
- Market relevance
- Potential commercial impact
Incremental improvements with limited innovation content are generally less competitive than projects offering substantial technological advancements.
Technical Risk and Market Potential
A defining feature of the IraSME program is its support for projects involving significant technical risk.
Projects should demonstrate:
- Challenging technological objectives
- Scientific or engineering uncertainty
- Experimental development requirements
- Strong commercialization opportunities
- Scalable market applications
The program recognizes that breakthrough innovations often involve technical uncertainties that require collaborative research and development efforts.
Consortium Requirements
International collaboration is mandatory.
Projects must include:
- At least two companies.
- Participants from at least two participating countries or regions.
Certain participating regions may have specific exceptions or additional requirements, depending on their funding regulations.
The consortium structure should ensure meaningful collaboration among partners and clear distribution of responsibilities.
Role of Research and Technology Organizations
Research and Technology Organizations (RTOs) can participate by:
- Providing technical expertise.
- Supporting research activities.
- Assisting with testing and validation.
- Contributing specialized facilities and equipment.
- Facilitating knowledge transfer.
The program encourages strong partnerships between industry and research institutions to accelerate innovation outcomes.
Who Is Eligible?
Eligible applicants may include:
- Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs)
- Research and Technology Organizations (RTOs)
- Applied research institutions
- Innovation-focused companies
- Industrial technology developers
All participants must satisfy the eligibility requirements established by their respective national or regional funding agency.
Funding Structure
Funding is administered through national and regional funding programs participating in the IraSME network.
As a result:
- Funding rates may vary by country.
- Budget limits may differ between regions.
- National eligibility rules apply.
- Evaluation procedures may include both international and national assessments.
Applicants should review the requirements of their local funding authority before preparing a proposal.
Project Duration
Eligible projects may have a duration of:
- Minimum: 12 months
- Maximum: 36 months
The project timeline should align with the complexity of the proposed innovation activities and development milestones.
Required Application Documents
Applicants are required to submit:
- IraSME proposal form
- Signed proposal by all project partners
- Draft consortium agreement
- Supporting technical documentation
- National or regional application documents where applicable
All required documents must be submitted according to the guidelines established by the IraSME network and participating funding agencies.
How to Apply
Step 1: Build an International Consortium
Identify eligible partners from at least two participating countries or regions.
Step 2: Define the Innovation Project
Develop a project that introduces a new product, process, or technical service beyond the current state of the art.
Step 3: Assign Partner Responsibilities
Clearly define technical roles, work packages, and expected contributions of each partner.
Step 4: Prepare the Proposal
Develop a comprehensive proposal describing:
- Innovation objectives
- Technical approach
- Market opportunity
- Project timeline
- Consortium structure
- Risk management strategy
Step 5: Draft the Consortium Agreement
Prepare a draft agreement outlining collaboration arrangements, intellectual property management, and partner responsibilities.
Step 6: Obtain Signatures
Ensure all consortium partners sign the IraSME proposal.
Step 7: Submit the Application
Submit the proposal and required documents via email according to the call instructions.
Step 8: Complete National Requirements
Each partner must also fulfill any national or regional funding requirements applicable in their jurisdiction.
Why This Program Matters
International innovation projects often require expertise, resources, and market access that exceed the capabilities of a single organization.
The IraSME program helps:
- Reduce innovation risks.
- Increase SME competitiveness.
- Strengthen international partnerships.
- Accelerate commercialization.
- Expand access to new markets.
- Support breakthrough technologies.
- Promote cross-border knowledge exchange.
By supporting collaborative R&D, the initiative contributes to stronger innovation ecosystems and sustainable economic growth.
Tips for a Strong Proposal
- Demonstrate clear technological innovation.
- Explain how the project exceeds current market standards.
- Present strong commercialization potential.
- Include experienced international partners.
- Clearly define partner roles and responsibilities.
- Address technical risks and mitigation strategies.
- Provide realistic budgets and timelines.
- Highlight long-term market opportunities.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Forming a consortium that does not meet eligibility requirements.
- Submitting projects with limited innovation value.
- Failing to demonstrate market potential.
- Providing unclear work packages or responsibilities.
- Ignoring national funding requirements.
- Submitting incomplete consortium agreements.
- Underestimating technical risks.
- Presenting unrealistic timelines or budgets.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the 38th IraSME Call for Proposals?
It is an international funding program that supports collaborative R&D and innovation projects involving SMEs and research organizations from participating countries.
Who can apply?
SMEs and Research & Technology Organizations participating in eligible international consortia may apply, subject to national funding rules.
What types of projects are funded?
Projects focused on developing innovative products, processes, and technical services that exceed the current state of the art are eligible.
Is international collaboration required?
Yes. Projects must generally involve at least two companies from two participating countries or regions.
Can research organizations participate?
Yes. Research and Technology Organizations may participate alongside industry partners and contribute research expertise.
How long can projects last?
Projects may run between 12 and 36 months.
What documents are required?
Applicants must submit a signed IraSME proposal, a draft consortium agreement, and any additional documents required by participating funding agencies.
Conclusion
The 38th IraSME Call for Proposals provides an important opportunity for SMEs and research organizations to collaborate on ambitious international innovation projects. By supporting the development of advanced products, processes, and technical services, the program helps organizations reduce innovation risks, strengthen global competitiveness, expand international partnerships, and accelerate the commercialization of cutting-edge technologies. Through its emphasis on cross-border collaboration and high-impact R&D, IraSME continues to play a significant role in advancing innovation-driven economic growth.
For more information, visit IraSME.