Deadline: 25-Mar-2026
The 37th IraSME Call supports international research, technology development, and innovation projects led by SMEs and research and technology organisations. It funds collaborative cross-border R&D efforts that develop new or improved products, processes, or technical services with strong commercial potential. Applicants must demonstrate innovation, technical risk, market relevance, and a clear need for public funding.
Overview
The 37th IraSME Call invites small and medium-sized enterprises and research and technology organisations to work together on international RTDI projects. The objective is to strengthen the innovation capacity and competitive performance of SMEs through structured cross-border collaboration. The programme supports projects that aim to exceed the current state of the art, reduce market risks, and accelerate the development of commercially viable solutions.
What the Call Supports
IraSME funds research, technology, development, and innovation projects that:
• Develop new or significantly improved products, processes, or technical services
• Strengthen SMEs’ capabilities through international cooperation networks
• Present strong commercial potential and realistic market opportunities
• Demonstrate clear technical risks and measurable expected outcomes
Projects must show how international cooperation enhances innovation quality, reduces development risks, and expands scale and competitiveness.
Participating Countries and Regions
The 37th call brings together an expanded international network including:
• Brazil
• Czech Republic
• Flanders (Belgium)
• Germany
• Luxembourg
• Türkiye
• Wallonia (Belgium)
Key Concept: Financial Additionality
Financial additionality ensures that public funds are provided only where necessary. At least one of the following conditions must be true:
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The project cannot proceed without public funding.
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The project would be smaller or limited in scope without funding.
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The project would face significant delays without public support.
Applicants must clearly justify why public funding is essential for successful execution.
Who Is Eligible?
Eligibility applies to:
• SMEs from participating regions
• Research and technology organisations collaborating with SMEs
• International consortia involving partners from at least two participating countries or regions
• Projects lasting 12 to 36 months
Proposals must be signed by all partners and meet national or regional participation rules. A draft consortium agreement must be included at submission.
Why It Matters
This programme strengthens global innovation by enabling SMEs to:
• Access international knowledge and technology
• Reduce development risks through shared research
• Unlock new markets and commercial opportunities
• Increase competitiveness through advanced R&D collaboration
IraSME allows smaller companies to operate like global innovators by leveraging shared expertise and funding.
How to Apply (Step-by-Step)
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Form an international consortium with eligible partners from participating countries or regions.
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Define a project that develops new or significantly improved products, processes, or technical services.
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Demonstrate clear innovation, technical risk, and market potential.
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Prepare national/regional application documents according to local rules.
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Draft a consortium agreement outlining roles, rights, and responsibilities.
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Complete the IraSME proposal form with detailed work plan and expected outcomes.
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Ensure all partners sign the proposal.
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Submit the complete package by email before the deadline, including the draft consortium agreement.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Submitting without a strong demonstration of technical risk
• Weak justification for financial additionality
• Missing signatures or incomplete consortium agreement
• Ignoring national or regional funding rules
• Proposing routine improvements instead of true innovation
• Vague or unrealistic market potential analysis
FAQ
1. What types of projects are funded?
Projects focused on developing new or significantly improved products, processes, or technical services with clear innovation and market relevance.
2. Do partners need to be from different countries?
Yes. At least two partners must come from different participating countries or regions.
3. Can large companies apply?
Large companies may participate in some regions, but SMEs must be central to the consortium.
4. What is the required project duration?
Projects must run between 12 and 36 months.
5. Is a consortium agreement mandatory?
Yes. A draft consortium agreement must be submitted with the proposal.
6. How important is market potential?
Market potential is critical. Proposals must demonstrate realistic commercial opportunities.
7. What is financial additionality?
It means proving that the project needs public funding because it would not proceed, would be smaller, or would be delayed without it.
Conclusion
The 37th IraSME Call is a strategic opportunity for SMEs and RTOs aiming to accelerate innovation through international cooperation. By fostering cross-border R&D partnerships, IraSME reduces technical risks, expands market potential, and strengthens global competitiveness. Strongly prepared proposals that demonstrate clear innovation, technical risk, financial need, and commercial relevance stand the best chance of receiving support.
For more information, visit IraSME.
