22nd I3 Support Facility Virtual Event: I3 Instrument matchmaking event

July 8, 2026, Wednesday Online

In light of opening new investment calls for proposal for the I3 Instrument, I3-INV1-2026 and I3-INV2a-2026, we are warmly inviting you to the interactive matchmaking event designed for stakeholders interested in building interregional partnerships and exploring cooperation opportunities under the I3 Instrument.

What to expect?

This session will provide a practical and structured space for regional and innovation stakeholders to pitch your project ideas and express your interest for participation in I3 investment projects, meet potential partners, and explore possible consortium-building opportunities linked to the currently open I3 Investment Calls:

I3-2026-INV1 – Interregional Innovation Investments Strand 1

I3-2026-INV2a – Interregional Innovation Investments Strand 2a

Presentation and recording from the info day is available HERE

The event will build on the I3 Support Facility services, in particular the I3 Observatory and Partner Search tools. It will help participants move from general interest in the I3 Instrument towards more concrete project ideas, partner identification, and potential cooperation opportunities.

The matchmaking will be organised around three thematic priorities from the calls:  areas identified through participant registrations and expressions of interest. Initial thematic focus areas may include:

• Green Transition – deployment of innovative solutions for industrial resilience and resource efficiency — covering low-carbon industrial transformation and smart, sustainable cities
• Smart Manufacturing – accelerating transformation of European industrial ecosystems — including pilot lines, testbeds, and co-creation with SMEs, clusters, and end-users to scale advanced manufacturing
• Digital Transition – deployment and scale-up of digital technologies to strengthen Europe’s competitiveness, productivity, and resilience — explicitly including cybersecurity and reducing the digital divide

Participants will be allocated to thematic breakout rooms based on the information provided during registration.

Selected participants will also be invited to deliver 3-5 minute project idea pitches using a common one-slide template. Each pitch will briefly present the project idea, thematic area, partners sought and cooperation needs.

The matchmaking session will not follow a speed-dating format. Instead, it will be organised as moderated thematic discussions where participants can listen to pitches, ask questions, identify complementarities, discuss missing expertise or consortium roles, and express interest in possible cooperation.

Who is this virtual event for?

This virtual event is intended for innovation stakeholders across Europe interested in exploring interregional partnerships and the I3 Instrument, including businesses, research and technology centres, higher education institutions, cluster organisations, innovation agencies, national and regional governments, regional development agencies, SMEs, managing authorities and other organisations involved in innovation ecosystems.

Event agenda

14:00 – 14:05          Welcome and introduction: objectives of the session and expected outcomes

14:05 – 14:15          I3 Support Facility services and partner-search tools

14:15 – 14:55          Project idea pitches by selected participants using a one-slide template

14:55 – 15:00          Introduction to the matchmaking process, including the Miro board, thematic breakout rooms and interaction

15:00 – 15:45          Thematic matchmaking round in moderated breakout rooms

15:45 – 15:55          Return to plenary: key reflections from thematic moderators

15:55 – 16:00          Wrap-up, follow-up steps and invitation to continue networking through direct contacts and I3 tools

Click here to register