I3 Instrument matchmaking event: "Connect, pitch, and explore interregional cooperation opportunities"

This session will provide a practical and structured space for regional and innovation stakeholders to pitch their project ideas and express their 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 dedicated info session are available here.

The matchmaking will be organised around three thematic priorities from the calls, identified through participants' feedback. 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 - including cybersecurity and reduction of 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.