New funding round for international R&D cooperation launched

22.01.2026

The 37th call for proposals of the international funding network IraSME is open. Medium-sized companies and research institutions from several participating countries can now submit applications for international R&D cooperation projects. The deadline is March 25, 2026.

The 37th call for proposals of the international funding network IraSME has officially started. SMEs and cooperating research institutions from the participating countries and regions have until March 25, 2026 to submit funding applications for innovative, market-oriented research and development projects. The aim of the program is to strengthen cross-border cooperation and promote marketable technological developments in companies.
As in previous calls, the Central Innovation Program for SMEs (ZIM) of the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy is available as a funding instrument for German applicants. It enables the funding of international collaborative projects with non-repayable grants, which are awarded pro rata to the eligible costs.

Funding is available for R&D cooperation projects between companies or alliances of companies and research institutions that develop innovative products, processes or technical services with high market potential. The call for proposals is expressly open to all technologies and sectors, so that a broad spectrum of projects is addressed.
Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), other medium-sized enterprises and non-commercial research institutions are eligible to apply as cooperation partners, in accordance with the respective guidelines of the participating countries and regions.

Partners from the following countries are taking part in the current call for proposals:

• Belgium (Flanders and Wallonia regions)
• Brazil
• Germany, Luxembourg
• Luxembourg
• Czech Republic
• Turkey

Find out more

All information on the current call for proposals is published on the official pages:

• - ZIM (German): zim.de - International Call for Proposals IraSME
• - IraSME (English): ira-sme.net - Current Call

In addition, an online matchmaking service is now available on the IraSME website to help companies and research institutions find international project partners for joint projects.
Another offer is an English-language webinar on January 20, 2026, which will be held by several participating funding bodies. Registration is now open and free of charge.
Jenny Gudlat and her team from the project management organization AiF Projekt GmbH will be happy to answer any questions at +49 (0)30 48163-589 / -525 or by email at international(at)aif-projekt-gmbh.de.

Note: AI was used in part to prepare this news item.

Do you have any questions about our international activities or would you like advice on (inter)national funding opportunities? Please do not hesitate to contact us.