This funding call supports international research and innovation projects between Southeast Asia and Europe under the “Southeast Asia – Europe Joint Funding Scheme for Research and Innovation”. Issued within the framework of the German Federal Government’s strategy for the internationalisation of education, science, and research, the call focuses on advancing collaboration in the field of “New Materials and Green Transition”. The initiative is aligned with Germany’s Indo-Pacific guidelines and the Hightech Agenda Germany, aiming to strengthen scientific cooperation, diversify international partnerships, and enhance technological sovereignty.

The programme addresses the growing importance of Southeast Asia as a dynamic partner in research, innovation, and economic development. By fostering collaboration between European and Southeast Asian researchers, the call contributes to strengthening the European Research Area (ERA) and its global integration. It aims to build long-term, sustainable partnerships and promote knowledge exchange, technology transfer, and economic cooperation between the two regions.

The funding focuses on research and development activities related to innovative materials that support sustainable transformation across multiple industries. New materials are considered essential for achieving climate-neutral energy systems, efficient resource use, circular economy approaches, and advanced manufacturing. The call therefore supports projects that develop and apply functional materials for areas such as energy conversion, cooling technologies, electronics, and medical applications. Research topics include nanomaterials, bio-based and hybrid materials, thermo-electric materials, magnetic cooling materials, advanced sorbents, and self-healing or self-regulating materials.

In addition, projects are expected to explore advanced synthesis and manufacturing techniques, scalable production methods, and the integration of materials research into digital ecosystems. Activities such as modelling, in-situ analysis, and predictive design of material properties are encouraged. The use of digital platforms such as “MaterialDigital” is recommended to enhance data-driven research and interoperability.

The programme supports both individual and collaborative projects; however, only multinational consortia are eligible. Each consortium must consist of at least three partners from three different countries, including at least one partner from Europe (with German participation) and one from Southeast Asia. The initiative promotes interdisciplinary collaboration and encourages the involvement of SMEs, research institutions, and industry partners. Projects may also include networking activities such as workshops, researcher exchanges, and joint dissemination efforts.

Funding is provided as non-repayable grants for a duration of up to 36 months. For German participants, funding is limited to up to 150.000 € per project. Eligible costs include personnel, equipment, consumables, travel, workshops, and dissemination activities. The programme also aims to support the preparation of follow-up proposals for national and European funding schemes.

The application process is two-stage. In the first stage, project proposals must be submitted in English via the PT-Outline system by 31 March 2026. Selected applicants will then be invited to submit full proposals at the national level. The evaluation will consider scientific excellence, innovation potential, quality of the consortium, and expected impact.

Opening: 20.02.2026
Deadline(s): 31.03.2026

This funding opportunity represents an early draft that has not yet been officially approved by the European Commission. It is expected that details of the calls will change until finalization. The final, approved version is expected to be published by End of 2025. This draft is provided for informational purposes and may be used to preliminarily form consortia and develop project ideas, but it is offered without any guarantee.