The IraSME network has launched its 37th call for proposals to support transnational research and development (R&D) projects with a strong industry focus and a clear pathway towards near-to-market results. The call targets companies—especially SMEs—seeking to collaborate internationally to develop innovative products, processes, or technology-based services that go beyond the current international state of the art. IraSME is not a single central funding programme; instead, it operates as a coordinated framework in which each partner in the consortium is funded by its own national or regional ministry/agency under the respective local programme rules. Because of this structure, eligibility conditions, funding rates, eligible costs, and administrative requirements differ across participating countries and regions, and applicants are strongly encouraged to contact their local funding agency early to ensure compliance.

The call is open on a bottom-up basis, meaning it is not restricted to a specific technology sector. Projects should be R&D-intensive and include significant technical risks for each funded partner, demonstrating that the work goes beyond routine engineering or incremental development. Supported activities focus on technical and experimental development up to prototype level (i.e., before market launch). Typical projects may include advanced proof-of-concept validation, prototype design and build, integration of subsystems, laboratory and relevant-environment testing, performance optimisation, and iterative engineering to de-risk the innovation. Consortia must meet a minimum constellation of at least two companies from at least two participating countries/regions, with country-specific exceptions noted by IraSME (for example, Brazil requires cooperation with an EMBRAPII unit).

For submission, the IraSME application package must be sent by email to the IraSME coordination office by the deadline. Mandatory documents include the IraSME Application Form (completed in English), plus additional attachments such as a draft consortium agreement and a Gantt chart. In parallel, each consortium partner must submit the required national/regional application documents directly to its respective funding organisation according to local rules and timelines. IraSME provides guidance documents (Guidelines for Applicants) and access to the official application form, which is distributed upon request. Overall, the call is designed to accelerate cross-border industrial innovation by enabling companies to pool complementary competencies, share development risks, and create competitive, prototype-level solutions with market potential.