Opportunity to innovate: New IRI S3 competition open to entrepreneurs

If you are developing New product, digital service or technological solution Based on knowledge and research, now is the ideal moment to take a step forward. On 17 June 2025, the Ministry of Economy published a new Tender for funding research and development projects - IRI S3, Worth more than €191 million in grants.

The call is open to entrepreneurs of all sizes, and is particularly important for micro, small and medium-sized companies who wish to:

• increase its competitiveness through innovation,

• develop their own products and services with high added value;

• cooperate with scientific and research institutions,

• test and validate new technologies before entering the market.

For companies that have already undergone a digital transformation process or started an innovation cycle with support EDIH Adria, this call represents logical continuation – a step towards concrete application and market valorisation of innovation.

IRI S3 call directly builds on what we do through EDIH Adria: We support companies in identifying innovation potentials, connect them with research partners and help them prepare for projects that require ambition but also strategic focus.

Take this opportunity to invest in the future of your business: not only through means, but also through knowledge, partnerships and a vision of development.

Key information

• Call title: IRI S3 - Increasing the development of new R&D-based products and services
• Total allocation: €191 million from the European Regional Development Fund
• Aid per project: from €200,000 to €2,000,000
• Eligible applicants: Micro, Small, Medium and Large Entrepreneurs
• Partners: other undertakings and/or scientific research organisations
• Start of applications: 15 September 2025
• Closing a call: 30 December 2026
• Reporting method: eCohesion
• More information: eufondovi.gov.hr

Why is this call important?

At a time when the market is rapidly changing and technology is becoming the basis of competitiveness, SMEs often do not have sufficient resources to invest in R&D on their own. That's why calls like IRI S3 They represent a key opportunity – not only for funding, but also for a strategic step towards innovations that create new value.

This call allows:

• Investing in own development – instead of buying off-the-shelf solutions, companies can develop products and services that are fully tailored to their customers and markets.

• Testing and validating ideas – Through industrial research and experimental development (TRL 2-8), projects can grow from concept to market with the support of the scientific community.

• Connecting with research institutions – cooperation with research and knowledge-dissemination organisations (R&DOs) is no longer reserved for large-scale systems only. Through this call, SMEs can build bridges to knowledge and infrastructure that they would not be able to build themselves.

• Improving technological capacity – through investments in equipment, software and knowledge, companies are given the opportunity to modernise their production and innovation processes.

• Long-term growth and entry into new markets – innovation resulting from R&D&I projects is often a key factor for internationalisation, entering new sectors or building a competitive advantage.

For all SMEs with the ambition to grow through technology, knowledge and digitalisation: IRI S3 is not just a competition, but a tool for strategic development. Through the synergy of public funds and their own innovation efforts, companies can create the products of the future – with less risk and more support.

Call details and all the necessary forms you can find it on the link!