Partner Search: I3 Strand 2a — AI & Green Transformation for SMEs
Zeus Consulting is developing a new project under the I3 Instrument 2026 (Strand 2a) focused on AI-enabled green and digital transformation of SMEs. We are looking for European partners — regional agencies, DIHs, clusters, chambers and SME support organisations.
Zeus Consulting is actively seeking European partners for a new project proposal under the I3 Instrument 2026 (Strand 2a). Interested organisations are invited to contact: info@zeusconsulting.com
Zeus Consulting is currently developing a new project concept under the Interregional Innovation Investments — I3 Instrument 2026, Strand 2a, with a focus on the AI-enabled green and digital transformation of SMEs in interregional value chains.
The proposed initiative aims to support small and medium-sized enterprises in less developed and transition regions to adopt mature digital, AI-enabled and green solutions, strengthen their investment readiness, and connect more effectively with European innovation ecosystems and value chains. The concept is being designed as a practical deployment and scale-up project, with a strong focus on real SME needs, pilot implementation, market readiness and interregional cooperation.
The project will be particularly relevant for sectors such as agri-food, tourism, circular economy, smart manufacturing, local services and the wider green and digital transition of SMEs. Through a structured support pathway, participating SMEs would be able to assess their digital and green readiness, identify investment gaps, test mature solutions in real business environments, and explore new opportunities for commercialisation and scale-up.
What Kind of Partners Are We Looking For?
- —Regional innovation agencies and development organisations
- —Chambers of commerce with access to SME networks
- —SME support organisations and business incubators
- —Digital Innovation Hubs (DIH) and competence centres
- —Sectoral clusters in agri-food, tourism, circular economy, smart manufacturing
- —Research and technology organisations with validation capacities
- —Innovation actors from more developed European regions with market access and scale-up experience
About the I3 Instrument
The I3 Instrument (Interregional Innovation Investments) is a European funding instrument that supports interregional cooperation projects aimed at developing interregional value chains and strengthening innovation systems in less developed regions. Strand 2a focuses on deployment and scale-up projects with a strong emphasis on real business pilots, market readiness and interregional cooperation. Rather than focusing only on training or awareness-raising, the proposal will seek to help SMEs move towards the actual adoption of innovative solutions that can improve competitiveness, sustainability and business performance.
Organisations active in these areas and interested in exploring potential collaboration are invited to contact Zeus Consulting. Let's connect: info@zeusconsulting.com
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