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EU Grant Opportunity: International Market Feasibility and R&D Collaboration
The International Market Feasibility Grant is an EU-supported initiative designed specifically for innovative Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) aiming to validate and commercialize their innovative technologies, products, or services in global markets. This strategic funding mechanism empowers SMEs from ICPE member states to enter into partnerships with innovative EU companies.
The core purpose of this initiative is to reduce risks associated with international expansion by supporting comprehensive feasibility studies, enabling SMEs to explore the potential of new international markets and identify reliable local partners. This proactive approach directs the way for informed market entry decisions, sustainable growth, and long-term international partnerships.
Key Details of the Programme
- Project Objective
Feasibility study to evaluate technical, market, legal, and socio-economic aspects before international market entry - Funding Available
Up to €60,000 per SME (covers 70% of a minimum total budget of €86,000) - Programme Duration: 6 months
- Project Scope
Innovative product/service/process intended for civil use
It should outline a combination of activities (technical, commercial, legal etc.) to assess market feasibility - Application Cycle
Next funding call expected: July–October 2025 - Partnership Requirement
Mandatory partnership with an EU or associated country, which is the technology provider - Target Countries
Africa, Americas, Asia, Oceania
Eligibility Criteria at a Glance
SMEs must fulfill the following eligibility criteria:
- Company Size: Legally established SME based in EU Member States or associated countries: Iceland, Israel, Norway, Türkiye, United Kingdom.
- Innovation Profile: Product, service, or process with clear innovation.
- Local Collaboration: Required local partner (main subcontractor) from the target market country.
- Target Market: Non-European market in Africa, Americas, Asia, or Oceania.
- Purpose: Exclusively civilian applications (no military-related projects).
- Budget & Duration: Minimum total project budget of €86,000; mandatory project duration of 6 months.
- Compliance: Complete, timely, and fully documented application submitted online.
ICPE may propose an eligible SME (technology provider) based in Slovenia or other EU Member States or associated countries as a suitable partner to the local partner (main subcontractor) according to the guidance by the concerned authority of the ICPE Member States.
Programme Benefits Beyond Funding
Participating SMEs will benefit far beyond the financial grant itself:
Market intelligence – Deep, actionable insights into local markets, competition, and consumer behavior.
International Networks – Opportunity to build strategic local partnerships essential for sustained global expansion.
Reduced Risks – Extensive pre-entry validation of business models significantly mitigates risks.
Enhanced Business Planning – Improved internationalization strategy and increased credibility with investors and stakeholders.
Long-Term Growth Prospects – Facilitates entry to broader international projects and commercial partnerships, boosting global competitiveness.
Evaluation and Award Process
Expert Assessment (Remote):
Evaluated by international experts based on Innovation Excellence (30%), Potential Market Impact (40%) and Project Feasibility & Quality (30%).
Panel Review and Final Selection:
Independent expert panel conducts a final review, ensuring fairness and consistency; Ethics compliance check to confirm eligibility; Final ranked selection and reserve lists established.
Award Announcement:
SMEs notified individually; selected projects receive a grant agreement. Funding disbursement: 70% at project initiation, 30% upon successful completion and final report approval.
Timeline for Results:
For reference, the Call 3 (2024) evaluation results were intended to be communicated by Q1 2025.Typically, applicants wait a few months after the call deadline to hear back. The process is transparent and includes a redress mechanism: if the proposal is rejected a complaint (redress) may be filed to have the process reviewed.
ICPE’s Preparatory Support Services
ICPE provides comprehensive support services to strengthen SMEs’ proposals and enhance their chances of success:
- Tailored guidance and strategic advisory
- Connecting SMEs in target country with an appropriate partner eligible to apply for the project
- Expert reviews of proposal drafts to ensure completeness, clarity, and strength
- Enhanced insights into local market dynamics and potential barriers
- Support in navigating documentation, application submission, and compliance requirements
Next Steps for SMEs Interested in Applying
This grant opportunity is uniquely structured to foster mutual cooperation between European SMEs and relevant stakeholders in developing markets. It offers two complementary pathways that allow either party, the SME or the target country to initiate and shape the feasibility study project.
Option 1: Target Country–Initiated
Target Country (ICPE Member State) identifies a local entity (such as a company, research institute, or technical agency) to act as the local partner (main subcontractor),
Defining the type of feasibility study needed,
Communicating the development need to ICPE.
ICPE will then match this request with a suitable, pre-qualified technology provider SME from the EU or associated countries that has the right innovation, expertise, and capacity to carry out the feasibility study.
Option 2: SME-Initiated
The EU-based SME, identified by ICPE and possessing a clear innovation or technology to be explored in the recipient country, will collaborate with ICPE to define the scope and objectives of the feasibility study.
ICPE will request the concerned authorities in the target country to identify a suitable local counterpart who can support implementation.
Organizations are invited to complete the form below to express their interest in the Grant Opportunity.
For any questions or clarifications, feel free to contact us at programmes@icpe.int.