SYSTEMEU Open Call: €7.55 million in EU funding for interregional innovation projects
15/09/2026
The first SYSTEMEU Open Call supports cross-border projects that further develop, test and validate innovative digital solutions in real-world environments. Projects should be at Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 6 to 8, meaning that the technologies have already reached a comparatively advanced level of maturity. Projects will run for 15 to 18 months.
Funding is provided through Financial Support to Third Parties (FSTP), also known as Cascade Funding. A total of €7.55 million is available.
BayFOR supports Bavarian stakeholders in the EU project SYSTEMEU
The Bavarian Research Alliance (BayFOR) is a project partner in SYSTEMEU and supports the participation of Bavarian stakeholders in European cooperation. Within the Open Call, BayFOR advises applicants from Bavaria on proposal preparation and helps them identify suitable international project partners.
SYSTEMEU thus offers companies, start-ups, universities, research institutions and other organisations from Bavaria the opportunity to connect with partners from other European regions and jointly advance digital innovations in health, energy and mobility.
Five European regions cooperate in SYSTEMEU
Eligible consortia must include partners from the five regions participating in the EU-funded SYSTEMEU project:
- Bavaria (Germany)
- Norte (Portugal)
- Castilla y León (Spain)
- North-West Romania
- Tuzla Canton (Bosnia and Herzegovina)
The composition of the consortium depends on the size of the project.
Up to €2.2 million in funding for interregional projects
Three project categories are available depending on the size and regional composition of the consortium:
- Small projects: 2 to 3 partners from at least two SYSTEMEU regions; funding of up to €750,000
- Medium-sized projects: 3 to 5 partners from at least three SYSTEMEU regions; funding of up to €1.1 million
- Flagship projects: 5 to 8 partners from all five SYSTEMEU regions; funding of up to €2.2 million
Each organisation can receive a maximum of €600,000 across projects funded under the SYSTEMEU Open Call.
Funding rates for start-ups, SMEs and research institutions
Funding rates depend on the type of organisation. Start-ups can receive funding of up to 100% under certain conditions. Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) can receive up to 70%, while large companies can receive up to 50%.
Universities and research institutions as well as certain public and non-profit organisations may also be eligible for funding of up to 100%.
The deadline for applications to the SYSTEMEU Open Call is 16 November 2026 at 17:00 Brussels time.
Support with proposal preparation and partner search
The OpenHubs platform is available to help applicants find suitable partners. In addition, as a partner of the Enterprise Europe Network (EEN), BayFOR supports companies and other stakeholders in establishing European networks and international cooperation.
Are you interested in the SYSTEMEU Open Call and would like to find out whether your project idea is eligible for funding? BayFOR advises stakeholders from Bavaria on funding opportunities, proposal preparation and the search for international project partners.
Further information on the SYSTEMEU Open Call
M. Sc. Julia Richter
Scientific Officer SME Advisory Services
Phone: +49 89 9901888-173
Email: richter@no-spam-pleasebayfor.org
Natalia García Mozo
Head of Unit SME Advisory Services
Phone: +49 89 9901888-171
Email: mozo@no-spam-pleasebayfor.org
Competence Centre for Research and Innovation Funding in Bavaria, Europe and the World
Competence Centre for Research and Innovation Funding in Bavaria, Europe and the World
