Inno-Wide: An Opportunity for European SMEs to Explore New Global Markets

In today’s fast-paced world of globalization and innovation, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) face the dual challenge of driving technological innovation while successfully expanding into international markets. The Inno-Wide program, funded by the European Union under the European Innovative SMEs partnership and managed by the EUREKA network, was created precisely to address these needs.

What is Inno-Wide?

The main goal of Inno-Wide is to support European SMEs and startups aiming to compete in markets outside Europe (Africa, the Americas, Asia, or Oceania). The program provides a grant of €60,000 to carry out a technological or market feasibility study — typically lasting around six months — in collaboration with a local partner subcontracted in the target country.

Who can apply?

Eligible applicants include SMEs or startups based in an EU Member State or associated countries such as Iceland, Israel, Norway, Switzerland, Turkey, or the United Kingdom.
The project must focus on a non-European market (Africa, the Americas, Asia, or Oceania) and involve the collaboration of an independent local partner based in the target country to support the implementation of the feasibility study.

What does the funding cover?

Eligible expenses include, among others:

• Hiring a local partner (for market or technology studies);
• Equipment required for prototyping or testing;
• Personnel costs directly involved in the project;
• Travel expenses to the target country;
• Activities related to market entry preparation.

The goal is to help companies assess:

• The technical feasibility of their product, service, or process in the target market;
• The business model feasibility in the new geography;
• Local factors (legal, financial, cultural, behavioral) that could affect success;
• Exploitation routes for the solution (e.g., licensing, partnerships, or local production).

Why is this an excellent opportunity?

✅ Significant funding (€60,000) focused on global market exploration.
✅ Low risk, compared to direct internationalization investments.
✅ Structured feasibility framework that reduces uncertainty before market entry.
✅ Strategic added value: innovation + internationalization = increased competitiveness.

Deadlines and application calls

As stated in the official brochure, Call 4 of the Inno-Wide program runs from September 25 to November 25, 2025.

📧 For support and consulting in preparing your application, contact us at: comercial@theventurebuilder.pt