The STIPP Instrument approves nine SME innovation projects worth €2.4 million ERDF

Results of Call 2

The Meuse Rhine region is home to strong industries and innovation ecosystems. Yet, cross border collaboration can still be complex for SMEs. STIPP (SME Transition Innovation Partner Projects) addresses this by offering an accessible pathway for SMEs to find the right partners, build cross border consortia and develop high quality innovation projects. Supported by a coalition of regional development agencies, STIPP creates tangible added value through targeted outreach, partner matchmaking and grant support, helping innovations move faster from idea to implementation and reinforcing the region’s long term competitiveness.

STIPP has announced the results of Call 2, approving nine cross-border innovation projects with a combined ERDF value of approximately €2.4 million. With an approval rate of 82%, the selected initiatives represent a total project budget of nearly €5 million.

The nine initiatives involve 26 SMEs from the Netherlands, Flanders, Wallonia and Germany, addressing one or more of STIPP’s three societal challenges. Importantly, five consortia were formed through STIPP’s partner search support, facilitated by the STIPP BIDS team – highlighting STIPP’s strong matchmaking role in turning innovation ideas into funded collaborations.

The approved projects demonstrate the programme’s relevance for applied industrial innovation. For example, PREAMA aims to boost productivity in automated manufacturing of carbon-composite propellers for electric aviation, while reducing CO₂ emissions. LUCET develops an autonomous laser cleaning robot for Ultra High Vacuum pipes, supporting high-tech sectors and the Einstein Telescope supply chain.

Looking ahead, STIPP Call 3 is currently open and offers SMEs and innovation actors in the Interreg Meuse Rhine area a clear opportunity to submit new cross border innovation projects. The call opened on 1 December 2025 and runs until 31 March 2026 (deadline).

STIPP continues to offer SMEs a practical opportunity to develop and scale innovation ideas with cross-border partners, supported by ERDF co-funding.