INSHAPE Open Call
European cross regional innovation for Sports & Active Healthy Lifestyle
The I3-INSHAPE project aims to strengthen the European digital economy by creating a competence centre to support SME initiatives in sports and vitality. Part of the INSHAPE Network of Innovation Hubs, it enables innovative solutions to be developed, funded, and brought to market through interregional collaboration among SMEs. Eligible SMEs from specific regions in the Netherlands, Finland, Hungary, and Spain can submit proposals in consortia of two to three SMEs from at least two different countries. Proposals should focus on advancing solutions from Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 6 to TRL9.
Type of projects to be funded: the call supports SME-led innovation projects focused on commercialisation and scale-up of sports and vitality technologies, advancing from TRL 6 to TRL 9. Funded activities include prototyping, demonstration, market replication, and interregional collaboration.
Sectors / domain: Sports, health, and vitality technology, including digitalisation, gamification, exergaming, AI-driven analytics, smart cities, active tourism, and corporate wellbeing solutions.
Individual or consortium: Proposals must be submitted by consortia of 2 or 3 SMEs from at least two different eligible countries within the I3-INSHAPE network.
Specific eligibility requirements:
- SMEs must be legally registered in South Netherlands (NL), Finland (Lapland, Kainuu, Päijät-Häme), Hungary (except Budapest), Spain (Catalunya, Comunidad Valenciana).
- Each SME must prove one year of business activity.
- The project must align with at least one of 17 predefined challenges within the four key areas.
Specific topics or challenges: Projects must address at least one of 17 predefined challenges:
WORK
1️⃣ Emotional and physical health – Develop solutions to enhance employees' mental and physical well-being at work.
2️⃣ Corporate games – Create innovative sports challenges to boost workplace engagement and teamwork.
3️⃣ Environments, products & technology for the workplace – Design workplace tech or infrastructure to promote physical activity.
SCHOOL
4️⃣ Healthy lifestyles among youngsters – Encourage youth to adopt active and healthy habits through innovative interventions.
5️⃣ Sports participation – Develop gamified or tech-enhanced solutions to retain children's interest in sports.
PUBLIC SPACE
6️⃣ Sport digitalisation in cities – Use digital tools to improve accessibility and engagement in urban sports.
7️⃣ Innovative and sustainable sports – Create eco-friendly sports facilities and activities promoting sustainability.
8️⃣ Gamification of urban sports – Introduce digital gamification elements to encourage outdoor sports participation.
9️⃣ IoT solutions for smart cities – Develop smart sports infrastructure using IoT for real-time data and tracking.
🔟 Active tourism – Combine sports, technology, and tourism to promote active travel experiences.
SPORT
1️⃣1️⃣ Performance of sports clubs & federations – Improve management, talent development, and sustainability in sports organisations.
1️⃣2️⃣ Analytics tracking indicators – Develop AI or data-driven analytics to enhance athlete performance monitoring.
1️⃣3️⃣ Analytics for fan engagement – Use technology to create interactive, personalised experiences for sports fans.
1️⃣4️⃣ Sport rehabilitation – Innovate recovery and rehabilitation solutions using wearables, VR, or AI.
1️⃣5️⃣ Exergaming – Develop exercise-based gaming solutions to encourage physical activity in all age groups.
1️⃣6️⃣ Solutions for fitness centres – Implement smart tech or immersive experiences to enhance gym workouts.
1️⃣7️⃣ Promoting healthy habits – Develop digital tools or interventions to improve nutrition, rest, and fitness habits.
Projects duration: 12 to 15 months, starting in June 2025, ending August 2026.
Budget, funding rates and payment conditions:
Funding rate: 100% (no co-financing required).
€61,000 per project (if 2 SMEs) or €91,500 per project (if 3 SMEs). Each SME can receive up to €30,500.
Payments are made in three instalments:
40% pre-financing (upon contract signature).
30% interim payment (midway, after progress report).
30% final payment (upon project completion).
📅 Key Dates:
Call opens: 10 February 2025
Deadline: 14 April 2025 (17:00 CET)
Evaluation: April – May 2025
Project start: June 2025
Project end: August 2026
Links
Closes
14/04/2025
Max funding per project
91.500€