Innovation Investment Support 

Empowering SMEs and innovation actors to design, validate, and fund transformative ideas across Europe’s agri-food and logistics value chains. 
The Innovation Investment Support course is a comprehensive, self-paced training programme developed under the STARRISE project to enhance the innovation capacity of SMEs and regional stakeholders. Structured into seven practical modules, it covers the full journey from identifying business opportunities to accessing financial instruments and forming interregional partnerships. Participants will gain key skills in market analysis, idea validation, financial evaluation, and collaboration design — all within the context of smart specialization and sustainable development. Whether you are an SME, intermediary, or ecosystem actor, this course provides actionable tools to turn ideas into investment-ready projects that strengthen innovation across Europe. 
  • Duration: 14–16 hours
  • Asynchronous Learning
  • Full Access
  • Language: English
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Course Description

The Innovation Investment Support course is a modular, self-paced training programme designed to build the investment readiness and innovation capacity of SMEs and regional stakeholders in the agri-food and logistics sectors. Developed within the framework of the EU-funded STARRISE project, this course targets actors within the quadruple helix (business, academia, government, civil society) who are seeking to strengthen their role in interregional value chains and smart specialization strategies. 

Structured into seven interlinked modules, the course guides participants through a complete learning journey — from identifying market opportunities and validating innovative ideas, to assessing technology and investment readiness, forming strategic partnerships, and navigating access to public and private funding. Each module integrates theoretical foundations, practical tools, real-life case studies, and customizable content to ensure broad relevance across regions. 

Delivered in a fully asynchronous format, learners have the flexibility to complete the course at their own pace, supported by interactive materials such as templates, checklists, videos, and quizzes. The course is grounded in regional innovation challenges and informed by direct feedback from SMEs and stakeholders across Europe, ensuring high relevance and applicability. Upon completion, participants will be equipped to co-design and implement innovation investment projects with real potential for scale, sustainability, and cross-border impact. 

About the course

What's included?

  • 7 Comprehensive Training Modules: covering business opportunity identification, regional cooperation, partnership building, idea validation, TRL/IRL assessment, financial evaluation, and funding access. 
  • Theoretical Foundations: Clear explanations of key concepts, frameworks, and terminology to build essential knowledge. 
  • Flexible, Asynchronous Format: Access all content anytime, anywhere — learn at your own pace and revisit materials as needed. 
  • Self-assessment Tools: Quizzes and exercises to test knowledge and track progress throughout the course. 
  • Case Studies & Examples: real-world scenarios from the agri-food and logistics sectors to illustrate how concepts are applied. 
  • Practical Tools & Templates: ready-to-use worksheets, checklists, and planning documents to apply learning in real-world settings. 

What will you learn? 

  • Identify Business and Market Opportunities: Apply structured analysis techniques to spot growth potential and map value chains. 
  • Foster Regional Cooperation and Design Investment Projects: Develop collaborative frameworks that leverage interregional synergies and attract funding. 
  • Build and Manage Effective Innovation Partnerships: Engage stakeholders, form strategic alliances, and co-create joint ventures across regions. 
  • Validate Innovative Ideas Using Design Sprint Methodologies: Refine and test business concepts to ensure feasibility and relevance to market needs. 
  • Assess Technology and Investment Readiness (TRL/IRL): Evaluate innovation maturity and preparedness for scaling or commercialization. 
  • Conduct Financial Validations (IRR, NPV): Analyze project viability using key investment metrics to support informed decision-making. 
  • Access Suitable Financial Instruments: Identify funding opportunities (grants, VC, public finance) and prepare compelling proposals. 
  • Initiate the Creation of New Value Chains: Strategically connect capabilities and actors to strengthen cross-border innovation ecosystems. 

Who is it addressed to? 

  • SMEs in the agri-food and logistics sectors aiming to become investment-ready and expand through innovation. 
  • Innovation intermediaries such as cluster managers, business support organisations, and incubators who guide SMEs on their growth journey. 
  • Public authorities and regional development agencies involved in implementing Smart Specialisation Strategies (S3) and fostering interregional cooperation. 
  • Researchers and technology providers interested in transferring knowledge and collaborating across value chains. 
  • Civil society organisations that contribute to inclusive and sustainable innovation ecosystems. 

About the STARRISE project

STARRISE supports SMEs in the agri-food and logistics sectors by enhancing their innovation and investment readiness.Through interregional collaboration, capacity building, and tailored training, the project bridges Smart Specialisation Strategies with real market opportunities across Europe. 
Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or European Innovation Council and SMEs Executive Agency (EISMEA). Neither the European Union nor EISMEA can be held responsible for them (Grant Agreement No. 101133220). 

Who developed the course?

This course was co-developed by the STARRISE project partnership, a consortium of European organizations working to strengthen innovation capacity in the agri-food and logistics sectors. Funded by the European Union, the partnership brings together expertise from research, business, public authorities, and civil society to deliver high-quality, practical training content. 

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