Organised by the Austrian team of Enterprise Europe Network, the events offered an in-depth look into the objectives, scope, and eligibility criteria of the 10th STI Call. Participants received comprehensive guidance on proposal preparation, evaluation criteria, and practical good and bad practices for successful submission. 

A highlight of the session was the dedicated pitching segment, designed to actively support the formation of high-quality, transnational research consortia. Applicants from Belgium, Brunei Darussalam, the Czech Republic, Germany, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Switzerland, Thailand, Türkiye, and Vietnam had the opportunity to apply for a pitch when registering for the event.

On 24th of February the event focused on the topic “Climate-Resilient Smart Agriculture using AI & IoT” inviting five researchers from Indonesia and Thailand to pitch their project proposal: 

• Amaliyah Amaliyah, Universitas Airlangga
• Muhammad Iqbal Habibie, National Research and Innovation Agency
• Watsa Khongnakorn, Prince of Songkla University
• Lompong Klinnawee, Faculty of Science, Prince of Songkla University
• Mukhammad Muryono, Sepuluh Nopember Institute of Technology

On 26th of February the event focused on “New Materials and Green Transition” inviting six researchers from Indonesia, the Philippines, Türkiye, and Vietnam to pitch their project proposal:

• Muhammad Ilham Adhynugraha, BRIN
• Kaan Akyos, BETEK BOYA VE KİMYA SAN. A.Ş.
• Simge Öztürk, Vestel Beyaz Eşya A.Ş.
• Serius Putri, Universitas Brawijaya Climate and Health Centre
• Ut Dong Thach, Ton Duc Thang University
• Leila Tura, De La Salle Lipa

To foster direct networking, an interactive breakout room session allowed presenters and interested participants to discuss collaboration ideas, share research interests, and explore potential project synergies in greater detail. This format proved particularly effective in supporting focused matchmaking and building the foundations for new European–Southeast Asian research consortia.

Both events were well-attended, in total by almost 500 people participating, demonstrating once again the JFS’s pivotal role in bridging research communities across Southeast Asia and Europe through dialogue, exchange, and shared scientific ambition.

Special thanks to the team of EURAXESS (Ms Leonie NAGARAJAN and Mr Tatas BROTOSUDARMO) for moderating the events.

In light of the upcoming submission deadline, unfortunately, it has not been possible to complete the necessary internal procedures and coordination processes in due time to ensure a fully committed participation.

While the JFS sincerely regrets that the cooperation with Viet Nam cannot be realized this time, we appreciate the constructive exchange to date and remain committed to further developing the cooperation with our partners from Viet Nam. 

Thank you for your understanding. We look forward to maintaining our dialogue and exploring opportunities for cooperation in the near future.

In line with Malaysia’s current strategic focus on strengthening high-impact national and industrial initiatives, Malaysian partners are still encouraged to participate in the 10th SEA-Europe JFS Call using their own funding sources. This approach allows Malaysia to continue engaging in meaningful global research collaboration while ensuring alignment with domestic priorities.

To ensure eligibility of the overall proposal within the SEA-EU Joint Funding Scheme framework, it is needed to include at least one additional partner from Southeast Asia that can be supported through JFS funding. This creates a balanced and competitive consortium structure and further strengthens regional cooperation across Southeast Asia and Europe.

We are confident that these arrangements can open up flexible and innovative pathways for your project development and consortium building. We encourage you to explore alternative configurations and funding combinations that maintain strong Malaysian participation while meeting the programme requirements. 

The SEA-Europe JFS and the Malaysian funding agency remain committed to cross regional collaboration and look forward to future opportunities. 

During the Virtual Call Info & Matchmaking Sessions on February 24 and 26 potential applicants will receive an overview of the call objectives, scope, eligibility conditions, and application procedures. Participants will also benefit from guidance on proposal preparation and evaluation criteria, as well as practical information on good and bad practices. 

At both virtual matchmaking sessions, researchers have the opportunity to pitch their project idea to find transnational consortia partners. When registering for the event, researchers from the prospective countries can also apply for the pitching session. Application Deadline: 30.01.2026 

These dedicated pitching session will be organised to actively support the formation of high-quality, transnational research consortia within the framework of the 10th SEA–Europe Joint Funding Call for Science, Technology and Innovation.

Find more information on the events here:

https://www.sea-europe-jfs.eu/events

Register for the event here:

Topic: Climate-resilient smart Agriculture using AI & IoT https://www.ffg.at/en/form/smart_Agriculture_2026-02-24?source_entity_type=node&source_entity_id=203508

Topic: New Materials and Green Transition https://www.ffg.at/en/form/New_Materials_2026_02_26?source_entity_type=node&source_entity_id=203506

We are excited to announce that the 10th Joint Funding Call will soon open, bringing new opportunities for researchers and innovators across Europe and Southeast Asia to collaborate on cutting-edge solutions. 

Start date: 01. December 2025

Topics for the 10th Call:

1️⃣ New Materials & Green Transition.

2️⃣ Climate-Resilient Smart Agriculture using AI & IoT. 

More information on how to apply will be published here soon.

On 03 October 2024, the European Commission (EC) and the Ministry of Science and Technology (MOST), Socialist Republic of Viet Nam hosted a very successful physical Southeast Asia – Europe Joint Funding Scheme (JFS) Brokerage Event in Hanoi featuring 16 JFS project proposal ideas for the 9th JFS Call for Proposals that are open for partners to join.

The event was endorsed by the ASEAN Committee of Science, Technology and Innovation (COSTI), ASEAN Sub-Committee on Sustainable Energy and Research (SCSER) and supported by the ASEAN Secretariat.

The Event was opened by Mr Ly Hoang Tung, Director General of International Cooperation Department of Ministry of Science and Technology, Socialist Republic of Viet Nam, Mr Gonzalo Serrano, Deputy Head of Cooperation Section, EU Delegation to Viet Nam and Mr Chhuon Sambath Ratanak, Director of Technique and Energy Business Policy, General Department of Energy, Ministry of Mines and Energy Cambodia, Sub Committee of Sustainable Energy and Research (SCSER) Cambodia / Chair. 

Ms Fadila Boughanemie, policy officer for ASEAN, DG Research and Innovation, European Commission elaborated on the rationale and objectives of the JFS. The JFS is one of the crucial elements of multilateral research cooperation between the two regions of Southeast Asia and Europe that enables scientists to join forces for tackling global challenges.

Dr Adele Clausen, JFS scientific manager, introduced the basic JFS principles and the main rules for proposal submissions, such as the 2+1 rule and the opportunity for JFS funders to confine the call texts by their own national regulations. She demonstrated the diversity of 67 STI projects that have been realized under the umbrella of the JFS until today. She also shared information about matchmaking opportunities and in-depth information about the JFS beyond the brokerage event, e.g. the JFS Partnering Tool and the JFS Application Tutorial Video. The respective presentation is being shared at the bottom.

Dr Finarya Legoh, JFS Senior Programme Officer, presented the 9th Call including the participating funders and the three topics of Call 9, which support research towards Climate Change Resilience & Local Adaptation:

• Topic 1: Waste water treatment and reuse (industrial & municipal)
• Topic 2: Underwater and above-water biomass farms working with renewable energy
• Topic 3: Assessment and remediation of contaminated inorganic and organic soils

Further, she explained the application tool “PT Outline” step-by-step.

Finally, researchers from Indonesia, Thailand, The Philippines, Turkey and Viet Nam presented their catching and innovative research ideas for which they are searching partners to hand in a joint proposal under the JFS Call 9.

The event was closed by Dr Tata Sutardi, Researcher at the Research Center for Energy Conversion and Conservation of BRIN Indonesia, SCSER Indonesia / Vice Chair and Ms Fadila Boughanemi.

Special thanks go to Ms Sronkanok Tangjaijit, JFS Senior Programme Officer, who ensured smooth procedures by moderating the Event.

The Brokerage Event was well-attended by 65 persons participating in person and more than 160 persons joining online.

The JFS team is happy to have the permission to share the JFS info slides and the slides of the project ideas presented by the researchers. The uploaded agenda shows an overview of the speakers and their project titles.

Source of Photo: 

Center for Research and Development of Science and Technology Communication, Department of International Cooperation, MOST Viet Nam

The Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF), Germany  withdraws its participation as a funder in the 2024 Southeast Asia – Europe Joint Funding Scheme STI Call for Proposals on Climate Change Adaptation and Local Resilience (9th Call) due to developments related to the Federal household in Germany. This means that German partners would have to bring their own funding if they submit a project proposal.

The JFS Brokerage Event will take place in the spirit of the Europe-ASEAN Innovation Event 2024, which highlights both - the role of international cooperation and the role of research - when coping with global challenges.
The JFS Brokerage Event will provide information about the Southeast Asia – Europe Joint Funding Scheme (JFS) and the 2024 STI Joint Call for Proposals, which are currently open for submission of research proposals. To support the set-up of powerful consortia for the submission of strong project proposals, selected Southeast Asian and European researchers seeking for complementing partner organisations will present their institution and project ideas.

Do not miss the chance to meet excellent researchers from Southeast Asia and Europe and get to know about their latest research and innovation ideas by visiting our JFS Brokerage Event on 03 October 2024, 13:00 ICT in Hanoi, Viet Nam. Maybe you are the perfect match complementing the expertise for a promising project proposal to be funded under the 2023 STI Joint Call for Proposals.
 

Registration is required to participate as audience onsite and virtual. Please use the following link to register as audience: https://brokerage-event.service-facility.eu/ 

Location / Venue113 Trần Duy Hưng St., Trung Hòa, Cầu Giấy, Hà Nội

EUROPE-ASEAN Innovation Event 2024 

Registration still open:

https://eu-asean-innovation-event.service-facility.eu/en/registration-form

The Innovation Event organised under the Southeast Asia-Europe Joint Funding Scheme (JFS) in the framework of the Global Service Facility, a project funded by the European Commission, aims at fostering international cooperation in research and innovation between Europe and ASEAN. Its primary goals are to encourage co-design and co-creation of solutions to address global challenges, accelerate the green transition, and form partnerships between innovators and researchers from both Regions. The core of the day features pitch sessions, showcasing a total of 20 start-ups (10 from Europe and 10 from ASEAN) allowing to learn from each other’s innovation ecosystem.

About the Event:

You’re invited to join the Europe-ASEAN Innovation Event 2024, an action Co-Hosted by the Ministry of Science and Technology of Viet Nam and the European Commission, Directorate-General for Research and Innovation.
The event will take place in Hanoi, Viet Nam on 2 October 2024, from 13:30 – 18:00 local time (08:30 – 13:00 CEST) and can be followed remotely (link to be provided).

Event Focus:

The event aims to foster collaboration and market access for ground-breaking ideas within two key themes for our future:

1. Circular Economy

• Wastewater treatment and reuse (industrial and municipal)
• Waste collection and management

2. Clean Energy

• Advanced energy storage solutions
• Smart metering and energy efficiency

Why Attend?

• Learn: Gain insights into the latest trends and challenges in circular economy and clean tech.
• Collaborate and Access Markets: Discover specific requirements of the ASEAN and European markets, explore co-creation and collaboration opportunities between the EU and ASEAN, and identify market potential.
• Showcase: Present your innovative solutions to a global audience (for selected innovators)

Target participants:

• Leading innovators and researchers from EU Member States, Horizon Europe associated countries, and from ASEAN countries.
• Representatives from national, regional, and local funding agencies or ministries involved in research and innovation.
  Stakeholders from the business community (both Europe and ASEAN) interested in sustainable practices and technologies, including potential investors.

Attending the event: https://eu-asean-innovation-event.service-facility.eu/en/registration-form

For more information: https://eu-asean-innovation-event.service-facility.eu/

Both, Europe and Southeast Asia increasingly suffer from the impact of climate change and related extreme weather events, sea-level rise and changing precipitation patterns. Adaptation to these conditions and increased local resilience are high on the agenda in both regions. Therefore, the European Commission (EC) and the JFS funders have decided to devote the 2024 JFS Call for Proposals to the overall area of CLIMATE CHANGE ADAPTATION AND LOCAL RESILIENCE and to support under the umbrella of this area research proposals for the following three topics towards sustainable green and blue economies.

• Topic 1: Waste water treatment and reuse (industrial & municipal)

• Topic 2: Underwater and above-water biomass farms working with renewable energy

• Topic 3: Assessment and remediation of contaminated inorganic and organic soils

Topic 1: Waste water treatment and reuse (industrial & municipal):

Climate Change can lead to changed precipitation patterns. This can have an impact on waster water compositions and amounts. Droughts may require careful use and recirculation of water. Under the 2024 Call, research proposals will be selected for funding that address the impact of climate change e.g. through the development of costeffective technologies on water and wastewater reuse and recycling for industries and communities. Projects may address potable and non-potable uses, emerging pollutants, and/or possible nutrient recovery following circular economy pathways.

Topic 2: Underwater and above-water biomass farms working with renewable energy

With increasing population, greenhouse gas emissions related to biomass production and the requirement for new and more biomass production, underwater and above-waster biomass farms working with renewable energy are getting attention as part of the development towards a climate neutral society. This topic supports sustainable utilization of marine and coastal ecosystems in both the European and Southeast Asian regions. Policy documents such as the European Green Deal and the ASEAN Blue Economy Framework strategy encourage the establishment of marine biomass farms based on renewable energy sources. The 2024 JFS Call plans to support research proposals addressing aspects like developing submarine and offshore biomass farms (fishing, micro and macro algae harvesting) that will be powered by ecosystem-sensitive net zero emission energy production using both renewable energy sources such as wind, current, wave and sun and/or various hydrogen sources in water (H2O, H2S, NH3, etc.).

Topic 3: Assessment and remediation of contaminated inorganic and organic soils

The research on assessment and remediation of contaminated soils is vital for both ASEAN and EU. It enhances agricultural productivity, environmental conservation, and climate change mitigation, aligning with sustainability goals. Collaboration can drive policy implementation, technological advancement, and economic development, supporting global environmental and socio-economic objectives. Research proposals submitted under the 2024 JFS Call may include expertise related to e.g. Bioremediation, Ecotoxicology, Environmental Biotechnology, Environmental Policy and Management, Geochemistry, Inorganic Absorbents, Soil Engineering & Science, Sustainable Development.

Type of funded projects:

• Southeast Asia - Europe Joint Call Project consortia must comprise of at least 3 partners from 3 different countries fulfilling the basic 2+1 rule: either 2 partners from 2 different Southeast Asian countries and 1 European partner OR 2 partners from 2 different European countries and 1 Southeast Asian partner. At least 1 partner from each region must be eligible for JFS funding.

• The Project Coordinator must be selected from among the partners eligible for funding. The third partner can be funded by a funding organisation from a country participating in the JFS or bring his/her own funding.

• The proposals have to address the link and impact of the proposal to the overall area of “CLIMATE CHANGE ADAPTATION AND LOCAL RESILIENCE” to enhance bi-regional cooperation and develop new partnerships as well as strengthen the existing ones.

• The JFS wants to support integrated research approaches and specifically encourages the submission of proposals by interdisciplinary consortia including expertise from humanities and social sciences.

• Proponents are requested to read carefully the National Regulations from the funding organisation that you are requesting funding from, as well as the National Regulations from the partners, since the National Regulations may include additional requirements, e.g.: certain Technology Readiness Levels, submission proposal to the funders’ website besides to JFS’, budget allocation criteria, etc.

Information on participating countries/ funding organisations and their National Regulations, how to apply and deadlines will be published in the SEA-EU JFS website as well as announced in our social media channels: FaceBook & X (Twitter) on 2 September 2024. In addition, the Secretariat will organise a Brokerage Event and a Lab Exploration Tour, in accordance helping proponents to find the matching research partners from Southeast Asia and/or Europe. Details on all JFS events will be published on our website and social media channels as well. In order to make sure not to miss any news and events about SEA-EU JFS we strongly recommend you to subscribe to our Newsletter.