During the first 3 years from the launch of the project at least 2 of the research groups operating at the unit should establish cooperation with entrepreneurs.

The ultimate goal, to be achieved before the end of project implementation, is for at least half of the research groups operating at the IRAP implementing unit to cooperate with entrepreneurs. The cooperation may involve, for instance, joint implementation of research tasks in the project, consultations on the commercial application of research results, educational or publishing projects, or joint education for young R&D sector staff.

The partnership must be based on an agreement or memorandum of understanding signed between the entrepreneur and the IRA implementing unit, to specify the terms of cooperation and rules for its funding, contributions of the respective partners and division, if any, of intellectual property rights (if the entrepreneur makes a contribution to the project it must be estimated).