Funding
Horizon Europe
Various EU Agencies
Horizon Europe is the EU’s key funding programme for research and innovation. It tackles climate change, helps to achieve the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals and boosts the EU’s competitiveness and growth.
What is this programme about?
Horizon Europe is the European Union’s key research and innovation funding programme with a budget of €95.5 billion until 2027. It aims to tackle climate change and global challenges and supports the creation and diffusion of knowledge and technologies from early development to implementation. Horizon Europe has three main Pillars – the second Pillar is the most relevant for direct R&D project funding calls.
| Pillar # | Pillar Name | Clusters & Programmes |
| Pillar I | Excellent Science | – ERC European Research Council – Marie Sklodowska-Curie Actions – Research Infrastructures |
| Pillar II | Global Challenges and European Industrial Competitiveness | – Health – Culture, Creativity and Inclusive Society – Civil Security for Society – Digital, Industry and Space – Climate, Energy and Mobility – Food, Bioeconomy, Natural Resources, Agriculture and Environment – Non-nuclear direct actions of the Joint Research Centre |
| Pillar III | Innovative Europe | EIC European Innovation CouncilEuropean Innovation EcosystemsEuropean Institute of Innovation and Technology |
Who can apply for Horizon Europe funding?
Universities or research organisations, businesses, charities, universities, and NGOs.
Key Facts
Who can apply
Collaborative consortia from the EU and Horizon Europe associated countries across business, research, public and not-for-profit sectors.
Funding calls
Several times a year.
Purpose
To tackle climate change and achieve the UN’s SDGs through strengthening research and innovation.
Technology Readiness Level (TRL)
TRL1 – TRL9
Funding Amount
€1m – €20m
(Depending on call)
Funding Rate
50% – 100%
(Typically)
Timeframe
3-12 months
Process
Single or two stage applications
What are the key topics or sectors covered?
Horizon Europe as a programme has identified five missions for this funding cycle until 2027:
- Adaptation to Climate change
- Climate-Neutral and Smart Cities
- Cancer
- Soil Deal for Europe
- Restore our Ocean and Waters
Funding under Pillar II is further categorised into six topical clusters:
- Health
- Culture, Creativity and Inclusive Society
- Civil Security for Society
- Digital, Industry and Space
- Climate, Energy and Mobility
- Food, Bioeconomy, Natural Resources, Agriculture and Environment
From 2025, Horizon Europe funding will be governed by the Second Strategic Plan 2025-2027. There are three types of grant funding available under Horizon Europe:
- CSA (Coordination and Support Actions).
- RIA (Research and Innovation Actions).
- IA (Innovation Actions).
Useful Resources
We have collated some useful resources if you are considering applying for Horizon Europe funding:
