Question 1

What EU grants are available for the Biotechnology sector?

Accepted Answer

The European Commission offers a wide range of funding opportunities specifically designed for the Biotechnology sector. These include grants through Horizon Europe (the EU's flagship research and innovation programme with a budget of €95.5 billion), the European Innovation Council (EIC) which provides funding for breakthrough innovations, and various sector-specific initiatives. Funding types range from Research and Innovation Actions (RIA) with 100% funding rates, to Innovation Actions (IA) with 70% funding for companies, and Coordination and Support Actions (CSA) for networking and coordination activities. Our database helps you find grants that match your organization's specific needs, project stage, and funding requirements.

Question 2

How do I apply for Biotechnology grants from the EU?

Accepted Answer

Applying for EU grants in the Biotechnology sector involves several key steps. First, use Grantalist to identify suitable open calls that match your project idea and organization type. Next, carefully review the call documentation, including eligibility criteria, evaluation criteria, and the work programme. Most EU grants require you to form a consortium with partners from at least 3 different EU member states or associated countries. Once ready, you'll submit your proposal through the EU Funding & Tenders Portal, which includes a detailed description of your project, work packages, budget breakdown, and impact assessment. The evaluation process typically takes 3-5 months, after which successful applicants enter grant agreement preparation. We recommend starting your application at least 2-3 months before the deadline.

Question 3

What is the typical funding amount for Biotechnology EU grants?

Accepted Answer

EU grants for the Biotechnology sector offer diverse funding levels depending on the programme and action type. Small-scale grants through programmes like EIC Accelerator can start from €500,000 up to €2.5 million in grant funding, plus up to €15 million in equity investment. Collaborative research projects under Horizon Europe typically range from €3 million to €10 million for standard projects, while some large-scale flagship initiatives can exceed €20 million. SMEs and startups often benefit from higher funding rates (up to 70% for Innovation Actions compared to large companies) and access to specialized instruments. The exact amount depends on the specific call topic, project scope, consortium size, and type of activities proposed.

Question 4

Who is eligible for Biotechnology EU grants?

Accepted Answer

Eligibility for Biotechnology EU grants extends to a wide range of organizations. Legal entities from EU member states and associated countries (including the UK for some programmes, Norway, Switzerland, and others) are typically eligible. This includes universities and research institutions, large enterprises and multinational corporations, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with fewer than 250 employees, startups and scale-ups, public bodies and NGOs, and international organizations. Some calls specifically target certain organization types, such as SME-only calls or academic-focused research grants. Third-country participation is possible in many programmes, though often without EU funding.

EU Grants for Biotechnology

MSCA Staff Exchanges 2026

Networks of Towns

Multisectoral approach to tackle chronic non-communicable diseases: implementation research maximising collaboration and coordination with sectors and in settings beyond the healthcare system (GACD)

Unlocking the potential of citizen action for nature protection and restoration

Decontaminate and bioremediate aquatic pollution

Living labs for co-creating solutions for the restoration of ecosystems

Open topic: Uncovering the causes of specific species’ rapid decline and exploring actionable solutions

Understanding of sex and/or gender-specific mechanisms of cardiovascular diseases: determinants, risk factors and pathways

Advancing research on the prevention, diagnosis, and management of post-infection long-term conditions

Integrating New Approach Methodologies (NAMs) to advance biomedical research and regulatory testing

Establishing a European network of Centres of Excellence (CoEs) for Advanced Therapies Medicinal Products (ATMPs)

Towards climate resilient, prepared and carbon neutral populations and healthcare systems

Towards a better understanding and anticipation of the impacts of climate change on health

Deploying circular systemic solutions through living labs in cities and regions (Circular Cities and Regions Initiative topic)

Enhancing and enlarging the European Partnership on Personalised Medicine (EP PerMEd) (Top-up)

Scaling up innovation in cardiovascular health

Support for a multilateral initiative on climate change and health research

Development of novel vaccines for viral pathogens with epidemic potential

Identifying and addressing low-value care in health and care systems

Building public trust and outreach in the life sciences

Pilot access schemes to Technology Infrastructures for European startups, scaleups and innovative SMEs (CSA)

Mapping and service finder for Technology Infrastructures (CSA)

‘Proof of market’ to improve valorisation and commercialisation of Horizon generated R&I results (IA)

Attracting management talent for capacity building for Technology Infrastructures staff members (CSA)

Enhancing industry-academia knowledge exchange in Social Sciences and Humanities (SSH) (CSA)

Improving availability of secondary raw materials through recycling (IA)

Efficient capture / purification / utilisation of CO2 for the production of competitive products (RIA) (Processes4Planet partnership)

Advanced manufacturing for key products (IA) (Made in Europe partnership)

Cooperation on innovative advanced materials with Japan (CSA)

Innovative technologies and tools for exploration and data modelling of raw materials (RIA)

Frequently Asked Questions About Biotechnology EU Grants