Question 1

What EU grants are available for the Manufacturing sector?

Accepted Answer

The European Commission offers a wide range of funding opportunities specifically designed for the Manufacturing 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 Manufacturing grants from the EU?

Accepted Answer

Applying for EU grants in the Manufacturing 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 Manufacturing EU grants?

Accepted Answer

EU grants for the Manufacturing 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 Manufacturing EU grants?

Accepted Answer

Eligibility for Manufacturing 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 Manufacturing

Advanced and Innovative hardware components for Virtual Worlds (RIA) (Virtual Worlds Partnership)

Advanced integrated photonic devices for extended features and ultra-low power consumption (RIA) (Photonics Partnership)

Energy efficiency and sustainability of AI data processing in Data Centres (IA)

Concentrated solar thermal systems for decarbonising industrial processes

Support to the implementation of an EU policy framework for CO2 transport and storage infrastructure

Innovative technologies and solutions to improve wave and tidal energy systems

Renewable Energy Valleys in Africa to increase energy security and energy access in Africa

Advancements in Direct Air Capture

Co-funding Strategic Energy Technology (SET) Plan renewable fuel value chains at EU, national, regional, and local level

Production technologies for solar photovoltaics beyond the state-of-the-art (EUPI-PV Partnership)

Improvement of Adaptability, Flexibility and Efficiency of Existing Recycling Processes (BATT4EU Partnership)

Sustainable and Competitive Cell Production Techniques for Lithium-ion And Sodium-ion Batteries (BATT4EU Partnership)

Open topic: Using the Circular Cities and Regions Initiative to strengthen urban manufacturing in support of the Clean Industrial Deal

Optimising the water-nutrient-energy nexus for sustainable and climate smart agriculture in Africa (FNSSA)

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

Living Labs for co-creating solutions to reduce eutrophication from agriculture

Strengthening plant health: addressing emerging plant pest risks

Agroforestry for soil health at landscape level

Living labs to enhance soil health in Continental, Black Sea, Pannonian and Steppic biogeographical regions

Innovative biotechnologies to restore soil health and improve agricultural competitiveness and resilience

Participatory research on the health of communities in contact with polluted soils

Development of cell-free protein synthesis platforms for discovery and/or production of biologicals

Development of innovative antimicrobials against pathogens resistant to antimicrobials

Development of monoclonal antibodies to prevent and treat infections from Filo-, Nairo-, Phenui-, Picorna- and Toga viruses

Portable and versatile Point-of-care diagnostics

Development of novel small molecule antiviral therapeutics for pathogens with epidemic potential

Development of monoclonal antibodies to prevent and treat infections from Flaviviruses

Enhanced electric operation and battery durability (ZEWT Partnership)

Prospective evaluation of nuclear power potential for shipping (ZEWT Partnership)

Novel approaches towards next-generation battery concepts, leveraging the enabling role of innovative advanced materials (BATT4EU and IAM4EU Partnerships)

Frequently Asked Questions About Manufacturing EU Grants