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

Competitiveness, energy security and integration aspects of advanced biofuels and renewable fuels of non-biological origin value chains

Optimal combination of low embodied carbon construction products, technical building systems and circularity principles for climate neutral buildings (Built4People Partnership)

De-risking wave energy technology development through transnational pre-commercial procurement of wave energy research and development

Towards commercialisation of Perovskite PV and development of dedicated manufacturing equipment (EUPI-PV Partnership)

Demonstration of thermal energy storage solutions for solar thermal plants and systems

Phase out fossil fuel in energy intensive industries through the efficient integration of renewable energy sources

Development of innovative solutions strengthening the security of renewable energy value chains

Extending the lifetime of crystalline silicon PV modules (EUPI-PV Partnership)

New CO2 capture technologies

Space Data Economy

European co-development

SOFT Innovation Prize 2026

Data Space for Manufacturing

Collaboration platform for the European connected and autonomous vehicle of the future

Consolidation of the Network of European Digital Innovation Hubs (EDIHs with reinforced AI focus)

Virtual worlds test beds

Completion of the initial Network of European Digital Innovation Hubs

European Advanced Digital Skills Competitions

Secretariat of the European Connected and Autonomous Vehicle Alliance

Capacity Building Cap2b

Films on the Move

Cybersecure tools, technologies and services relying on AI

Coordinated preparedness testing and other preparedness actions

Uptake of innovative cybersecurity solutions for SMEs

Creative Innovation Lab

Data repository for security research and innovation

Uptake Acceleration Services

Accelerating uptake through open proposals for advanced SME innovation

Privacy Enhancing Technologies

Open grounds for pre-commercial procurement of innovative security technologies

Frequently Asked Questions About Manufacturing EU Grants