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

Networking and Future Photonics Strategy (CSA) (Photonics Partnership)

Strengthening the cooperation of semiconductor-intensive EU regions (CSA)

Innovative business models advancing renewable electrolysis integration in industry

Next generation of reversible proton conducting ceramic cells and stacks for efficient energy applications at ≥1 kW scale

Next generation climate monitoring and related capabilities

Improved components and tools to increase the safety of electrolysers

Integration of control & monitoring tools and strategies for improved Fuel Cell System durability & reliability

Flexible and standardised hydrogen storage system

Cost-efficient and reliable designs towards gigawatt-scale electrolytic hydrogen production plants

Sustainable hydrogen production from renewable gases and biogenic waste sources through innovative modular reactor design, process intensification and integration

New thermal insulation concepts for bulk liquid hydrogen shipping

Standards for Quantum Technologies – Coordination and Support Action (CSA)

New or enhanced Innovative Advanced Materials (IAM) enabled sensing functionality (RIA)

Efficient and compliant access to and use of data (IA) (AI, Data and Robotics partnership)

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

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

Building public trust and outreach in the life sciences

Regulatory science to support translational development of patient-centred health technologies

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

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

Decontaminate and bioremediate aquatic pollution

Development of novel vaccines for viral pathogens with epidemic potential

Support to European Research Area (ERA) action on accelerating New Approach Methodologies (NAMs) to advance biomedical research and testing of medicinal products and medical devices

Pilot actions for follow-on funding: Leveraging EU-funded collaborative research in regenerative medicine

Skills and Talent Development

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

Boosting innovation through better integration of fragmented health R&I efforts

Boosting innovation for better assessment of the added value of innovative integrated healthcare solutions

Boosting innovation through exploitation of digitalisation and data exchange in healthcare

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

Frequently Asked Questions About Manufacturing EU Grants