Question 1

What EU grants are available for the Materials Science sector?

Accepted Answer

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

Accepted Answer

Applying for EU grants in the Materials Science 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 Materials Science EU grants?

Accepted Answer

EU grants for the Materials Science 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 Materials Science EU grants?

Accepted Answer

Eligibility for Materials Science 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 Materials Science

Cooperation on innovative advanced materials with Japan (CSA)

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

Improving availability of secondary raw materials through recycling (IA)

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

Optimise the usage of resources in a circular economy (RIA) (Processes4Planet and Clean Steel partnerships)

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

Accelerating the discovery and development of chemicals and innovative advanced materials through digitalisation and artificial intelligence (IA) (Innovative Advanced Materials for the EU partnership)

Monitoring of secondary raw materials (CSA)

Technologies for innovative extraction of critical raw materials (RIA)

Thematic Networks of Excellence for AI in Science (RAISE pilot) (RIA)

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

Circular innovative advanced materials: facilitating the transition from design to markets (RIA) (Innovative Advanced Materials for the EU and Made in Europe partnerships)

Creative Innovation Lab

PPPA-2026-Game-Changing Innovation for European Launch Solutions

SNS Operations and Output optimisation

RFCS-2026-Steel-Big Tickets under the Steel and Metals Action Plan

RFCS-2026-Steel-Big Tickets under the Clean Industrial Deal

RFCS-2026-Big Tickets-Coal

R&D for the next generation of scientific instrumentation, tools, methods, digitalisation and solutions for research infrastructure upgrades

Strengthening the international dimension of ESFRI and/or ERIC research infrastructures

Uptake of FAIR data management practices and of EOSC by research communities and research infrastructures (EOSC Partnership)

Space critical EEE components for EU non-dependence – Radiation Hard FPGA on 7nm

Space critical EEE components for EU non-dependence – GaN MMICs mm-Wave Foundations (Phase A): Development and Industrialization of Semi-insulating SiC Substrate Capabilities

Centres of Vocational Excellence

Advanced data platforms to integrate whole life carbon in building information tools, assessments, and certification (Built4People Partnership)

Innovative technologies and solutions to improve wind energy systems supporting the Strategic Energy Technology (SET) Plan on wind

Low disturbance prefabrication approaches for deep renovation of multi-storey buildings (Built4People Partnership)

Producing battery-grade materials for electrodes through sustainable processing and refining of raw materials or developing bio-based materials (BATT4EU Partnership)

Coordinated topic with India on recycling of EV batteries

European Partnership on Rare Diseases (ERDERA) (Phase 2)

Frequently Asked Questions About Materials Science EU Grants