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

New approaches for Human/AI collaboration for the workforce of the future (RIA) (Made in Europe and AI, Data and Robotics partnerships)

Textile circularity through advanced processing and manufacturing technologies and system approaches (IA) (Textiles for the Future partnership)

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

Technologies for innovative processing of raw materials (IA)

Automated Scientific Discovery – Food (RAISE pilot)

Expert network on Critical raw materials (CSA)

Innovative advanced materials and new production processes – reducing dependencies on Critical and Strategic Raw Materials (IA) (Innovative Advanced Materials for the EU and Processes4Planet partnerships)

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

Fast Track to Innovation for breakthroughs in the Chemical Industry Action Plan (Research and Innovation Action)

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

Fast Track to Research and Innovation for breakthroughs in industrial technologies (Research and Innovation Action)

Pillar I: Facilitating development of institutional open access policies through the retention of intellectual property rights

Facilitate the engagement of European stakeholders in international digital standardisation (CSA)

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)

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

Innovative technologies and solutions to improve wave and tidal energy systems

Advancements in Direct Air Capture

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

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

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

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

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

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

Portable and versatile Point-of-care diagnostics

Data-driven circular economy for e-mobility ecosystem (2ZERO Partnership)

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

Sustainable aircraft circular design and additive manufacturing, towards a climate neutral aviation

Fire prevention and mitigation for EVs in confined areas (2ZERO Partnership)

Noise reduction breakthroughs for new ultraefficient aircraft

Frequently Asked Questions About Materials Science EU Grants