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

Leadership Development programme for higher education institutions’ leaders

A European HPC-centric Benchmark Framework

Strengthening skills and capacity for the deployment of EU Missions

Development of direct recycling processes (BATT4EU Partnership)

Next generation of renewable energy technologies

Targeting key value chain components for increasing the competitiveness of renewable energy technologies in Europe

Novel solutions for off-grid storage of renewable energy for critical infrastructures

Affordable and sustainable primary equipment for Future-Ready multi-terminal HVDC Systems

Long-lifetime and optimised use of materials in recyclable Ag and In-free Si PV modules (EUPI-PV Partnership)

Industrial scale up and circularity pathway for IPV technologies (EUPI-PV Partnership)

Energy-efficient software-defined EVs (2ZERO Partnership)

Boosting circularity and diversification strategies of terrestrial livestock production systems

Non-exhaust emissions in road and railway transport

Shipyards of the future (ZEWT Partnership)

Disruptive Technologies and Innovative Concepts for Energy Saving Onboard of long-distance ships (ZEWT Partnership)

Boosting the competitiveness of protein crops in Europe

Towards the water infrastructures of the future

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

Open Internet Stack Support for Scale (CSA)

Fighting disinformation and effectively communicating on climate change

Advancing European climate risk assessments

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

Apply AI: Next-Generation Agile and Intelligent Robotics Platforms for Industrial and Service Applications (Partnership in AI, Data and Robotics) (RIA)

Fostering 2-Dimensional Materials (2DM) based emerging and enabling technologies (CSA)

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

Improved components and tools to increase the safety of electrolysers

Components Development and Experimental Testing for an Onboard Liquid Hydrogen Supply and Conditioning System in High-Power Fuel Cell Aviation Applications

Development and validation of innovative approaches, catalysts, electrolytes and components for electrolysis technologies based on low-quality water

Embracing innovation in agriculture by peer-to-peer learning via on farm-demonstrations and cost-benefit analysis

Increasing knowledge flows to practice within AKIS via EU thematic knowledge hubs

Frequently Asked Questions About Materials Science EU Grants