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

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

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

Innovative business models advancing renewable electrolysis integration in industry

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

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

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

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

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

Improved components and tools to increase the safety of electrolysers

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

Flexible and standardised hydrogen storage system

Support for a multilateral initiative on climate change and health research

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

Unlocking the potential of citizen action for nature protection and restoration

Decontaminate and bioremediate aquatic pollution

Mainstreaming and scaling-up evidence-based Nature-Based Solutions towards a nature positive and climate-resilient economy

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

Towards climate resilient, prepared and carbon neutral populations and healthcare systems

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

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

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

Improving availability of secondary raw materials through recycling (IA)

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

Cooperation on innovative advanced materials with Japan (CSA)

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

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

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

Technologies for innovative extraction of critical raw materials (RIA)

Frequently Asked Questions About Materials Science EU Grants