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

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

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

Creative Innovation Lab

SNS Operations and Output optimisation

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

RFCS-2026-Big Tickets-Coal

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

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

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

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

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

Centres of Vocational Excellence

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

R&I in Support of the Clean Industrial Deal: Clean Technologies for Climate Action

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

R&I in Support of the Clean Industrial Deal: Decarbonisation of energy intensive industries (IA) (Processes4Planet and Clean Steel partnerships)

Coordinated topic with India on recycling of EV batteries

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

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

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

Supporting pre-normative research for standardization of the bio-based products

Bio-based innovation in society: supporting the sustainable way of living

Improving circularity of multilayer flexible plastic food contact packaging

Demonstrating and deploying innovative collection, sorting-for-reuse and repair systems for textiles at city/region level (Circular Cities and Regions Initiative topic)

Boosting agrobiodiversity for food security and sustainable competitiveness

Understanding biomass flows in Europe

Harnessing the unique properties of marine organisms to deliver sustainable blue bio-based products

Advancing recycling technologies for mixed post-consumer textiles waste from blended products

Frequently Asked Questions About Materials Science EU Grants