Question 1

What EU grants are available for the Research sector?

Accepted Answer

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

Accepted Answer

Applying for EU grants in the Research 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 Research EU grants?

Accepted Answer

EU grants for the Research 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 Research EU grants?

Accepted Answer

Eligibility for Research 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 Research

Microbiome for early cancer prediction before the onset of disease

Earlier and more precise palliative care

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

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

Toward a comprehensive assessment of the disturbance of marine ecosystems by anthropogenic underwater noise

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

Ensuring continuous effectiveness of protected areas in conserving habitats and species while facing intensifying drivers of biodiversity loss

Improving circularity of multilayer flexible plastic food contact packaging

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

Boosting agrobiodiversity for food security and sustainable competitiveness

Advancing integrated scenarios and prediction models for informing transition to a nature positive society

Pushing the frontier of knowledge and conservation action for deep sea ecosystems

Bioremediation of Ukraine’s ecosystems contaminated by conflicts

Understanding biomass flows in Europe

Developing managed aquifer recharge techniques (MAR) in a rural context

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

Bioeconomy policy support hub for Member States, regions and sectors

Advanced recovery of critical raw materials from Waste from Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE)

Balancing food security, bioeconomy, climate and biodiversity objectives to unlock sustainable value chains

Advancing the European bio-based innovation enabled by biotechnology and biomanufacturing concepts

Understanding and tackling the decline of insects

European mini-slate development

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

Developing methods to assess the presence, functions and sensitivity of groundwater ecosystems

From lab to market: Strengthening the role of Technology Transfer Offices in bringing knowledge to the market

Large-scale demonstration for mapping the distribution and condition of marine habitats to implement the Nature Restoration Regulation

Governing global commons sustainably

Tackling gender-based violence against politically active women and LGBTIQ people

Government in transition – how governments change the way they work and prepare the civil service for the future

Frequently Asked Questions About Research EU Grants