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

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

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

Interconnect Earth Observation research for addressing environmental policies

Supporting All-Atlantic Ocean Research and Innovation Alliance

Web 4.0 architectural framework and Open Internet Stack applications for virtual worlds (RIA)

Large-Scale Photonic Quantum Computing Platform Technologies (RIA)

Grand Challenge on Quantum Sensors for Inertial Navigation

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

Demonstration of rSOC operation for local grid-connected hydrogen production and utilisation

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

A services and business incubator for geospatial open-source developments

Coordinated European contribution to the WMO Global Greenhouse Gas Watch and its international governance

Advanced Local Digital Twins using AI for Early Warning and Preparedness (IA)

Apply AI: Pilot of the “Science for AI” Pillar of RAISE (“Resource for AI science in Europe”) (RIA)

Efficient and compliant access to and use of data (IA) (AI, Data and Robotics partnership)

Open Internet Stack Sovereign Solutions (RIA)

Open topic: Develop Earth Intelligence solutions using environmental observations and state-of-the-art AI for sustainable competitiveness and policy making

Open Internet Stack Support for Scale (CSA)

Additional activities for the Sustainable Blue Economy Partnership (SBEP)

Fighting disinformation and effectively communicating on climate change

Economics of climate change and cost of inaction

Apply AI: Robotics for Manufacturing: Advancing Core Skills through Technical Challenges (RIA) (Partnership in AI, Data and Robotics)

Advancing European climate risk assessments

Closing knowledge gaps on Earth system science in support of global and regional assessments and climate policy

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

Developing and demonstrating core technologies for Virtual Worlds and Web 4.0 (IA) (Virtual worlds Partnership)

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

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

Frequently Asked Questions About Research EU Grants