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

Enhancing industry-academia knowledge exchange in Social Sciences and Humanities (SSH) (CSA)

Efficient capture / purification / utilisation of CO2 for the production of competitive products (RIA) (Processes4Planet partnership)

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)

Monitoring of secondary raw materials (CSA)

Volunteering in support of humanitarian aid operations

Creative Innovation Lab

Military multi-domain operations cloud services

SNS experimental infrastructure

Collection, Generation and Validation of Datasets suitable for training AI Models for 6G Networks and for AIaaS

SNS Operations and Output optimisation

6G Devices

EU-India International Collaboration

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

Submarine Cable Repair Capacities – Pilot Works

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

RIA Global call according to SRIA 2026

IA Global call according to SRIA 2026

EIC 2026 Pathfinder Open

MCP on Innovative and Connected Public Administrations

Knowledge for Action in Prevention and Preparedness (KAPP)

Key Technologies for Loads Control Lidar for Ultra-efficient SMR aircraft

Demonstration of a hydrogen distribution system for a direct hydrogen combustion propulsion aircraft

Demonstration of cabin acoustic optimization technology

Demonstration of advanced airframe for ultra-efficient regional aircraft

Frequently Asked Questions About Research EU Grants