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

Erasmus+ Virtual Exchanges in Sub-Saharan Africa

Coordinated preparedness testing and other preparedness actions

Industrial scale up and circularity pathway for IPV technologies (EUPI-PV Partnership)

Regional Cable Hubs

Targeting key value chain components for increasing the competitiveness of renewable energy technologies in Europe

Advancing lead markets and proof-of-concept for deep tech solutions contributing to EU Missions

Understanding and overcoming barriers to the scale-up of innovations supporting EU Missions

Strengthening skills and capacity for the deployment of EU Missions

Next generation of renewable energy technologies

Development of direct recycling processes (BATT4EU Partnership)

Long-lifetime and optimised use of materials in recyclable Ag and In-free Si PV modules (EUPI-PV Partnership)

AI-driven forecasting algorithms for Grid and Consumer friendly Energy Sharing – Societal Readiness pilot

Grid-forming capabilities for more resilient and RES-based electricity grids

Uptake of innovative cybersecurity solutions for SMEs

Affordable and sustainable primary equipment for Future-Ready multi-terminal HVDC Systems

Pre-commercial appraisal for CO2 aquifer storage

Vocational Education and Training: Improving transparency and recognition of VET qualifications

Digital Education: AI-powered Personalised Learning Pathways for Basic Skills

Digital Education: Public-private partnerships for ethical design, development and use of Artificial Intelligence tools in education and training

School Education: STEM Education Centres

MSCA COFUND 2026

Twinning

Tackling pesticide resistance: early detection, management strategies, and foresight

Energy-efficient software-defined EVs (2ZERO Partnership)

Disruptive Technologies and Innovative Concepts for Energy Saving Onboard of long-distance ships (ZEWT Partnership)

Safety of renewable low and zero-carbon waterborne fuels in port areas: risk assessment, regulatory framework, and guidelines for safe bunkering, handling and storage (ZEWT partnership)

Large-scale demonstration of Heavy-Duty Battery Electric Vehicles (HD BEV) towards long-haul logistics operations (2ZERO Partnership)

Developing innovative phytosanitary treatments for regulated plant pests to support safe international trade

Leveraging R&I knowledge on microbiome

Ports of the future (ZEWT Partnership)

Frequently Asked Questions About Research EU Grants