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

Research infrastructure concept development including major upgrades or extensions of existing infrastructures

Trusted frameworks for secure and efficient data sharing in EOSC (EOSC Partnership)

Research infrastructures as accelerators of the integration of Ukraine in the European Research Area

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

Consolidation of the research infrastructure landscape – pilots for strategic coordination, synergies and simplified access pathways, by large thematic clusters of pan-European research infrastructures

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

Implementing digital services to empower neuroscience research for health and brain inspired technology via EBRAINS

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

Digital twins and/or their major components for environment, climate and security

Strengthening the human capital managing research infrastructures, including in international context

Networks of European Cinemas

Enhancing integrated research and healthcare in sub-Saharan Africa through digital innovation and Artificial Intelligence

Training and innovation networks for sustained capacity development related to ethics, regulatory, pharmacovigilance, and related digital regulatory platforms

Preparing demonstration missions for Earth Observation and Satellite telecommunication for Space solutions (Space Partnership)

Scientific analysis and exploitation of space data

Space critical EEE components for EU non-dependence – GaN MMICs mm-Wave Foundations (Phase A): Development and Industrialization of Semi-insulating SiC Substrate Capabilities

Reinforcing EU autonomous access to space through EU-based spaceports

Digital enablers and building-blocks for Earth Observation and Satellite telecommunication for Space solutions (Space Partnership)

Centres of Vocational Excellence

Critical Facilities Serving Space EEE components for EU non-dependence – High and Very High Energy Irradiation Test Facility Market Deployment

Space critical EEE components for EU non-dependence – Radiation Hard FPGA on 7nm

Space critical Equipment for EU non-dependence – Space Refuelling Interface

ERA Fellowships

MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships 2026

Validating policies and business models for affordable and sustainable housing (Built4People Partnership)

Innovative technologies and solutions to improve wind energy systems supporting the Strategic Energy Technology (SET) Plan on wind

Researching the technical, social & economic factors impacting the energy performance of Smart Buildings (Built4People Partnership)

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

Full-scale demonstration of heat upgrade solutions in industrial processes

Microbiome for early cancer prediction before the onset of disease

Frequently Asked Questions About Research EU Grants