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

Efficient energy input from renewable sources and energy management in the process industries (IA) (Processes4Planet and Innovative Advanced Materials for the EU partnerships)

Automated Scientific Discovery – Food (RAISE pilot)

Better understanding and attribution of land and ocean carbon sources and sinks

Palaeoclimate science for a better understanding of Earth system dynamics

Pillar II: Talent ecosystems for attractive early research careers

Pillar III: Promoting public engagement in R&I and scientific literacy

Pillar III: Science comes to town 2029

Pillar I: Facilitating development of institutional open access policies through the retention of intellectual property rights

Pillar IV: Upgrading the EU’s independent knowledge on China's Science, Technology and Innovation system

Apply AI: Challenge-Driven AI Innovation Booster in Apply AI prioritised sectors (RIA) (Partnership in AI, Data and Robotics)

Horizon scanning and foresight in future enabling digital technologies (CSA)

International cooperation in AI (IA)

Demand-side 3C pilot demonstrators on converged Telco Edge Cloud Infrastructure (IA)

Facilitate the engagement of European stakeholders in international digital standardisation (CSA)

Energy efficiency and sustainability of AI data processing in Data Centres (IA)

EU Frontier AI Initiative: Developing frontier AI solutions that are safe and computationally efficient within Apply AI (RIA)

Create a thriving and competitive Virtual Worlds and Web 4.0 ecosystem (CSA) (Virtual Worlds Partnership)

New approaches for decentralized, federated and sustainable AI data processing (RIA)

Apply AI: AI-Driven Robotics for Industry: Enabling System Integration and Adoption (IA) (Partnership in AI, Data and Robotics)

Advanced and Innovative hardware components for Virtual Worlds (RIA) (Virtual Worlds Partnership)

Large scale operational validation and upscaling of state-of-the-art (Generative) AI tools and models powering a next generation digital energy system

Innovative technologies and solutions to improve wave and tidal energy systems

Renewable Energy Valleys in Africa to increase energy security and energy access in Africa

Advancements in Direct Air Capture

Improvement of Adaptability, Flexibility and Efficiency of Existing Recycling Processes (BATT4EU Partnership)

Co-funding Strategic Energy Technology (SET) Plan renewable fuel value chains at EU, national, regional, and local level

Production technologies for solar photovoltaics beyond the state-of-the-art (EUPI-PV Partnership)

Concentrated solar thermal systems for decarbonising industrial processes

Sustainable and Competitive Cell Production Techniques for Lithium-ion And Sodium-ion Batteries (BATT4EU Partnership)

MSCA Choose Europe for Science 2027

Frequently Asked Questions About Research EU Grants