Question 1

What EU grants are available for the Transportation sector?

Accepted Answer

The European Commission offers a wide range of funding opportunities specifically designed for the Transportation 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 Transportation grants from the EU?

Accepted Answer

Applying for EU grants in the Transportation 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 Transportation EU grants?

Accepted Answer

EU grants for the Transportation 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 Transportation EU grants?

Accepted Answer

Eligibility for Transportation 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 Transportation

Innovative advanced materials and new production processes – reducing dependencies on Critical and Strategic Raw Materials (IA) (Innovative Advanced Materials for the EU and Processes4Planet partnerships)

Factory processes and automation for de- and re-manufacturing (RIA) (Made in Europe partnership)

Advanced manufacturing for key products (IA) (Made in Europe partnership)

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

Pillar II: Talent ecosystems for attractive early research careers

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

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

International cooperation in AI (IA)

Support to the implementation of an EU policy framework for CO2 transport and storage infrastructure

Advancements in Direct Air Capture

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

Innovative technologies and solutions to improve wave and tidal energy systems

MSCA COFUND 2027

Prevention and management of chronic non-communicable diseases in children and young people (GACD)

Addressing disabilities through the life course to support independent living and inclusion

Sustainable aircraft circular design and additive manufacturing, towards a climate neutral aviation

Noise reduction breakthroughs for new ultraefficient aircraft

Novel approaches towards next-generation battery concepts, leveraging the enabling role of innovative advanced materials (BATT4EU and IAM4EU Partnerships)

Fire prevention and mitigation for EVs in confined areas (2ZERO Partnership)

Data-driven circular economy for e-mobility ecosystem (2ZERO Partnership)

Autonomous vessels in short sea shipping and inland waterways

Demonstration of zero emission coaches and buses in long distance operations (2ZERO Partnership)

Higher Voltage, Megawatt Charging System compatible, modular powertrain for Heavy Duty Vehicles (HDV) (2ZERO Partnership)

Onboard renewable energy solutions and energy saving measures to reduce the fuel consumption of ships by at least 55% (ZEWT Partnership)

Prospective evaluation of nuclear power potential for shipping (ZEWT Partnership)

Enhanced electric operation and battery durability (ZEWT Partnership)

Innovative Solutions for mitigating the environmental impact of waterborne transport in marine and aquatic Ecosystems (ZEWT Partnership)

Assessing the effect of airport operations on air quality and noise in nearby communities

MSCA Staff Exchanges 2027

Preparatory phase of new ESFRI research infrastructure projects

Frequently Asked Questions About Transportation EU Grants