Horizon Europe

The Horizon Europe program is accessible to a diverse range of organizations from EU member states and associated countries, including startups, SMEs, universities, research institutes, and large companies. The EU sets high standards, as only the most innovative projects qualify for this funding. So, bear in mind that the competition is fierce, and only the top-tier projects will be awarded funding. Ignite Group would be happy to inform you about your opportunities and the implementation of this program.

A successful grant application from this European grant fund consists of one of the three pillars of the program.

Excellent Science: cutting-edge science: This pillar emphasizes the quality of science, striving to elevate or maintain it at the highest level. Moreover, it seeks to enhance Europe’s appeal to researchers.

Global Challenges & European Industrial Competitiveness: Similar to Horizon 2020, the emphasis here lies on addressing significant challenges both at the European and global scales. This pillar aims to bolster the European industrial sector and promote higher employment rates.

Innovative Europe: The third pillar of this program focuses on innovation to strengthen the EU’s competitiveness.

The newest component within the Horizon Europe program are the missions. These are ambitious initiatives, aimed at providing solutions to major societal challenges in Europe. Five mission areas have been established, and experts have been appointed for each mission to shape them (mission boards):

• Adaptation to climate change including societal transformation.
• Cancer
• Healthy oceans, seas, coastal and inland waters.
• Climate-neutral and smart cities.
• Soil health and food.

The requirements for participating in the Horizon Europe program vary, depending on the call for proposals and specific program component. Here are some general conditions and features of the program:

• Participants: Horizon Europe is open to universities, research institutions, businesses (including SMEs), NGOs, and other organizations. Individual researchers can also participate, for example, through the European Research Council (ERC) grants.
• Consortia: For many projects, it’s necessary to form an international consortium. This means that partners from different EU member states or associated countries (at least three) collaborate on a project.
• Funding: Funding is typically based on a grant, where a percentage of eligible costs is reimbursed. This percentage can vary depending on the type of organization and the type of activity.
• Calls for Proposals: The European Commission publishes calls for proposals outlining specific themes and criteria. Participants must submit their proposals within the specified deadlines and according to the guidelines of the call.
• Work Programmes: Horizon Europe has detailed work programmes that outline specific research areas and objectives for a given period. These work programmes guide the calls for proposals.
• International Collaboration: Horizon Europe encourages international collaboration, including with countries outside the EU and associated countries.
• Open Science: Participants are encouraged to make their research results publicly accessible, following the principles of open science and open access.
• Ethics and Regulation: All projects must adhere to ethical standards and regulations, including EU regulations on data protection and environmental legislation.
• Reporting and Audit: Participants must regularly report on the progress of their project and may be subject to financial audits.

For the most up-to-date information and specific conditions, please contact us. Our experts at Ignite Group can draw from 25 years of experience with practically all schemes and subsidies, at every level.

The Horizon Europe program publishes ‘calls for proposals,’ inviting researchers, businesses, and other organizations to submit project proposals aligned with the specific objectives of the program.

Each call has an opening date and a closing date. Within this period, the grant application must be submitted.

The call for 2025 is not yet known.

Ignite Group can practically take over your entire process and provide support throughout the trajectory.

What to think about in terms of work?

• Assess whether your project qualifies for Horizon Europe.
• If this is the case, you will receive support with writing and submitting.
• Support in setting up the collaboration agreement with other organizations.
• Submit the grant application to the grant provider on time, and in accordance with the latest grant legislation and conditions.
• Act as a contact person towards the grant provider.
• Answer questions from the grant provider about the application.

Set up project administration and provide support in maintaining grant administration.