Horizon Europe 2026-2027: How SMEs Can Prepare
by MoS Editorial Team
Horizon Europe has a budget of around €95.5 billion for 2021-2027 and is the European Union’s main programme for research and innovation. The 2026-2027 work programme closes the cycle: calls, with their deadlines, conditions and reference documents, are published on the European Commission’s Funding & Tenders Portal.
For an SME there are two main routes. The first is to join a collaborative project, as a partner or coordinator, within an international consortium: most calls require at least three independent organisations from three different countries. The second is the EIC Accelerator, designed for single companies with high-potential innovations, which combines a grant with a possible equity investment.
The funding rate depends on the type of action: up to 100% of eligible costs for Research and Innovation Actions, and normally 70% for Innovation Actions when the beneficiary is a company.
The most underestimated factor is time. Choosing the call, building the partnership and writing the proposal often take several months, so it pays to start well ahead of the deadline, especially if the consortium still has to be formed.
Looking for the right funding opportunity or building your next European project?
Our team is available for a free, no-obligation first consultation: together we will look at which opportunities fit your project and how to approach them.
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