How to apply for Horizon Europe funding: a practical guide for companies

Companies can participate as project coordinators, consortium partners, technology providers, pilot sites or end users. The application process starts with finding a suitable call and checking whether the project, consortium and planned activities match its requirements.

1. Find the right Horizon Europe call

Horizon Europe calls are published on the EU Funding & Tenders Portal.

Search using specific terms connected to:

• your technology;
• target industry;
• project maturity;
• planned activities;
• expected users;
• intended project results.

Broad searches such as EU innovation funding may return too many unrelated opportunities. A focused search using the technology, application area and intended outcome usually produces better results.

2. Read the full call conditions

Companies should review the complete topic description and check:

• expected outcomes;
• eligible activities;
• available budget;
• expected funding per project;
• funding rate;
• consortium requirements;
• technology readiness level;
• deadline;
• proposal template and page limit.

The proposed project should clearly contribute to the expected outcomes described in the call.

3. Check the funding rate

Horizon Europe uses different types of actions.

Research and Innovation Actions usually support research, development and early validation, with funding of up to 100% of eligible costs.

Innovation Actions often cover prototyping, demonstration, testing and market preparation. For-profit companies usually receive funding of up to 70% of eligible costs.

Coordination and Support Actions can fund networking, policy support, standards and knowledge exchange, generally at a rate of up to 100%.

The exact conditions should always be confirmed on the individual call page.

4. Check consortium requirements

Many Horizon Europe calls require at least three independent organisations from three different eligible countries, including at least one organisation from an EU Member State.

Some calls allow applications from a single company or use different consortium rules.

A typical consortium may include:

• technology companies;
• universities;
• research organisations;
• manufacturers;
• hospitals;
• public authorities;
• pilot sites;
• industry associations;
• end users.

Each partner should have a clear role connected to the project activities.

5. Prepare a short project concept

Before writing the full proposal, prepare a concept note that explains:

• the problem;
• the proposed solution;
• the current development stage;
• planned research, testing or demonstration activities;
• expected results;
• European level impact;
• partner roles;
• estimated duration and budget.

This helps the consortium confirm that the project fits the call before investing time in the full application.

6. Register on the Funding & Tenders Portal

Each participating organisation must be registered in the EU Participant Register and have a Participant Identification Code, known as a PIC number.

Companies should first check whether they already have a PIC before creating a new registration.

The application is then prepared and submitted through the Funding & Tenders Portal.

7. Write the proposal around the evaluation criteria

Most Horizon Europe proposals are assessed under three main sections.

Excellence

Explain the objectives, methodology, innovation and progress beyond existing solutions.

Impact

Describe the expected results, target users, market potential, wider European value and plans for communication, dissemination and exploitation.

Implementation

Present the work packages, tasks, deliverables, milestones, budget, partner responsibilities, risks and project management structure.

The proposal should use the official template provided on the call page.

8. Build a realistic work plan and budget

The budget should be directly connected to the planned activities.

Eligible costs may include:

• personnel;
• travel;
• equipment;
• subcontracting;
• purchased services;
• indirect costs.

Each partner should have enough resources to complete its tasks. Companies should also calculate their own contribution when the funding rate is below 100%.

9. Review the application before submission

Before submitting, check that:

• the project fits the call;
• all expected outcomes are addressed;
• consortium requirements are met;
• partner roles are clear;
• the budget matches the work plan;
• impact claims are supported;
• all required documents are included;
• the page limit and formatting rules are followed.

Submitting several days before the deadline gives the consortium time to correct technical or administrative issues.

Common Horizon Europe application mistakes

Frequent problems include:

• selecting a call that only partly matches the project;
• starting partner search too late;
• giving partners unclear roles;
• focusing heavily on the technology and too little on impact;
• using unrealistic commercial claims;
• preparing the budget separately from the work plan;
• leaving proposal integration until the final days.

Is Horizon Europe suitable for your company?

Horizon Europe may be relevant for companies developing an innovative solution, planning research or demonstration activities and looking for international partners.

A suitable call should match the company’s technology, project maturity, planned activities and expected results.

Proposal Peak platform helps companies identify Horizon Europe funding opportunities based on their sector, profile and development plans. Finding a relevant call early gives the team more time to confirm eligibility, build a consortium and prepare a strong application.

Author: Proposal Peak project manager, Edgars Poga

                                                                Try Proposal Peak platform free for 14 days