Applications are now open for UK businesses, innovators and researchers to access billions of pounds of funding through the EU’s Horizon Europe programme.
UKRI is urging businesses, innovators and researchers to apply for access to new markets, capabilities and technologies as well as billions of pounds of funding through the Horizon Europe scheme.
Horizon Europe is the EU’s key funding programme for research and innovation with a budget of €95.5 billion.
Multiple funding opportunities
Horizon Europe funding is available for a wide variety of research and innovation areas including medical science and cancer treatment, adaptation to climate change, ocean health and agriculture.
Funding is also available to all sectors through the European Innovation Council (EIC) which supports the commercialisation of high-risk, high-impact technologies and will be fully implemented as part of Horizon Europe.
In addition, businesses will gain access to cross-border networks, supply chains and talent.
Free support for applicants
Prospective UK funding recipients are eligible to participate in the first calls for proposals for Horizon Europe and can learn more about Horizon Europe by visiting UKRI’s Horizon Europe information page.
The UK National Contact Points for Horizon Europe, who are European Commission recognised experts, can provide free specialist advice and support to UK applicants.
In addition, the UKRI-funded Knowledge Transfer Network (KTN) and Innovate UK EDGE can help with identifying potential partners and collaborators and interested businesses can sign up for newsletters and webinars to hear about future opportunities to apply.
A legacy of success
Horizon Europe’s predecessor, Horizon 2020, demonstrated the substantial benefits of participation for UK businesses. Examples of successful Horizon 2020 funding recipients include:
- Nottingham-based company Promethean Particles, as part of a consortium delivering the Horizon 2020-funded CARMOF Project, is developing nanomaterials to reduce industrial carbon dioxide emissions more efficiently and cheaply
- Edinburgh-based Nova Innovation is leading a consortium of eight blue-chip industrial and academic partners in the Horizon 2020-funded project Enabling Future Arrays in Tidal (EnFAIT), which is developing technology to make clean, tidal energy cost-competitive with other forms of renewable energy
- London-based GyroGear received €1.85 million, plus business support to develop wearable tech to help stabilise hand tremors in people suffering from conditions such as Parkinson’s disease.
Developing game-changing innovation
Jo Frost, UK National Contact Point Team advisor, said: "Horizon Europe brings exciting new opportunities and new ways of working as researchers and innovators unite across Europe. It's a huge opportunity for UK businesses to renew and expand research and innovation connections in the EU and beyond, and to benefit from funding, cross-border networks, supply chains for new products and access to global talent. The UK National Contact Point team is here to help you make the most of the many Horizon Europe opportunities. We provide free personalised support and guidance and can help you find both funding and potential partners. So please do not hesitate to get in touch if you have any questions or are interested in learning more.
Dr Ben Masheder, funding and finance manager at Innovate UK EDGE, said: "With approximately €95.5 billion available, Horizon Europe funding is an amazing opportunity to secure grants from the European Commission to develop game-changing innovation. We work closely with companies interested in Horizon Europe grants by explaining processes, checking the eligibility and suitability of projects and connecting with National Contact Points where appropriate. We have enjoyed considerable success for clients applying for Horizon Europe’s predecessor, Horizon 2020, and plan to do the same again for this programme."
This article was first published on June 17 by UKRI/Innovate UK.
Receive the Funding Newswire each Tuesday, our Policy Bulletin each Thursday, and news about bridging Europe’s east-west innovation gap twice a month in The Widening. 
A unique international forum for public research organisations and companies to connect their external engagement with strategic interests around their R&D system.
