Official call identifier: HORIZON-CL4-2027-01-MAT-PROD-61
Objective of the call
The objective of this call is to accelerate breakthrough research and innovation in industrial technologies through small, agile collaborative projects. It supports ambitious ideas with the potential to create major technological advances and strengthen European industrial competitiveness.
Scope of activities
Projects should address research and innovation priorities within one or more of the following European industrial partnerships:
- Made in Europe
- Processes4Planet
- Clean Steel
- Innovative Advanced Materials for the EU (IAM4EU)
- Textiles of the Future
Proposals should present a clear scientific or technological breakthrough, a credible research approach and a convincing route towards future industrial use. Activities may include fundamental and applied research, proof of concept and laboratory validation, with a target maturity of up to TRL 4.
The Fast Track to Research and Innovation procedure is designed for faster decisions, with evaluation results targeted within four months of the submission deadline and grant signature within six months.
Eligible applicants
- SMEs, start-ups and large companies developing or applying innovative technologies
- Universities, research organisations and research and technology organisations (RTOs)
- Public bodies and non-profit organisations with relevant expertise
Applications must normally involve at least three independent legal entities established in three different EU Member States or Horizon Europe Associated Countries, including at least one entity established in an EU Member State. Participation and funding remain subject to the eligibility conditions in the Horizon Europe General Annexes and the topic conditions.
Specific consortium requirement: A maximum of six independent eligible legal entities may participate in each consortium.
Specific consortium we are looking for:
- SMEs, start-ups and industrial companies with a breakthrough technology idea
- Universities and research organisations providing scientific excellence and laboratory capabilities
- Technology centres and RTOs specialising in manufacturing, process industries, steel, advanced materials or textiles
- Industrial partners able to assess the future application and exploitation potential
Eligible costs
Funding follows the Horizon Europe budget-based grant model. Eligible expenditure may include:
- Personnel for research, technology development and laboratory validation
- Equipment depreciation, materials, consumables and other goods and services used for the project
- Subcontracting where justified, travel and dissemination activities
- Project management and exploitation planning
- Indirect costs in accordance with the applicable Horizon Europe rules
Funding conditions
Type of action: Research and Innovation Action (RIA)
Funding rate: Up to 100% of eligible costs
Total topic budget: EUR 20 million
Expected EU contribution per project: Up to EUR 2.5 million
Indicative number of funded projects: 8
Technology Readiness Level (TRL): Activities are expected to achieve up to TRL 4.
Consortium size: Maximum six independent eligible legal entities
Project duration: To be justified by the proposed work plan; no fixed duration is specified in the topic.
Deadline for submission
Deadline: 2 February 2027, 17:00 Brussels time (CET)
This call follows a single-stage submission procedure.