Funding Opportunities: 

Retail/Drink/Food

This competition is seeking innovations in autonomous sensor management and data fusion that can detect and counter attempts to deceive Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance operations. Proposals should show strong commercialisation potential, clear evidence of technical capability, and active collaboration across all partners involved. Phase 2 integrates the previous phase’s separate challenges into a single focus on autonomous techniques that counter deception, with solutions expected to demonstrate performance in a relevant environment at TRL 6. Projects must run for at least 18 months, with up to two collaborative projects expected to be funded, and Phase 1 participation is not required.

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This topic seeks projects that enhance the reliability, safety, and efficiency of wind energy systems, contributing to reduced operational, financial, and climate-related risks while strengthening the European wind energy supply chain. Proposals should develop and validate solutions across areas such as predictive maintenance, condition and health monitoring, component reliability, operation optimisation, and digital tools, with a focus on critical subsystems. Projects are expected to produce FAIR data, incorporate digitalisation and advanced sensor technologies, and improve safety protocols, downtime, and operational costs. Solutions should be standardisable, scalable, and support the strategic autonomy, competitiveness, and technology leadership of the European wind energy sector.

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This topic supports large-scale demonstration of advanced biofuels and renewable fuels of non-biological origin to meet the needs of sectors such as aviation, shipping, and energy-intensive industries. Projects should engage feedstock developers, technology providers, fuel suppliers, end users, and public authorities to deliver ready-to-deploy, economically viable solutions while assessing the impact of actual feedstocks on plant design and operation. Expected outcomes include de-risking innovative technologies, supporting scale-up, enhancing sustainability and GHG reduction, and providing evidence to inform policy, regulatory decisions, and investment. Proposals must include robust exploitation and dissemination plans, covering commercialisation, scalability, business cases, local economic impact, and full value chain assessments.

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This topic aims to improve understanding and management of the cumulative environmental impacts of large-scale offshore wind deployment, including effects on biodiversity and marine ecosystems, throughout the full project life cycle. Projects should develop and validate monitoring tools, models, and assessment methods to support Maritime Spatial Planning, environmental impact assessments, and mitigation strategies, ensuring data are FAIR and widely accessible. Expected outcomes include better-informed planning and decision-making, improved environmental monitoring, and deployment of offshore wind with minimal or net-positive impacts on marine and coastal environments. Proposals should also ensure complementarities with existing Horizon Europe projects and relevant European research infrastructures.

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This topic aims to advance the observability, monitoring, and management of electricity distribution grids by developing smart substation ecosystems that integrate power electronics, intelligent devices, and software solutions. Projects should demonstrate real-time monitoring, data consolidation, and AI-assisted decision-making across multiple pilots in different EU Member States or Associated Countries. Expected outcomes include optimised grid operation and maintenance, enhanced resilience to disturbances and natural hazards, and the creation of best practices for integrating smart substations into flexible, responsive distribution networks. Collaboration with multiple distribution system operators, technology suppliers, and at least one TSO is encouraged, with contributions feeding into the BRIDGE initiative.

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This topic aims to develop and validate planning methods and procedures that accelerate the uptake of innovative building solutions, enhancing whole life carbon performance, sustainability, circularity, climate resilience, and safety across the built environment. Projects should demonstrate these methods in at least three countries with diverse climates and building stock, including at least two renovation contexts, and assess their effectiveness compared to a “business as usual” scenario. Proposals must actively involve public and private stakeholders, including municipalities, citizens, civil society, and the construction sector, while integrating social sciences and humanities expertise to maximise societal impact. The work should contribute to the Built4People partnership and its network of innovation clusters, supporting monitoring of relevant KPIs.

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This topic aims to develop open-source tools and integrated platforms for managing energy community assets, optimising local energy use, and enabling seamless interaction between households, prosumers, aggregators, and DSOs. Projects should implement real-time monitoring, forecasting, and autonomous control of energy systems, while ensuring secure, standards-based communication and interoperability across devices and networks. Solutions must be tested in at least three diverse European energy communities and involve stakeholders such as smart appliance manufacturers, home energy system developers, DSOs, and aggregators. The work should actively contribute to the BRIDGE initiative, foster replication potential, and integrate social sciences and humanities expertise to maximise societal impact.

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This topic aims to develop and pilot generative AI-powered tools to enhance the digitalisation, decarbonisation, and optimisation of the EU energy system across electricity, mobility, and buildings. Projects should demonstrate AI-driven energy services, system planning, and smart grid functionalities, integrating distributed assets, flexibility markets, and data exchange while ensuring interoperability across sectors and regions. Solutions must be tested across at least three EU Member States or Associated Countries, involving traditional and new energy stakeholders, including DSOs, aggregators, energy communities, and digital infrastructure providers. The work should build on existing open-source digital solutions, leverage AI Factories, adhere to relevant standards, and actively contribute to the BRIDGE initiative.

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This topic focuses on assessing and optimising the value chains of advanced biofuels and renewable fuels of non-biological origin to strengthen EU energy security and industrial competitiveness. Projects should analyse current and future scenarios, identify integration challenges across stakeholders, and propose research, innovation, and standardisation actions to improve reliability, sustainability, and carbon removal potential. Multidisciplinary aspects—including sustainable farming, CO₂ valorisation, fuel standardisation, and land-use trade-offs—should be considered to develop win-win, integrated solutions across the entire value chain. All proposals must include a life-cycle-based sustainability assessment covering techno-economic, environmental, and social dimensions.

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This topic aims to develop and demonstrate smart building solutions that reduce energy demand, integrate renewable energy sources, and enhance grid flexibility while ensuring user comfort and satisfaction. Projects should upgrade existing building management systems, be user-friendly, and address societal needs, including the perspectives of diverse social groups. Proposals must include at least three pilot demonstrations covering different climatic zones, building types, and technical systems, and provide methods to measure energy savings, flexibility, and interoperability improvements. Societal Readiness should be embedded throughout, with SSH expertise supporting the socio-technological interface and ensuring the solutions are socially acceptable and replicable.

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This topic supports activities that scale up the use of EU space data by addressing fragmented sectoral demand and enabling the commercialisation of innovative space-based solutions in strategic priority areas. Proposals should leverage EGNSS and Copernicus capabilities to improve the efficiency, resilience, and sustainability of energy systems, urban environments, climate adaptation efforts, or green financing and insurance. Each project must focus on one clearly defined priority area, deliver a viable business plan, and demonstrate alignment with relevant regulations and policies. Activities are expected to achieve TRL 7–9 by project end, with an emphasis on commercial readiness, collaboration, and use of existing European technologies.

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This topic seeks projects that develop and validate integrated space technologies to support crisis and security practitioners, enhancing EU security, resilience, and cybersecurity. Proposals should leverage Galileo, EGNOS, and, where relevant, Copernicus or GOVSATCOM to deliver close-to-market solutions in security operations, critical infrastructure resilience, or crisis management. Projects must include a business plan, involve SMEs and midcaps, and demonstrate large-scale operational impact, with participation from at least two crisis or security organisations across different EU or associated countries. Activities are expected to reach TRL 7–9 by project end, focusing on commercial readiness and practical uptake of space-based technologies.

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This pilot aims to accelerate high-risk deep tech innovation by supporting breakthrough solutions in areas where commercial uptake is limited, while testing whether stage-gated funding and early involvement of end-users improve market adoption. It focuses on two major challenges: Physical AI for next-generation robotics, and New Approach Methodologies that can replace or reduce animal testing in biomedical research and product safety. Eligible applicants include start-ups, SMEs, and research organisations, with funding delivered across two stages to develop, validate, and test solutions in real-world settings. Successful projects can receive up to €300,000 in Stage 1 and up to €2.5 million in Stage 2, alongside access to partners, experts, and a wider innovation ecosystem.

The NIHR Decarbonising the Health and Social Care System fund supports UK research that reduces carbon emissions and promotes sustainability in health and social care. With £25 million available over five years, it backs projects developing or evaluating innovations, service models, or care pathways that advance net zero goals and can inform policy and practice. Open to UK-based researchers and organisations, the programme encourages collaboration with SMEs, charities, and local authorities to deliver practical, scalable solutions.

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This competition sits within the TechLocal strand of the TechFirst programme and aims to boost regional tech skills and employment across the UK. It supports collaborative, locally driven initiatives that help people access entry-level tech roles, bridge the gap between training and employment in frontier technology sectors, and support SMEs in developing tech talent. Projects must demonstrate clear regional impact, align with local economic and workforce needs, and focus on frontier technologies such as AI, cyber security, and quantum. Only UK-registered organisations can apply, with applications required to involve multiple partners operating in the regions where the project will be delivered.

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This competition seeks proposals focused on improving the modelling and early treatment of conflict-related wounds, particularly in austere or battlefield environments. It invites innovations that either develop realistic biological, computational, or hybrid models of complex conflict wounds, or deliver new or adapted treatments that can be applied early by non-specialist personnel. Projects must demonstrate progression across defined Technology Readiness Levels within a maximum duration of 28 months and address relevant ethical, legal, and regulatory considerations. Collaboration is encouraged but not mandatory, and the scope excludes civilian-type injuries, chronic wounds, and purely academic or non-innovative studies.

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This competition seeks proposals focused on improving the modelling and early treatment of conflict-related wounds, particularly in austere or battlefield environments. It invites innovations that develop realistic biological, computational, or hybrid models of complex wounds, or deliver new or adapted treatments that can be applied early by non-specialist medical personnel. Projects must demonstrate progression across defined Technology Readiness Levels within a maximum duration of 28 months and address relevant ethical, legal, and regulatory considerations. Collaboration is encouraged but not mandatory, and the scope excludes civilian-type injuries, chronic wounds, and non-innovative or purely academic studies.

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This competition aims to test novel whole-system solutions that tackle grid, power, and operational barriers to delivering ultra-rapid EV charging at challenging sites along England’s Strategic Road Network. Projects must demonstrate technologies that enable at least 12 cars or vans to charge at 150 kW or more, while showing clear potential for replication and wider rollout across APTR cold spots and motorway service areas. Only proposals that directly address future grid constraints up to 2030 and support real-world deployment by March 2028 are eligible, with required collaboration between an SRN site operator and a charge point operator. Funding of £500,000 to £3 million is available for UK-led consortia able to safely operate the solution for at least three years after deployment.

This award supports long-term, coordinated research programmes that aim to transform the early detection and diagnosis of cancer and pre-cancerous conditions. It is open to scientists, clinicians, and healthcare workers based at UK universities, hospitals, or research institutions, with SMEs able to participate as collaborators but not lead the award. Funding of up to £2.5 million is available for programmes lasting up to five years, supporting staff, running costs, and equipment. Applicants must contact Cancer Research UK at least one month before applying to confirm eligibility, with proposals expected to demonstrate clear clinical or population impact and, where relevant, address inequalities in early detection and diagnosis.

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This funding supports innovative research projects focused on the early detection and diagnosis of cancer, with the aim of enabling earlier intervention and improved patient outcomes. UK research organisations such as universities, NHS trusts, or research institutes must lead applications, while SMEs can participate as collaborators by providing relevant technology, expertise, or services. Projects are fully funded, with no requirement for match funding, and are assessed through a two-stage application process based on scientific quality, feasibility, and potential impact. Proposals must align with Cancer Research UK’s strategy and demonstrate a clear pathway to clinical or screening translation.

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This award supports small, focused research projects that generate preliminary data, test feasibility, or develop early proof of concept for ideas related to the early detection or diagnosis of cancer. Applications must be led by a researcher at a UK research organisation, with SMEs or other non-academic partners able to contribute if their role strengthens the project. Funding covers pilot studies, early proof-of-concept work, and new research directions, but not large-scale clinical trials or projects outside the scope of early detection. The scheme aims to build foundational evidence that supports future, larger research awards, with a five-year rolling success rate of 42%.

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The Childhood Cancer Therapeutic Catalyst award supports projects that accelerate the development of new therapies for childhood cancers by generating key proof-of-concept or mechanism data. Applications must be led by a UK-based researcher at a recognised research organisation, with SMEs and industry partners able to collaborate by providing expertise, technology, or development capabilities. Funded projects may include the development or optimisation of therapeutic candidates and preclinical studies to demonstrate potential, aiming to support future translational funding or investment. Proposals must focus on therapeutic innovation rather than basic science and have a clear pathway toward further development and clinical translation.

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This award supports mid-career researchers in developing independent cancer research programmes that build a foundation for future leadership and larger funding opportunities. Applications must be led by a UK-based researcher at a recognised research organisation, with SMEs and industry partners able to contribute as collaborators providing expertise, technology, or services. Funding of up to £1.5 million is available for around six years, covering research staff, running costs, and essential equipment, with projects addressing fundamental questions in cancer biology. Proposals are assessed through a two-stage process and interviews, focusing on scientific excellence, innovation, and alignment with Cancer Research UK’s strategy, while collaborative contributions must be clearly described.

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This award supports mid-career researchers in developing independent cancer research programmes that build a foundation for future leadership and larger funding opportunities. Applications must be led by a UK-based researcher at a recognised research organisation, while SMEs and industry partners can collaborate by providing technology, expertise, or services that strengthen the project. Funding of up to £1.5 million over six years is available to support research staff, running costs, and essential equipment, with projects addressing fundamental questions in cancer biology. Proposals are assessed through a two-stage process and interview, focusing on scientific excellence, innovation, and alignment with Cancer Research UK’s strategy, with collaborative contributions clearly defined.

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This competition sits within the TechLocal strand of the TechFirst programme and aims to boost regional tech skills and employment across the UK. It supports collaborative, locally focused projects that help people access entry-level roles, bridge the gap between training and employment in frontier technologies, and support SMEs in developing tech talent. Eligible projects must involve UK-registered organisations working in one or more regions and align with local skills needs and economic priorities. Proposals should demonstrate clear regional impact, innovation, and contribution to national TechLocal objectives across areas such as AI, cyber security, engineering biology, and quantum technologies.

Eurogia2030 is a EUREKA Cluster programme supporting international collaborative R&D and innovation projects in low-carbon energy and related technologies that contribute to climate neutrality and sustainable growth. Projects must involve at least two companies from different participating countries, with SMEs, large companies, and research organisations all eligible subject to national funding rules. Funding is provided through non-repayable national grants, with rates and conditions varying by country and partner type, and each participant must secure support from their own national agency. The programme uses a two-stage application process and prioritises applied research and near-market projects with clear international collaboration and market or societal impact.

The Therapeutic Catalyst award supports projects that accelerate the development of novel cancer therapies by generating key proof-of-concept or mechanism data to de-risk early-stage approaches. Applications must be led by a researcher at a UK research organisation, while SMEs and industry partners can participate as collaborators, providing expertise, technology, or development capabilities. Funding covers eligible project costs in full for medium-term projects, typically two to three years, and is intended to position the therapy concept for further translational funding or commercial investment. Collaborative proposals are encouraged, with the aim of producing decisive data that strengthens the pathway towards effective cancer treatments.

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This funding opportunity supports high-quality applied health and social care research focused on early action, prevention, and reducing inequalities at a national level. It aims to generate evidence that improves prevention services, enhances access to community-based care, and reduces hospital admissions. Research should address preventative strategies, early diagnosis, and interventions for those at risk of long-term conditions, demonstrating clear national impact and relevance to the NHS and social care. Areas of interest include improving prevention pathways, integrating preventative approaches, using data to deliver proactive support, and evaluating innovative service models or technologies. There are no specific eligibility restrictions for applicants.

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The Urban Mobility Explained (UMX) Open Call, run by EIT Urban Mobility, funds the development and delivery of professional training and learning services that address urban mobility knowledge gaps and support more liveable cities. It is open to a wide range of organisations across EU Member States and Horizon Europe–associated countries, with projects eligible for up to €700,000 in funding over a maximum of 35 months. Proposals should align with the strategic objectives of the EIT Urban Mobility Academy and demonstrate impact, scalability, and financial sustainability. The call supports a broad range of training-related activities, from course development and commercialisation to scaling successful programmes and providing operational support services.

The competition seeks innovative proposals that integrate autonomous sensor management with information fusion to detect and counter activities designed to deceive Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) operations. Proposals should demonstrate both commercial potential and technical feasibility, ideally through collaborative efforts, and provide evidence of all parties’ active involvement. Phase 2 combines the previous phase’s separate challenges into a single integrated solution, requiring demonstration in a relevant environment at Technology Readiness Level 6. Projects are expected to last at least 18 months, with funding available for up to two collaborative initiatives, and while prior participation is not required, collaboration is strongly encouraged.