Global funding opportunities

Horizon Europe (HE)

Aim of the programme:

Supporting large international consortiums of R&D, industry, policy, and societal stakeholders in producing world-class science and technology, improving industrial leadership and solving societal challenges of Europe by funding research, development and innovation.

Grant size: ca 0,5-25 mln EUR

Funding rate: 70-100%

European Innovation Council (EIC)

Aim of the programme:

Supporting highly innovative SMEs and start-ups in developing ground-breaking business ideas further into a market-ready products, service or processes by financing advanced prototyping, validation, trials, demonstration, testing, certification and commercialization.

Grant size: 2,4-4 mln EUR Grant, 0,5-15 mln EUR equity investment

Funding rate: 70-100%

Digital Europe Programme (DIGITAL)

Aim of the programme:

Supporting large international consortiums R&D, industry, policy, and societal stakeholders in digital technology research and market deployment

cybersecurity

Grant size: ca 0,5-25 mln EUR

Funding rate: 50%-100%

European Defence Fund (EDF)

Aim of the programme:

Supporting international consortiums of R&D, industry, policy, and societal stakeholders in  research and development of state-of-the-art defense equipment and technology projects. 

Grant size: 5-100 mln EUR

Funding rate: 20%-100%

 Innovation Fund (IF)

Aim of the programme:

Innovation Fund supports investments in the next generation of technologies in the fields of energy intensive industries, renewables, energy storage, carbon capture, use and storage. 

Grant size: Small-scale projects up to 7,5 mln EUR, large scale projects above 7,5 mln EUR

Funding rate: 60%

Connecting Europe Facility (CEF)

Aim of the programme: Supporting the infrastructure investments across the EU in transport, energy, digital and telecommunication projects, which aims at a greater connectivity between EU member states.

Grant size: ca 1-5 mln EUR

Funding rate: 30-100%

Programme for the Environment and Climate Action (LIFE)

Aim of the programme: Supporting private bodies, public entities and NGOs in policy design and technology development aimed at ensuring nature conservation, biodiversity, environment and resource efficiency, climate change mitigation and adaptation.

Grant size: 1-10 mln €

Funding rate: 55-70%

Eurostars

Aim of the programme: Supports collaboration of SMEs with SMEs, universities and research centres in developing innovative products, processes or services for commercialisation. 

Grant size: up to 500 000 EUR

Funding rate: 35-50%

Erasmus +

Aim of the programme: Supporting education, training, youth and sport organisations by financing collaboration in the fields of academic and vocational training, schools, adult learning, European sport events, teaching, research, networking and policy debate on EU topics.

Grant size: 30 000 – 4 mln EUR

Funding rate: 80-100%

Creative Europe Programme (CREA)

Aim of the programme: Supporting the audio-visual, cultural and creative players by financing their operations across Europe in order to reach new audiences and to develop the skills needed in the digital age.

Grant size: up to 2 mln EUR

Funding rate: 60-100%

Single Market Programme (SMP)

Aim of the programme: The Single Market Programme aims at improving the functioning of the internal market, the competitiveness and sustainability of enterprises, as well as consumers’ protection.

Grant  size: 700 000 – 1 mln EUR

Funding rate: 70-100%

Interregional Innovation Investments Instrument (I3)

Aim of the programme: Supporting interregional innovation projects in their commercialisation and scale-up phases giving them the tools to overcome regulatory and other barriers and bring their project to investment level.

Grant  size: 2-10 mln

Funding rate: 70-100%

Playbook for Growing Innovative SMEs

As part of our #Growing with EU Funding initiative, we have compiled a playbook – a go-to resource for innovative SMEs seeking to maximise EU funding opportunities. Designed to empower businesses with practical strategies, this playbook offers a comprehensive guide on harnessing funding to bolster your innovative ventures forward. Whether you’re a budding startup or an established SME, unlock the full potential of EU funding with concrete ideas tailored to your business needs. From navigating grant programmes to long-term strategic planning, we provide expert insights and actionable tips to help you secure the support you need to drive growth and innovation.

Download the Funding Playbook for Innovative SMEs.

Expert insights and actionable tips to maximize EU funding for your innovative SME.