Implementing research infrastructure technology roadmaps

The main goal of this opportunity is to implement key parts or entire existing research infrastructure technology roadmaps through collaboration with industrial partners, including small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), from the earliest stages. The initiative aims to boost the scientific and technological competitiveness of European research infrastructures and raise the technological capabilities of European industries. There is a strong focus on addressing research challenges, advancing digitalization, making research infrastructures more environmentally friendly, and strengthening the EU’s ability to produce critical technical components. Projects should also support innovative companies and reinforce resilience across Europe. This grant is open to organizations in EU Member States, associated countries, and some non-EU countries with specific arrangements for participation.

• Proposals must follow the page limit and formatting requirements set out in the program guidelines.
• Each proposal must include at least two different research infrastructures as beneficiaries, which must be either ESFRI Landmarks, ERICs, or other international European research organizations.
• Projects must involve both research infrastructures and industrial or technological partners, including SMEs, and provide evidence of their commitment (e.g., engagement letters).
• The project must implement significant parts or entire existing research infrastructure technology roadmaps, focusing on community-driven needs.
• Proposals should ensure there is no overlap with previous or ongoing projects funded under certain Horizon 2020 and Horizon Europe topics.

Examples:

• A project where two ESFRI research infrastructures partner with a European SME to develop greener laboratory equipment, following a shared technology roadmap.
• A consortium of an ERIC and an international research organization collaborates with a tech company to advance digital data management tools for research.
• Multiple research infrastructures and industrial partners work together to design and test new components for high-performance scientific instruments, based on a community-identified roadmap.

• Grants provided to third parties for research and innovation activities.
• Costs related to collaboration between research infrastructures and industrial partners.
• Expenses for developing or implementing parts of technology roadmaps.
• Subcontracting activities, including Pre-Commercial Procurement to support prototype development and solution testing.
• Costs for knowledge sharing and co-creation workshops with industry partners.
• Travel and meeting costs related to project activities.
• Personnel costs for staff involved in project implementation.
• Purchase of equipment or materials necessary for roadmap implementation.
• Project management and coordination expenses.

Restrictions: The maximum grant to each third party may exceed EUR 60,000 if well justified in the proposal. All expenses must be directly linked to the project objectives and comply with the program’s rules.

• Budget for this Call: 16,500,000€
• Number of Grants attributed: 11
• Maximum value per project: 1,000,000€
• Minimum value per project: 1,500,000€

• Each proposal must include at least two different research infrastructures as beneficiaries.
• The infrastructures must be clearly identified and be either ESFRI Landmarks, ERICs, or other international European research organizations.
• Participation by two nodes of the same ESFRI infrastructure or ERIC does not count as two different infrastructures.
• Projects must involve industrial partners, including SMEs, or other technology partners.
• Applicants must provide evidence of commitment from all partners (e.g., engagement letters).
• Applicants must avoid overlap with previously funded projects under certain Horizon 2020 and Horizon Europe topics.