Horizon Standardisation Booster (CSA)

The main goal of this opportunity is to support and mentor projects in turning their research results into new or improved European standards. It aims to strengthen the link between research, innovation, and standardisation, making it easier for new technologies to reach the market. The focus is on critical technology fields and fostering collaboration with standardisation bodies. The opportunity is open to projects in the EU, associated countries, and select international partners, especially in areas like semiconductors and Generative AI. This grant helps align innovations with policy objectives and boosts market competitiveness.

• Projects must involve or collaborate with standard development organisations or experts in standardisation.
• They should be led by or include research and technology organisations, universities, private companies, SMEs, industrial partners, innovation agencies, or national metrology institutes.
• Projects should aim to create or revise standards based on research and innovation outcomes.
• Consortia are encouraged, especially those supporting Horizon 2020, Horizon Europe, or nationally funded R&I projects.
• Projects must engage with standardisation bodies and contribute to European or international standardisation activities.

Examples:

• A university-led project working with an industrial partner to develop standards for safe AI deployment in healthcare.
• An SME collaborating with a national metrology institute to update measurement standards for next-generation semiconductors.
• A consortium of innovation agencies and RTOs creating guidelines for the interoperability of smart city technologies.

• Personnel costs for staff involved in standardisation activities
• Consultancy and expert fees related to standardisation processes
• Travel and accommodation expenses for meetings with standardisation bodies
• Costs for organising workshops or stakeholder engagement events
• Fees for participation in standardisation committees or working groups
• Development and publication of technical documents or guidelines
• Costs related to testing and validation for standardisation purposes
• Communication and dissemination activities to promote standardisation results
• Project management and coordination costs

Restrictions: All expenses must fit within the lump sum grant of up to EUR 60,000 per third party. Only grants are supported; other forms of financial support are not eligible.

• Budget for this Call: 1,500,000€
• Number of Grants attributed: 1
• Budget per grant: 1,500,000€

• Applicants must be standard development organisations, research and technology organisations, universities, private companies, SMEs, industrial partners, innovation agencies, or national metrology institutes.
• Projects should be based in EU member states, associated countries, or eligible non-EU/non-associated countries with specific arrangements.
• Applicants must be involved in or support publicly funded research and innovation projects.
• Engagement with standardisation bodies is required.
• Applicants may apply individually or as part of a consortium.
• Non-EU/non-associated country applicants must follow specific participation rules as outlined in the Horizon Europe Programme Guide.
• Eligibility may depend on forming networks or partnerships with relevant standardisation experts.