Excellence Hubs
The Excellence Hubs program, part of Horizon Europe's 'Widening participation and spreading excellence' initiative, aims to bolster regional innovation across Europe. It uniquely focuses on fostering robust, place-based innovation ecosystems through cross-border collaboration, strategically linking academia, business, government, and society to drive cutting-edge R&I and economic competitiveness in widening countries.
Who is Funded
This section details the eligibility criteria for the Excellence Hubs program, emphasizing the requirement for consortia from widening countries to foster strong, interconnected R&I ecosystems, including academic institutions, businesses, public authorities, and societal actors. The program aims to build R&I capacities, promote excellence, and bridge innovation divides within Europe.
What is Funded
This section describes the types of projects and activities supported by the Excellence Hubs program. It focuses on fostering innovation within specific thematic areas aligned with regional smart specialisation strategies and broader European policy priorities, such as the green and digital transitions. The program primarily supports research and innovation activities ranging from Technology Readiness Levels (TRL) 3 to 7, including strategy development, pilot projects, and various accompanying measures.
Type and Scope of Funding
This section details the financial aspects of the Excellence Hubs program, which provides grants for projects lasting up to four years. The program offers significant funding amounts per project, ranging from 3 million to 5 million euros, aimed at stimulating strategic Research & Innovation (R&I) initiatives.
Conditions and Requirements
This section outlines the essential conditions and requirements for applicants and beneficiaries of the Excellence Hubs program. It covers consortium formation, eligibility criteria, and various operational and regulatory stipulations, ensuring that proposals adhere to the program's strategic objectives and legal framework.
Application Procedure
This section outlines the application process for the Excellence Hubs program, from submission to evaluation and award. It highlights the single-stage submission process, the evaluation criteria focused on impact and coherence, and the notification timeline for applicants.
Legal Basis
This section identifies the foundational legal and policy documents that govern the Excellence Hubs program, primarily rooted in the Horizon Europe framework. It highlights key regulations and the accessibility of these official texts for public and applicant reference.
Similar Programs
Funding Overview
Funding Status:
Closed
Maximum Amount:
5.000.000 €
Allocated Budget:
Total budget for the call: 50,000,000 €. Maximum funding per project: 5,000,000 €.
Deadline:
15.03.2022
Award Channel:
Framework Programme Call
Region:
The program primarily targets Widening Countries as defined by Horizon Europe regulations, with cross-border collaboration central to its design. Consortia must include at least two place-based R&I ecosystems from different eligible Widening Countries. While non-widening EU Member States, Associated Countries, and international cooperation partners can participate if justified by added value (e.g., specific expertise, value chain involvement), a clear centre of gravity must remain in widening countries, with at least 70% of financial resources allocated to them. Place-based implies operating within a specific territorial, regional, or local context, including cross-border regions.
Sectors:
Research and Development, Green Technology, Information and Communication Technology
Application Type:
Consortium Required
Funding Stages:
Planning, Applied Research, Prototyping, Pilot Testing, Product Development, Process Optimization, Commercialization
Funding Provider
Program Level:
European Union
Funding Body:
European Commission (Horizon Europe)
Website: