Scaling up deep tech ecosystems

Last updated: 16.7.2025
Grant

The 'Scaling up deep tech ecosystems' program under Horizon Europe aims to significantly boost the development and deployment of breakthrough deep tech innovations. By fostering interconnected and inclusive innovation ecosystems around pan-European research infrastructures, this initiative drives market and societal value, enhances industry engagement, and improves the valorization of past investments in research infrastructure.

Who is Funded

The 'Scaling up Deep Tech Ecosystems' program is designed to fund a diverse range of entities and initiatives that can foster robust and interconnected innovation ecosystems across the European Union and Associated Countries. The overarching goal is to maximize the value of innovation for all, ensuring equitable diffusion of benefits and supporting the next generation of innovative deep tech companies.

What is Funded

This section details the eligible types of projects and thematic areas supported, emphasizing the scaling of deep tech innovations originating from pan-European research infrastructures. It also outlines the types of costs that can be covered and the developmental stages targeted by the funding.

Type and Scope of Funding

The program offers financial support in the form of grants, with a significant portion dedicated to supporting third-party projects. The total funding available for this specific action is substantial, aimed at fostering widespread innovation and ecosystem development.

Conditions and Requirements

Applicants and beneficiaries must adhere to specific conditions relating to application submission, consortium composition, budget allocation, and broader ethical and regulatory frameworks. These rules ensure project quality, effective implementation, and compliance with EU policies.

Application Procedure

The application process involves a single-stage submission via the EU's Funding & Tenders Portal, followed by a rigorous evaluation against defined criteria. Applicants are encouraged to prepare thoroughly and utilize available support resources.

This program is established and governed by comprehensive European Union legal frameworks, ensuring its legitimacy, operational guidelines, and financial management align with broader EU objectives and regulations.

Similar Programs

#Deep Tech Ecosystems#Horizon Europe Funding#Innovation Scaling#Research Infrastructures#EU Grants#Technology Transfer#Collaborative R&I#Market-Creating Innovation#SME Support#Start-up Companies#Industrial Policy#Quadruple Helix#European Research Area#Network Connectivity#Inter-regional Collaboration#Innovation Procurement#Financial Support to Third Parties (FSTP)#Pilot Grants#Competitiveness#Strategic Assets

Funding Overview

Funding Status

Funding Status:

Planned

Maximum Amount

Maximum Amount:

Up to 5,000,000 € per project, with a maximum of 500,000 € to be granted to each third party.

Allocated Budget

Allocated Budget:

5,000,000 €

Deadline

Deadline:

20.01.2026

Open Until

Open Until:

31.12.2027

Award Channel

Award Channel:

Framework Programme Call

Region

Region:

European Union (EU) Member States and Associated Countries. The program also promotes interregional collaboration and may include synergies with funding from the Western Balkans, Moldova, and Ukraine Plan.

Sectors

Sectors:

Research and Development, Information and Communication Technology, Other

Beneficiaries

Beneficiaries:

Industry, including SMEs, research infrastructures (ESFRI Landmarks, European Research Infrastructure Consortia (ERICs), or legal entities hosting ERIC nodes), academia, civil society organizations, public authorities, individual inventors, investors, innovation hubs, business associations, clusters, public and private buyers of innovative solutions, and citizens.

Application Type

Application Type:

Consortium Required

Funding Stages

Funding Stages:

Basic Research, Applied Research, Experimental Development, Prototyping, Pilot Testing, Product Development, Market Introduction, Commercialization

Funding Provider

Program Level:

European Union

Funding Body:

European Commission

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