Excellence Hubs
The Excellence Hubs program, part of Horizon Europe, aims to significantly enhance Research and Innovation (R&I) capacities and improve access to excellence within Widening countries. This initiative fosters robust, place-based innovation ecosystems through multi-actor consortia, strengthening critical links between academia, business, government, and society. It drives structural changes to create more competitive R&I systems, promoting talent retention and increased participation in European and international R&I endeavors.
Who is Funded by Excellence Hubs?
The Excellence Hubs program is designed to fund a diverse range of legal entities primarily located in Widening countries, aiming to bolster their research and innovation capabilities. The geographic scope is focused on these countries, including specific regions such as the EU Outermost Regions, Western Balkans, and Eastern Partnership countries. The overarching objective is to drive structural changes in R&I systems, enhancing competitiveness and fostering a vibrant, place-based innovation culture across Europe.
What is Funded by Excellence Hubs?
The Excellence Hubs program provides funding for projects focused on innovation and R&I policies, spanning a wide range of cutting-edge scientific and technological domains. Projects must align with regional smart specialisation strategies or broader European policy priorities like the green and digital transitions. While major infrastructure and equipment procurement are excluded, funding supports strategic development, pilot projects, and critical accompanying measures. Projects are expected to advance technologies within a Technology Readiness Level (TRL) range of 3 to 7.
Type and Scope of Funding
The Excellence Hubs program provides financial support in the form of grants, with significant funding available per project over a typical duration of up to four years. These financial parameters are designed to enable substantial collaborative initiatives aimed at strengthening innovation ecosystems.
Conditions and Requirements
Applicants and beneficiaries of the Excellence Hubs program must adhere to specific conditions and requirements to ensure the effective and compliant implementation of funded projects. These provisions cover application terms, consortium structures, and budget stipulations, emphasizing collaboration, strategic alignment, and responsible financial management.
Application Procedure
The application process for Excellence Hubs follows a single-stage submission procedure, with detailed guidelines provided in the Horizon Europe Work Programme General Annexes and the Online Manual. Proposals undergo a rigorous evaluation process by experts, ensuring impartiality and fairness. Applicants are notified of decisions following the evaluation results.
Legal Basis
The Excellence Hubs program operates under a robust legal framework, primarily authorized by key European Union regulations. These foundational documents define the program's mandate, scope, and operational rules, ensuring legitimacy and guiding its implementation.
Similar Programs
Funding Overview
Funding Status:
Closed
Maximum Amount:
6,000,000 €
Allocated Budget:
60,000,000 €
Deadline:
07.03.2024
Award Channel:
Framework Programme Call
Region:
The program primarily targets place-based Research & Innovation (R&I) ecosystems within Widening countries across the European Union and Associated Countries. This includes specific attention to EU Outermost Regions, Western Balkans (e.g., Bosnia and Herzegovina, North Macedonia, Serbia), and Eastern Partnership countries such as Armenia, Georgia, Republic of Moldova, and Ukraine.
Sectors:
Agriculture and Agribusiness, Food Processing, Renewable Energy, Water and Waste Management, Information and Communication Technology, Software Development, Green Technology, Healthcare, Medical Technology, Education and Vocational Training, Research and Development, Service Sector, Environmental and Climate Protection, Social Enterprises, Cultural Institutions, Other
Application Type:
Consortium Required
Funding Stages:
Applied Research, Experimental Development, Prototyping, Pilot Testing, Product Development, Process Optimization, Market Introduction, Commercialization, Implementation, Infrastructure, Capacity Building
Funding Provider
Program Level:
European Union
Funding Body:
European Commission
Managed By:
Research Executive Agency (REA)
Website: