Deadline: 22-May-2026
The Destination Horizon Grant Program supports Canadian researchers in building international partnerships and preparing for Horizon Europe – Pillar II funding. It provides up to $15,000 for one year to strengthen collaboration networks—not to conduct research. The program focuses on readiness, global engagement, and forming competitive consortia for future EU-funded projects.
Destination Horizon Grant Program – Overview
The Destination Horizon Grant Program is a funding initiative designed to help researchers at Canadian postsecondary institutions build international research collaborations, particularly with partners in the European Union (EU) and associated countries.
It acts as a preparatory grant, enabling researchers to develop partnerships, build research networks, strengthen collaboration capacity, and prepare for Horizon Europe – Pillar II funding opportunities.
What is Horizon Europe – Pillar II?
Horizon Europe – Pillar II is part of the EU’s flagship research and innovation program focused on global challenges such as climate, health, and digital transformation, along with industrial competitiveness and collaborative, multi-country research projects.
Canada holds associated country status, which allows Canadian researchers to apply directly for EU funding, participate as full partners in European research consortia, and access international funding streams and expertise.
Purpose of the Grant Program
The program is designed to prepare researchers for large-scale funding rather than fund actual research projects.
Core objectives include building disciplinary and interdisciplinary networks, enabling international collaboration with EU partners, promoting intersectoral engagement across academia, industry, government, and non-profits, and strengthening research readiness for Horizon Europe calls.
Funding Details
Grant Value and Duration
Maximum funding is $15,000 for a duration of up to one year.
What the Funding Supports
Eligible activities include networking events and workshops, partnership meetings and exchanges, travel for collaboration-building, and knowledge-sharing sessions.
What the Funding Does NOT Cover
The grant does not support conducting research such as fieldwork or data collection, salaries or stipends for applicants or team members, core research project costs, or compensation except in specific cases involving Indigenous participants.
Eligible Activities (Explained)
Networking and Consortium Building
This includes creating international research teams and identifying partners for Horizon Europe calls.
Scholarly and Intersectoral Exchange
This supports collaboration between universities, government agencies, private sector organizations, and non-profits.
International Engagement
Activities include connecting with EU-based institutions and participating in joint workshops and meetings.
Who is Eligible?
Eligible Applicants
Researchers affiliated with eligible Canadian postsecondary institutions.
Ineligible Applicants
Postdoctoral researchers and students cannot apply as applicants or co-applicants.
Co-Applicants
Co-applicants may include Canadian researchers or organizations and international postsecondary institutions.
Collaborators
Collaborators can come from any sector, including private companies, government bodies, and NGOs.
Institutional Requirements
Applicants must be affiliated with an eligible Canadian institution, secure 100% matching cash contributions from their host institution, ensure the institution administers the grant funds, submit no more than three applications per institution per deadline, and comply with all prior grant reporting requirements.
Why This Program Matters
This program plays a critical role in strengthening Canada’s participation in global research ecosystems. It enables researchers to build strong international partnerships, improves competitiveness in Horizon Europe funding calls, fosters innovation through cross-border collaboration, and supports long-term research impact through consortium development.
How to Apply
Step 1: Confirm eligibility by ensuring affiliation with an eligible Canadian postsecondary institution and meeting all institutional requirements.
Step 2: Develop a collaboration plan by identifying EU or associated country partners and defining clear networking and partnership-building objectives.
Step 3: Prepare a detailed budget outlining eligible collaboration-building activities and secure 100% matching funds from the host institution.
Step 4: Build a strong team by including co-applicants and collaborators from relevant sectors and international institutions.
Step 5: Submit the application through the appropriate institutional channel while ensuring compliance with all program guidelines and deadlines.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Applicants often make the mistake of proposing actual research activities instead of collaboration-building efforts. Another common issue is failing to secure matching funds from the host institution. Weak international partnerships or unclear collaboration strategies can reduce competitiveness. Submitting incomplete applications or failing to meet institutional requirements can also lead to disqualification.
Tips for Success
Focus on building meaningful and long-term partnerships rather than short-term interactions. Align proposed activities with Horizon Europe priorities. Clearly demonstrate how the grant will lead to future funding applications. Ensure strong institutional support and provide a well-justified budget.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What is the main goal of the Destination Horizon Grant?
The main goal is to help researchers build international partnerships and prepare for Horizon Europe – Pillar II funding opportunities.
2. Can the grant be used for research activities?
No, the grant is strictly for collaboration-building activities and cannot be used for conducting research.
3. Who can apply for this grant?
Only researchers affiliated with eligible Canadian postsecondary institutions can apply.
4. Are students or postdoctoral researchers eligible?
No, they are not eligible to apply as applicants or co-applicants.
5. Is matching funding required?
Yes, applicants must secure 100% matching cash contributions from their host institution.
6. Can international partners be included?
Yes, international collaborators and co-applicants from EU and associated countries are encouraged.
7. How many applications can an institution submit?
Each eligible institution can submit up to three applications per competition deadline.
Conclusion
The Destination Horizon Grant Program is a strategic funding opportunity designed to position Canadian researchers for success in global research collaborations. By focusing on partnership-building and international engagement, the program lays the foundation for accessing large-scale Horizon Europe funding and driving impactful, cross-border innovation.
For more information, visit Government of Canada.
