Deadline: 24-Sep-2026
The European Commission is offering €7 million to support collaboration among Centres of Excellence under Horizon Europe. The call focuses on joint initiatives, clustering, and innovation to enhance long-term impact, visibility, and sustainability. It is open globally to eligible organisations working on research, innovation, and knowledge transfer.
Overview
This funding call aims to strengthen cooperation among Centres of Excellence (CoEs), particularly those established under Teaming initiatives.
The program focuses on:
- Long-term collaboration and sustainability of CoEs
- Joint innovation and research initiatives
- Increased global competitiveness
- Stronger links between research, industry, and policy
It builds on prior EU investments, especially in Widening countries, to ensure long-term scientific, economic, and societal impact.
Key Objectives
1. Strengthening Collaboration & Clustering
- Foster strategic clustering among Centres of Excellence
- Enable joint initiatives and shared research agendas
- Promote cross-border and multidisciplinary cooperation
2. Driving Innovation & System Transformation
- Support transformation of research and innovation ecosystems
- Address major European and global challenges
- Encourage collaborative innovation models
3. Knowledge Valorisation & Commercialisation
- Translate research into practical applications
- Promote entrepreneurship and technology transfer
- Strengthen links with industry
4. Responsible AI & Emerging Priorities
- Promote responsible use of artificial intelligence
- Align research with ethical and societal standards
- Integrate cutting-edge innovation areas
5. Capacity Building & Sustainability
- Build long-term institutional capacity
- Support knowledge-sharing and skills development
- Ensure sustainability of Centres of Excellence
6. Networking, Visibility & Outreach
- Increase international visibility of CoEs
- Organise conferences and global events
- Enable matchmaking with industry and policymakers
7. Digital Collaboration Platforms
- Develop tools for continuous collaboration
- Support data sharing and communication
- Enable virtual networking and knowledge exchange
Key Activities Supported
Projects may include:
- Strategic clustering and joint programme development
- Pilot implementation of collaborative initiatives
- International conferences and networking events
- Digital platforms for research collaboration
- Industry engagement and matchmaking
- Entrepreneurship and innovation support programs
- Capacity building and training initiatives
Funding Details
- Total funding: €7,000,000
- Programme: Horizon Europe
- Project type: Collaborative research and innovation actions
Who is Eligible?
Eligible Applicants:
- Any legal entity worldwide
- Universities and research institutions
- Centres of Excellence
- Companies and industry partners
- NGOs and international organisations
Additional Conditions:
- Entities from non-associated third countries can participate
- Must comply with Horizon Europe rules
- Both public and private organisations are eligible
Project Requirements
Proposals must:
- Include multiple Centres of Excellence or relevant partners
- Demonstrate strong collaboration frameworks
- Align with EU innovation and research priorities
- Show clear pathways to impact and sustainability
- Include knowledge transfer and capacity-building elements
How to Apply (Step-by-Step)
- Register organisation in the EU Participant Register
- Obtain Participant Identification Code (PIC)
- Build a consortium of Centres of Excellence and partners
- Design a project that includes:
- Collaboration and clustering strategy
- Innovation and knowledge valorisation plan
- Capacity-building activities
- Develop:
- Work plan and timeline
- Budget allocation
- Impact and sustainability strategy
- Submit proposal via Horizon Europe portal
Evaluation Criteria
Applications will be assessed based on:
- Excellence and innovation quality
- Strength of collaboration and partnerships
- Impact on research and innovation ecosystems
- Contribution to EU priorities
- Feasibility and implementation quality
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Weak collaboration between Centres of Excellence
- Lack of clear innovation or commercialization strategy
- Limited industry or policy engagement
- No sustainability or long-term impact plan
- Overly theoretical proposals without practical outcomes
Why This Funding Matters
This initiative strengthens Europe’s research and innovation ecosystem by connecting Centres of Excellence and maximizing their impact.
It helps:
- Improve global competitiveness of research institutions
- Accelerate innovation and commercialization
- Strengthen collaboration across countries and disciplines
- Support economic and societal development
- Enhance visibility of European research excellence
Tips for a Strong Proposal
- Build a diverse and complementary consortium
- Focus on real-world impact and innovation
- Include strong industry and policy engagement
- Demonstrate scalability and sustainability
- Align clearly with EU strategic priorities
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What is the goal of this call?
To strengthen collaboration and long-term impact of Centres of Excellence through joint initiatives and innovation.
2. How much funding is available?
€7 million under Horizon Europe.
3. Who can apply?
Any legal entity globally, including universities, companies, and research organisations.
4. Is collaboration required?
Yes, proposals must involve multiple Centres of Excellence and partners.
5. What types of activities are supported?
Clustering, innovation projects, networking, digital platforms, and capacity building.
6. Can non-EU organisations participate?
Yes, if they meet Horizon Europe eligibility rules.
7. What makes a strong proposal?
Strong collaboration, clear innovation impact, and alignment with EU priorities.
Conclusion
This Horizon Europe call provides a strategic opportunity to strengthen collaboration among Centres of Excellence and enhance their global impact. By supporting joint initiatives, innovation, and knowledge transfer, it helps build sustainable research ecosystems that drive scientific excellence, economic growth, and societal progress.
For more information, visit European Commission.