Horizon Europe Research and Innovation Actions (RIA)

Funding type

Grants to generate new knowledge, explore new technologies, or improve existing ones

Technology readiness level

One to four

Funding amount

Between €2 million to €5 million

Focus areas

Digitaltech / Deep Innovation, Cleantech, and Biotech

Turning your innovation into funded reality, one step at a time.

Getting Started

RIAs are Horizon Europe’s way of backing bold ideas early.
These projects aim to create new knowledge or explore breakthrough technologies, products, or services — typically at lower technology readiness levels.
They’re 100% funded by the European Union, so your team can focus entirely on innovation without worrying about costs.

Finding calls

Horizon Europe is the EU’s big bet on research and innovation. There are multiple opportunities under Horizon Europe published on an ongoing basis on the EU Funding & Tenders Portal (FTP).
Use the filters PROGRAMMING PERIOD: 2021-2027 and PROGRAMME: HORIZON to see the list of calls for proposals, specific call topics, deadlines, and application forms available.
RIAs are especially common under Pillar II of Horizon Europe, which focuses on tackling global challenges and boosting European industrial competitiveness. To only see the opportunities within Horizon Pillar II click on “All filters” and filter by PROGRAMME PART= Global challenges.
Pillar II is divided into six clusters:
- Cluster 1: Health → Calls start with HORIZON-HLTH-YYYY…
- Cluster 2: Culture, Creativity & Inclusive Society → HORIZON-CL2-YYYY…
- Cluster 3: Civil Security for Society → HORIZON-CL3-YYYY…
- Cluster 4: Digital, Industry & Space → HORIZON-CL4-YYYY…
- Cluster 5: Climate, Energy & Mobility → HORIZON-CL5-YYYY…
- Cluster 6: Food, Bioeconomy, Natural Resources, Agriculture & Environment → HORIZON-CL6-YYYY…

Evaluation

Proposals are evaluated by independent experts in line with the established procedures in Horizon Europe. Results are typically communicated within five months.

Support Materials

The following resources can guide your application: 

FTP short tutorials  
FTP for beginners (webinar)  
How to submit a proposal via the FTP (online manual)   
How to apply  
The Horizon Europe programme guide, which provides a detailed overview of all the project types that can be funded.

Not sure if you qualify? We will help make it clear.

Who can apply?  

Most calls for proposals under Horizon Europe require you to team up with at least three partner organisations from three different EU or associated countries, with one of them being from an EU country. You’ll find the details the Horizon Europe programme guide. 
Each call topic may have details or exceptions so be sure to refer to the pages of the call topic on the EU FTP.
Some calls require a multi-actor approach, meaning your project must bring together a mix of diverse stakeholders (think researchers, businesses, NGOs, etc..). For a breakdown by topic, head over to the Horizon Europe – Who should apply page.

Funding rates

Tips and tricks to help you nail your application from previous successful applicants.

This site covers the essentials. For additional information, visit the links below.