Horizon Europe

What is Horizon Europe?

Horizon Europe is the European Union's key funding programme for research and innovation, running from 2021 to 2027 with a total budget of EUR 95.5 billion. It is the largest multinational research programme in the world, supporting collaborative projects that address global challenges in health, climate, digital transformation, security, and more.

The programme is structured around three pillars. Pillar I: Excellent Science funds frontier research through the European Research Council, Marie Sklodowska-Curie Actions, and research infrastructures. Pillar II: Global Challenges and European Industrial Competitiveness supports collaborative R&D organised into six thematic clusters. Pillar III: Innovative Europe focuses on breakthrough innovation through the European Innovation Council and the European Institute of Innovation and Technology.

UK Participation Post-Brexit

Following the UK's association agreement with the EU, UK organisations can participate in the majority of Horizon Europe calls on equivalent terms to EU member state organisations. This means UK universities, businesses, and research centres can lead or join consortiums, receive direct EU funding, and compete on merit alongside European partners. The association covers most of Pillar II and significant parts of Pillars I and III.

How Digital Tactics Helps

Digital Tactics supports UK businesses navigating the complexities of Horizon Europe participation. Our team has direct experience in European collaborative R&D and understands the practical requirements of building successful proposals and delivering funded projects.

• Consortium building -- connecting UK organisations with established European partners to form competitive project teams
• Work package leadership -- designing and leading technical work packages in AI, software engineering, and digital innovation
• Proposal development -- crafting the technical narrative, impact case, and implementation plan to meet evaluator expectations
• Dissemination and exploitation -- planning how research outcomes reach stakeholders, markets, and policy audiences

Eligibility and Funding

Horizon Europe collaborative projects typically require consortiums of 8-15 partners from at least three different countries. Total project budgets range from EUR 3 million to EUR 20 million depending on the call topic and instrument. Funding rates are 100% for research activities and 70% for innovation activities (100% for non-profit organisations). Projects usually run for 3-5 years.

Get Involved

Horizon Europe represents the single largest source of collaborative R&D funding available to UK businesses. Whether you are looking to join an existing consortium or lead a new proposal, Digital Tactics can help you identify the right calls, find partners, and build a compelling case. Contact us to discuss your Horizon Europe ambitions.