Unlocking €95 billion: How UK researchers can harness Horizon Europe grants for innovation and research

How will this affect UK Innovation?

The Horizon Europe scheme is one of the main sources of grant funding for innovative UK organisations. The UK has historically performed well within the Horizon grants framework, securing the second-biggest recipient of programme funding after Germany. Before Brexit, the UK used to secure over £2 billion of funding a year and was a crucial source of grant funding for UK innovators. Re-joining the programme now means that UK researchers can apply to secure access to a large pool of funding and collaboration opportunities. Horizon funding can provide UK scientists with significant sources of financing and will have a large impact on UK science, research, and innovation collaboration.

What does the new arrangement cover?

Now, all Horizon Europe grants are accessible to UK-based businesses, and for the duration of the programme, all accepted UK applications will be protected by the guarantee or the UK's association.

With a budget of €95.5 billion (£81 billion) over seven years (2021-2027), Horizon Europe is the EU's main funding project for research and innovation. The programme aims to assist the development of new technologies and solutions that address global concerns, such as climate change, digital transformation, and sustainable development.

Companies, universities, research institutions, and not for profit organisations are just a few of the many applicants for Horizon Europe. The programme provides a number of funding options, and these initiatives assist in creating novel technologies and remedies, from preliminary studies through commercialisation. UK companies can apply for Horizon Europe funding through UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) or via the assistance of an advisor. Buzzacott can provide support and guidance to applicants throughout the application process.

We recommend that UK-based innovative companies explore the different funding opportunities now available under Horizon Europe.

How do I apply

Depending on the type of financing instrument that your company is looking for, there are different requirements for a company to apply for Horizon Europe funding. However, there are some requirements that all applicants must adhere to generally:

• The business must be legitimately registered in the UK.
• The proposed project must align with the goals and objectives of Horizon Europe, and the company must demonstrate its operational and financial viability.
• The proposed project needs to be practical and well-defined.
• The suggested idea ought to have a great chance of having an impact.

Depending on the type of funding instrument you’re seeking, businesses may need to meet additional specific requirements in addition to these general ones. For instance, businesses requesting money for research and innovation must show that their project is unique and inventive. 

We can arrange a call to explain more about the requirements for various types of Horizon Europe financing.

Our guidance

Here are some tips for submitting a fruitful Horizon Europe application:

• Begin early. Getting started early is critical because the application procedure can be difficult and time-consuming. You'll have ample time to create a compelling proposal and solicit input from others during this period.
• Carefully read the request for proposals. Ensure you comprehend the requirements for eligibility, the range of the call, and the standards for review.
• Assemble a strong coalition. Most research and innovation projects require collaboration with entities from other nations. Ensure you thoroughly consider your partners and that your skill sets and areas of experience complement one another.
• Compose a concise and clear proposal. Your proposal needs to be clear and well-written. It should concisely explain your project's goals and objectives, the technique you'll employ, and the impact you anticipate your work will have.
• Send in your proposal on schedule. Don't forget to turn in your proposal before the due date. Late contributions won't be considered.

We can help you write your proposal, or once your submission has been written, we can review and assist with making the content as strong as possible. Engaging with an advisor will enable you to pinpoint any areas that require development or work ahead of submission.

Get in touch

If you would like to speak to one of our R&D experts to find out more about how we can help, please get in touch via the form below.