Funds research and innovation to tackle global challenges.
Horizon Europe is the European Union's key funding programme for research and innovation, running from 2021 to 2027 with a budget of €95.5 billion. It aims to tackle climate change, help achieve the UN's Sustainable Development Goals, and boost the EU's competitiveness and growth. The programme is structured around three main pillars: Excellent Science, Global Challenges and European Industrial Competitiveness, and Innovative Europe. It also includes a section on Widening Participation and Strengthening the European Research Area. Horizon Europe incorporates five mission areas: Cancer, Climate Change Adaptation, Oceans and Waters, Climate-Neutral and Smart Cities, and Soil Health. Funding opportunities are set out in work programmes, with typical project grants ranging from €4 to €15 million. The programme is open to legal entities from EU member states and associated countries. Funding rates vary, with Research and Innovation Actions receiving 100% funding and Innovation Actions receiving 70% for profit-making entities. Recent success stories include the €16 million BRAINE project for edge computing, Airtel's involvement in air traffic management research, and 20FIFTY Partners securing €1.2 million for water circularity research. The programme has also funded projects in areas such as AI, nuclear research, and bioeconomy, demonstrating its wide-ranging impact on European research and innovation.