Two pump priming schemes are launched today to support UK-based researchers and innovators to develop collaborations to support the effective uptake of the opportunities provided by the UK’s association to Horizon Europe.
British Academy call for proposals
The British Academy with the support of the Royal Society, the Academy of Medical Sciences, and the Royal Academy of Engineering are inviting proposals from UK and EU/Associated Countries-based researchers to pump prime collaborations that will go onto apply for Horizon Europe funding.
This call is Funded by the UK government’s Department for Science, Innovation and Technology and it is focused solely on Pillar 2 of Horizon Europe. There is up to £10k available for each award, and a rapid turnaround (with application deadlines on 4 December, 15 January, 12 February and 5 March, subject to available funds remaining).
If there is a high number of applications submitted before the 4 December 2024 deadline, the Academy reserves the right to begin assessment prior to the formal deadline.
Proposals are welcome in all disciplines: engineering, natural sciences, medical and health sciences, humanities, and social sciences.
Aim
This programme is providing pump priming funding to seed collaborations for applications to specific Horizon Europe topics in Pillar 2.
The aim is to build collaborative activity between UK and EU/Associated Countries’ entities in Pillar 2 where the consortia building type of applications in Horizon Europe are centred. This will help UK-based entities overcome the barriers to collaborative engagement with EU/Associated Countries’ partners to maximise the opportunities Horizon Europe presents.
For the purpose of this call, Associated Countries include those countries in the process of associating as listed here. Third country partners, such as Switzerland, can also be considered as appropriate, but projects and proposed consortia must provide confidence that they will address necessary eligibility and impact criteria.
Eligibility requirements
Each project will be led by a named Principal Investigator (PI). The PI must be a researcher in the eligible disciplines for this call and from an eligible UK-based organisation. The PI is expected to direct and manage the grant and has responsibility for the overall project reporting requirements.
Proposals are encouraged and welcomed that involve working closely with any type of organisation eligible for Horizon Europe funding (based in the UK and/or the EU/Associated Countries), including SMEs, third parties, end users and similar bodies/organisations such as hospitals, libraries, regulators, commercial partners, creative industry partners, museums, local authorities and associations, NGOs, charities and companies as appropriate to the selected Call and Topic.
More information
The Academy will hold a series of webinars related to the call and how to apply. To register your interest, please sign up on the Academy’s website.
- 19 November 2024, 14.00-15.00 GMT.
- 8 January 2025, 14.00-15.00 GMT.
- 5 February 2025, 14.00-15.00 GMT.
Innovate UK call for proposals
Innovate UK are leading a separate scheme focused on supporting SMEs to develop and join proposals. This is open to both Pillar 2 and Pillar 3 of Horizon Europe.
The Horizon Europe Pump Priming Programme will support individual UK small to medium sized companies wanting to explore and access Horizon Europe collaborative research and innovation opportunities.
It is a step towards participating in projects across a wide range of sectors under Pillar 2 of the Horizon Europe priorities and Pillar 3 EIC Pathfinder and Transition opportunities.
Successful applicants will have access to grant funding of up to £5,000 (excluding VAT) and are advised to work with a UK National Contact Point in support of their project. Applicants are also given access to a highly experienced Innovate UK Business Growth innovation and growth specialist if they are not already a client, to further support their innovation and growth journey.
Please note, call registration opens on 12/11/2024 and closes on 17/01/2025
Programme eligibility
Standard Innovate UK eligibility requirements apply:
- UK registered business
- Business is trading and not a holding or dormant company
- Business has fewer than 250 employees
- The support to be provided will not exceed their rolling three-year Minimal Financial Assistance Allowance
- Applications must identify a specific Horizon Europe Pillar 2 or Pillar 3 call and the topic to which they will apply.
- Applications to Pillar 3 must be part of a collaborative Horizon Europe project.
- Funding must be used to target calls and topics from the Horizon Europe 2024 work programmes.
- Applicants will be required to work with a UK National Contact Point and engage with Innovate UK Business Growth.
Please see the Innovate Horizon Europe hub pages for further details on the call.