Opportunities Horizon Europe 2026-27: Digital, Industry and Space (Cluster 4)

Horizon Europe 2026-27: Digital, Industry and Space (Cluster 4)

Topics available under Horizon Europe's Cluster 4 programme for 2026-27, with a total budget of €1.5bn
Registration Details
05/01/2026 02/09/2027 16:00
Opportunity Type
Collaboration, Funding
Award
Up to €44m for the largest projects, with most receiving €1m-=
Organisation
Horizon Europe
Sector
Work programme information and download

A Global Challenges theme

The European Commission has published all of the 2026-27 Horizon Europe Work Programmes, which list the funding opportunities under the 2026-27 call topics.

No matter your field – whether you’re a business, university, research institute, charity, or not-for-profit – you could be eligible to apply for Horizon Europe funding to advance your cutting-edge research and innovation, fostering lasting impact and meaningful change.

Our Innovate UK European Team and UK National Contact Points can support you with these exciting potential funding opportunities and help you get the most out of Horizon Europe.

Applying from the UK

UK organisations and businesses can apply for Horizon Europe funding, working as part of a consortium with at least three countries, one of which must be an EU Member State (see “Who can apply?” below). If you are interested in one of the calls and would like to find a collaboration partner, contact Innovate UK Business Connect’s European Programmes team.

If you have formed a consortium and are ready to apply, you can do so via the Horizon Europe Funding and Tenders Portal. Click here to see all open Horizon Europe calls (you will need to search for the title of the call you are interested in).

Calls in cluster 4 will start to open from early January 2026, but some will not open until March 2027.

The Digital, Industry and Space Work Programme

Funded by the EU’s Horizon Europe programme for Cluster 4, this Work Programme document outlines the expected impacts as set out by Pillar 2 of the strategic plan and details specific calls for proposals and their relevant conditions to apply.

The available topics in Cluster 4 are summarised below. For 2026-27, they have been subdivided into 5 Destinations:

  1. Leadership in materials and production for Europe
  2. Developing an agile and secure single market and infrastructure for data services and trustworthy artificial intelligence services
  3. Achieving open strategic autonomy in digital and emerging enabling technologies
  4. Open Strategic Autonomy in Developing, Deploying and Using Global Space-Based Infrastructure, Services, Applications and Data
  5. Digital and industrial technologies driving human-centric innovation

For further details on each call, view the 2026-27 Cluster 4 Work Programme.

Cluster 4 info days will be held online on 29 January (covering destinations 1 and 4 above) and 30 January (covering destinations 2, 3, and 5).

The calls in this cluster have opening dates varying from Jan 2026 to Mar 2027, with closing dates from Apr 2026 to Sep 2027: please check the details for each individual call before starting the application process.

Key to abbreviations in call details below: IA – Innovation Action; RIA – Research and Innovation Action; CSA – Coordination and Support Action. The different types of action are explained here.

  • Unless otherwise provided for in the specific call/topic conditions, only legal entities forming a consortium are eligible to participate in Horizon Europe actions provided that the consortium includes, as beneficiaries, three legal entities independent from each other and each established in a different country as follows:

    • at least one independent legal entity established in a Member State;
    • and at least two other independent legal entities, each established in different Member States or Associated Countries (this includes the UK).

    Our European team can help you find eligible partners to form a consortium.

    There may be further eligibility conditions for specific topics. Please check the Work Programme and contact our team to ensure your eligibility before applying.

  • The Cluster 4 Info Days will be held online on 29 and 30 January 2026, 9am-5pm CET (8am-4pm UK time). Register for a place on the Info Days here.

    The European Health and Digital Executive Agency (HaDEA) will hold a showcase event on Monday 19 January 2026, 08.30-19.00 CET (7.30am-6pm UK time) at Charlemagne Conference Centre, Brussels & online. Click here for more details. This will offer insights into breakthrough EU-funded innovations, and networking opportunities with experts, industry actors, and EU representatives from the digital, industry and space sectors. No registration is required for online participation. You can join the livestream directly via this link, and online attendees will be able to participate interactively (e.g. submitting questions and voting via Slido).

  • Single-stage calls opening 6 Jan 2026, deadline 21 Apr 2026
    • HORIZON-CL4-2026-01-MAT-PROD-23: Accelerating the discovery and development of chemicals and innovative advanced materials through digitalisation and artificial intelligence (IA) (Innovative Advanced Materials for the EU partnership). c.€13m per project for up to 4 projects.
    • HORIZON-CL4-2026-01-MAT-PROD-24: Cooperation on innovative advanced materials with Japan (CSA). c.€800,000 for a single project.
    • HORIZON-CL4-2026-01-MAT-PROD-01: Advanced manufacturing for key products (IA) (Made in Europe partnership). c.€6m-€8m per project for up to 6 projects.
    • HORIZON-CL4-2026-01-MAT-PROD-04: Optimise the usage of resources in a circular economy (RIA) (Processes4Planet and Clean Steel partnerships). c.€5m-€8m per project for up to 9 projects.
    • HORIZON-CL4-2026-01-MAT-PROD-05: Circular innovative advanced materials: facilitating the transition from design to markets (RIA) (Innovative Advanced Materials for the EU and Made in Europe partnerships). c.€5m-€6.5m per project for up to 7 projects.
    • HORIZON-CL4-2026-01-MAT-PROD-31: Efficient capture / purification / utilisation of CO2 for the production of competitive products (RIA) (Processes4Planet partnership). c.€5m-€7m per project for up to 7 projects.
    • HORIZON-CL4-2026-01-MAT-PROD-41: Enhancing industry-academia knowledge exchange in Social Sciences and Humanities (SSH) (CSA). c.€1m per project for 2 projects.
    • HORIZON-CL4-2026-01-MAT-PROD-44: Attracting management talent for capacity building for Technology Infrastructures staff members (CSA). c.€3m for a single project.
    • HORIZON-CL4-2026-01-MAT-PROD-45: Pilot access schemes to Technology Infrastructures for European startups, scaleups and innovative SMEs (CSA). c.€1.5m-€2.5m per project for 2 projects.
    • HORIZON-CL4-2026-01-MAT-PROD-46: Mapping and service finder for Technology Infrastructures (CSA). c.€2m for a single project.
    • HORIZON-CL4-2026-01-MAT-PROD-48: ‘Proof of market’ to improve valorisation and commercialisation of Horizon generated R&I results (IA). c.€200,000 per project for up to 25 projects.
    • HORIZON-CL4-2026-01-MAT-PROD-11: Innovative technologies and tools for exploration and data modelling of raw materials (RIA). c.€5m-€7m per project for up to 3 projects.
    • HORIZON-CL4-2026-01-MAT-PROD-12: Technologies for innovative extraction of critical raw materials (RIA). c.€5m-€7m per project for up to 3 projects.
    • HORIZON-CL4-2026-01-MAT-PROD-13: Monitoring of secondary raw materials (CSA). c.€4m for a single project.
    • HORIZON-CL4-2026-01-MAT-PROD-14: Improving availability of secondary raw materials through recycling (IA). c.€7.5m per project for up to 4 projects.
    Single-stage calls opening 15 Jan 2026, deadline 15 Apr 2026
    • HORIZON-CL4-2026-05-MAT-PROD-25: New or enhanced Innovative Advanced Materials (IAM) enabled sensing functionality (RIA). c.€7.5m per project for up to 3 projects.
    Two-stage call opening 16 Dec 2025, deadlines 17 Mar 2026 (First Stage), 13 Oct 2026 (Second Stage)
    • HORIZON-CL4-2026-02-MAT-PROD-21- two-stage: Development of safe and sustainable alternatives to substances of concern (IA). c.€6m-€7.5m per project for up to 6 projects.
  • Single-stage calls opening 22 Sep 2026, deadline 02 Feb 2027
    • HORIZON-CL4-2027-01-MAT-PROD-22: Innovative advanced materials and new production processes – reducing dependencies on Critical and Strategic Raw Materials (IA) (Innovative Advanced Materials for the EU and Processes4Planet partnerships). c.€6m-€7.5m per project for up to 6 projects.
    • HORIZON-CL4-2027-01-MAT-PROD-02: Advanced manufacturing for key products (IA) (Made in Europe partnership). c.€6m-€8m per project for up to 6 projects.
    • HORIZON-CL4-2027-01-MAT-PROD-03: Factory processes and automation for de- and re-manufacturing (RIA) (Made in Europe partnership). c.€5m-€6.5m per project for up to 6 projects.
    • HORIZON-CL4-2027-01-MAT-PROD-06: Circular innovative advanced materials: facilitating the transition from design to markets (RIA) (Innovative Advanced Materials for the EU and Made in Europe partnerships). c.€5m-€6.5m per project for up to 7 projects.
    • HORIZON-CL4-2027-01-MAT-PROD-08: Textile circularity through advanced processing and manufacturing technologies and system approaches (IA) (Textiles for the Future partnership). c.€4m-€6m per project for up to 3 projects.
    • HORIZON-CL4-2027-01-MAT-PROD-42: Unlocking the potential of academic intellectual assets for industry, SMEs and startups (CSA). c.€1m each for 2 projects.
    • HORIZON-CL4-2027-01-MAT-PROD-47: Pilot access schemes to Technology Infrastructures for European startups, scaleups and innovative SMEs (CSA). c.€1.5m-€2.5m per project for 2 projects.
    • HORIZON-CL4-2027-01-MAT-PROD-49: ‘Proof of market’ to improve valorisation and commercialisation of Horizon generated R&I results (IA). c.€200,000 each for up to 25 projects.
    • HORIZON-CL4-2027-01-MAT-PROD-16: Technologies for innovative processing of raw materials (IA). c.€10m-€12m per project for up to 4 projects.
    • HORIZON-CL4-2027-01-MAT-PROD-17: Expert network on Critical raw materials (CSA). c.€3m for a single project.
    • HORIZON-CL4-2027-01-MAT-PROD-61: Fast Track to Research and Innovation for breakthroughs in industrial technologies (RIA). Up to c.€2.5m per project for up to 8 projects.
    • HORIZON-CL4-2027-01-MAT-PROD-62: Fast Track to Innovation for breakthroughs in the Chemical Industry Action Plan (RIA). Up to c.€2.5m per project for up to 6 projects.
    Two-stage call opening 22 Sep 2026, deadlines 2 Feb 2027 (First Stage), 2 Sep 2027 (Second Stage)
    • HORIZON-CL4-2027-02-MAT-PROD-32- two-stage: Efficient energy input from renewable sources and energy management in the process industries (IA) (Processes4Planet and Innovative Advanced Materials for the EU partnerships). c.€7m-€9m per project for up to 6 projects.
  • Single-stage calls opening 15 Jan 2026, deadline 15 Apr 2026
    • HORIZON-CL4-2026-04-DATA-02: Open Internet Stack Sovereign Solutions (RIA). c.€7m-€10.25m each for 2 projects.
    • HORIZON-CL4-2026-04-DATA-03: Open Internet Stack Support for Scale (CSA). c.€4m for a single project.
    • HORIZON-CL4-2026-04-DATA-06: Efficient and compliant access to and use of data (IA) (AI, Data and Robotics partnership). c.€11.5m-€23.5m per project for up to 3 projects.
    Single-stage calls opening 17 Nov 2026, deadline 18 Mar 2027
    • HORIZON-CL4-2027-04-DATA-08: Demand-side 3C pilot demonstrators on converged Telco Edge Cloud Infrastructure (IA). c.€19m per project for 2 projects.
    • HORIZON-CL4-2027-04-DATA-03: New approaches for de-centralized, federated and sustainable AI data processing (RIA). c.€17.5m per project for 2 projects.
    • HORIZON-CL4-2027-04-DATA-09: Energy efficiency and sustainability of AI data processing in Data Centres (IA). c.€10m per project for 3 projects.
  • Two-stage calls opening 16 Dec 2025, deadlines 17 Mar 2026 (First Stage), 13 Oct 2026 (Second Stage)
    • HORIZON-CL4-2026-02-DIGITAL-EMERGING-51-two-stage: AI improved advanced manufacturing and production processes in factories (RIA) (Made in Europe and AI, Data and Robotics partnerships). c.€4m-€6m per project for up to 5 projects.
    • HORIZON-CL4-2026-02-DIGITAL-EMERGING-53-two-stage: Innovative AI methods and technologies for the process industries (RIA) (Processes4Planet and AI, Data and Robotics partnerships). c.€4m-€6m per project for up to 6 projects.
    Single-stage calls opening 15 Jan 2026, deadline 15 Apr 2026
    • HORIZON-CL4-2026-04-DIGITAL-EMERGING-01: Apply AI: Pilot of the “Science for AI” Pillar of RAISE (“Resource for AI science in Europe”) (RIA). c.€17m for a single project.
    • HORIZON-CL4-2026-05-DIGITAL-EMERGING-02: Next-Generation AI Agents for Real-World Applications in the Apply AI sectors (RIA) (Partnership in AI, Data and Robotics). c.€19m each for 2 projects.
    • HORIZON-CL4-2026-05-DIGITAL-EMERGING-03: Apply AI: Next-Generation Agile and Intelligent Robotics Platforms for Industrial and Service Applications (Partnership in AI, Data and Robotics) (RIA). c.€12m-€13m each for 2 projects.
    • HORIZON-CL4-2026-04-DIGITAL-EMERGING-19: Challenge-Driven GenAI4EU Booster in Apply AI prioritised sectors (RIA) (AI/Data/Robotics Partnership). c.€15m each for up to 3 projects.
    • HORIZON-CL4-2026-04-DIGITAL-EMERGING-08: Apply AI: Robotics for Manufacturing: Advancing Core Skills through Technical Challenges (RIA) (Partnership in AI, Data and Robotics). c.€18m for a single project.
    • HORIZON-CL4-2026-04-DIGITAL-EMERGING-09: Advanced Local Digital Twins using AI for Early Warning and Preparedness (IA). c.€6m for a single project.
    • HORIZON-CL4-2026-04-DIGITAL-EMERGING-11: Grand Challenge on Quantum Sensors for Inertial Navigation. c.€0.5m each for up to 3 projects.
    • HORIZON-CL4-2026-04-DIGITAL-EMERGING-12: Standards for Quantum Technologies – Coordination and Support Action (CSA). c.€1m for a single project.
    • HORIZON-CL4-2026-04-DIGITAL-EMERGING-18: Large-Scale Photonic Quantum Computing Platform Technologies (RIA). c.€10m for a single project.
    • HORIZON-CL4-2026-04-DIGITAL-EMERGING-14: Networking and Future Photonics Strategy (CSA) (Photonics Partnership). c.€3m for a single project.
    • HORIZON-CL4-2026-04-DIGITAL-EMERGING-15: Strengthening the cooperation of semiconductor-intensive EU regions (CSA). c.€1m for a single project.
    • HORIZON-CL4-2026-04-DIGITAL-EMERGING-17: Fostering 2-Dimensional Materials (2DM) based emerging and enabling technologies (CSA). c.€1m for a single project.
    Two-stage call opening 22 Sep 2026, deadlines 2 Feb 2027 (First Stage), 2 Sep 2027 (Second Stage)
    • HORIZON-CL4-2027-02-DIGITAL-EMERGING-52-two-stage: New approaches for Human/AI collaboration for the workforce of the future (RIA) (Made in Europe and AI, Data and Robotics partnerships). c.€4m-€6m per project for up to 5 projects.
    Single-stage calls opening 17 Nov 2026, deadline 18 Mar 2027
    • HORIZON-CL4-2027-04-DIGITAL-EMERGING-11: EU Frontier AI Initiative: Developing frontier AI solutions that are safe and computationally efficient within Apply AI (RIA). c.€44m for a single project.
    • HORIZON-CL4-2027-04-DIGITAL-EMERGING-04: Apply AI: Challenge-Driven AI Innovation Booster in Apply AI prioritised sectors (RIA) (Partnership in AI, Data and Robotics). c.€14m per project for up to 3 projects.
    • HORIZON-CL4-2027-04-DIGITAL-EMERGING-05: Apply AI: AI-Driven Robotics for Industry: Enabling System Integration and Adoption (IA) (Partnership in AI, Data and Robotics). c.€18m for a single project.
    • HORIZON-CL4-2027-04-DIGITAL-EMERGING-06: International cooperation in AI (IA). c.€1.5m each for 2 projects.
    • HORIZON-CL4-2027-04-DIGITAL-EMERGING-10: Horizon scanning and foresight in future enabling digital technologies (CSA). c.€4m for a single project.
    • HORIZON-CL4-2027-05-DIGITAL-EMERGING-03: Advanced integrated photonic devices for extended features and ultra-low power consumption (RIA) (Photonics Partnership). c.€3m-€5m per project for up to 6 projects.
  • Single-stage calls opening 10 Mar 2026, deadline 3 Sep 2026
    • HORIZON-CL4-2026-SPACE-03-11: Reinforcing EU autonomous access to space through EU-based spaceports (IA). c.€10m-€15m each for 2 projects.
    • HORIZON-CL4-2026-SPACE-03-31: Digital enablers and building-blocks for Earth Observation and Satellite telecommunication for Space solutions (Space Partnership) (RIA). c.€3m-€6m per project for up to 3 projects.
    • HORIZON-CL4-2026-SPACE-03-32: Preparing demonstration missions for Earth Observation and Satellite telecommunication for Space solutions (Space Partnership) (IA). c.€5m-€10m per project for up to 4 projects.
    • HORIZON-CL4-2026-SPACE-03-61: Scientific analysis and exploitation of space data (RIA). c.€1.5m-€2.5m each for 2 projects.
    • HORIZON-CL4-2026-SPACE-03-81: Space critical EEE components for EU nondependence – Radiation Hard FPGA on 7nm (RIA). c.€12m-€13m for a single project.
    • HORIZON-CL4-2026-SPACE-03-82: Space critical EEE components for EU nondependence – GaN MMICs mm-Wave Foundations (Phase A): Development and Industrialization of Semi-insulating SiC Substrate Capabilities (RIA). c.€6m-€7m for a single project.
    • HORIZON-CL4-2026-SPACE-03-85: Critical Facilities Serving Space EEE components for EU non-dependence – High and Very High Energy Irradiation Test Facility Market Deployment (IA). c.€3m-€4m for a single project.
    • HORIZON-CL4-2026-SPACE-03-86: Space critical Equipment for EU non-dependence – Space Refuelling Interface (RIA). c.€2m-€3m for a single project.
    Single-stage calls opening 9 Mar 2027, deadline 2 Sep 2027
    • HORIZON-CL4-2027-SPACE-03-12: Digital solutions for autonomy for space transportation systems, design and simulation tools – Digital enablers and building blocks (Space Partnership) (IA). c.€2m-€3m each for 2 projects.
    • HORIZON-CL4-2027-SPACE-03-21: ISOS4I Pilot Mission Integrated Ground Test and consolidation of space-compatible USI solutions (RIA). c.€0.8m-€1m for a single project.
    • HORIZON-CL4-2027-SPACE-03-33: Digital enablers and building blocks for collaborative Earth Observation and Satellite telecommunications for Space solutions (Space Partnership) (RIA). c.€1.5m-€3m each for 2 projects.
    • HORIZON-CL4-2027-SPACE-03-34: Preparing demonstration missions for collaborative Earth Observation and Satellite telecommunication for Space solutions (Space Partnership) (IA). c.€5m-€10m each for 4 projects.
    • HORIZON-CL4-2027-SPACE-03-83: Space critical EEE components for EU non-dependence (RIA). c.€250,000-€300,000 for a single project.
    • HORIZON-CL4-2027-SPACE-03-84: Space critical equipment for EU non-dependence (RIA). c.€250,000-€300,000 for a single project.
    • HORIZON-CL4-2027-SPACE-03-71: Quantum Space Gravimetry topic (RIA). c.€14m-€15m each for 2 projects.
  • Single-stage calls opening 9 Mar 2027, deadline 2 Sep 2027
    • HORIZON-CL4-2026-04-HUMAN-01: Developing and demonstrating core technologies for Virtual Worlds and Web 4.0 (IA) (Virtual worlds Partnership). c.€4m-€5m per project for up to 7 projects.
    • HORIZON-CL4-2026-04-HUMAN-02: Web 4.0 architectural framework and Open Internet Stack applications for virtual worlds (RIA). c.€2.8m-€8.4m per project for up to 3 projects.
    Single-stage calls opening 17 Nov 2026, deadline 18 Mar 2027
    • HORIZON-CL4-2027-04-HUMAN-01: Advanced and Innovative hardware components for Virtual Worlds (RIA) (Virtual Worlds Partnership). c.€4.8m-€5.6m per project for up to 8 projects.
    • HORIZON-CL4-2027-04-HUMAN-02: Create a thriving and competitive Virtual Worlds and Web 4.0 ecosystem (CSA) (Virtual Worlds Partnership). c.€3m for a single project.
    • HORIZON-CL4-2027-04-HUMAN-07: Facilitate the engagement of European stakeholders in international digital standardisation (CSA). c.€7m for a single project.
Work programme information and download

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Work programme information and download

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