The Innovative Health Initiative Joint Undertaking (IHI JU) is a partnership between the European Union and health industry associations. IHI JU aims to translate health research and innovation into real benefits for patients and society, and ensure that Europe remains at the cutting edge of interdisciplinary, sustainable, patient-centric health research. Health research and care increasingly involve diverse sectors. By supporting projects that bring these sectors together, IHI JU will pave the way for a more integrated approach to health care, covering prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and disease management.
Under IHI call 12, proposals will have to adhere to the philosophy of IHI. In other words, they will have to: address an unmet public health need; require a large-scale, ambitious, cross-sector, public-private partnership; have clearly-described impacts on society, the economy and science; take account of the pre-competitive nature of IHI projects; and contribute to strengthening the competitiveness or the EU’s health industries and the implementation of relevant EU policies.
Applicants will have to ensure that at least 45% (ideally 50%+) of their project’s costs are covered by in-kind contributions from IHI’s industry members and (if relevant) IHI contributing partners.
There are 5 topics within the call:
- Topic 1: Boosting innovation for a better understanding of the determinants of health (up to €30m IHI contribution per project)
- Topic 2: Boosting innovation through better integration of fragmented health R&I efforts (up to €60m IHI contribution per project)
- Topic 3: Boosting innovation for people-centred integrated healthcare solutions (up to €20m IHI contribution per project)
- Topic 4: Boosting innovation through exploitation of digitalisation and data exchange in healthcare (up to €43.3m IHI contribution per project) – note that UK organisations cannot apply for IHI funding for this call topic
- Topic 5: Boosting innovation for better assessment of the added value of innovative integrated healthcare solutions (up to €9.8m IHI contribution per project)
For more information on each topic, download the full call text.
Most IHI projects must have a minimum of three partners based in three different EU Member States or countries associated to the Horizon Europe programme (this includes the UK), with at least one partner from an EU Member State.
-
Any legal entity is eligible to participate. In practice, EU funding primarily supports the participation in projects of organisations like universities, research organisations, patient organisations, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and mid-sized companies (companies with a turnover below EUR 500 million).
Most IHI projects must have a minimum of three partners based in three different EU Member States or countries associated to the Horizon Europe programme. At least one partner must be from an EU Member State. In practice, in order to carry out the work required to achieve the project objectives, most projects will require more than three partners. The exact number will depend very much on the size and scope of the project.
Please note that UK organisations ARE eligible for IHI funding for Call Topics 1, 2, 3 & 5 (worth a total of €119.8 million). However, unfortunately UK organisations ARE NOT eligible for IHI funding for Call Topic 4 (as stated on page 31 of the Call Text) and Call Topic 4 is not covered by the UK Horizon Europe Guarantee.
-
If you would like help to find a project partner, further information is available from IHI. There is also an IHI-run brokerage platform which will remain open until the call deadline in April 2026. You can also catch up on the IHI Brokerage Event held in Nov 2025, which featured pitches on project proposal ideas as well as presentations and panel discussions highlighting useful advice to applicants.
For more personalised help, contact Innovate UK Business Connect’s Global Alliance team or Health team.
-
IHI will run online call days on 19 and 20 January 2026, covering financial aspects, general info, and rules and procedures. Sign up to attend the call days here. These events normally include the chance to ask the IHI questions. The recording will be available afterwards too.
-
Download the full call text (published 11 Dec 2025)
Download guidance documents (includes guide for applicants, guide for partners, FAQs, regulatory considerations, eligibility checker)
Any UK applicants with questions can email the IHI or contact the UK Horizon Europe Health National Contact Points:
- Ioanna Kostaki (UK contact for academia): ncp@mrc.ukri.org
- Jo Frost (UK contact for industry): ncp-health@iuk.ukri.org (Tel +44 (0)7597 526 207)
Those from other sectors, please email both Ioanna and Jo.
Any UK applicants with questions can email the IHI or contact the UK Horizon Europe Health National Contact Points:
- Ioanna Kostaki (UK contact for academia): ncp@mrc.ukri.org
- Jo Frost (UK contact for industry): ncp-health@iuk.ukri.org (Tel +44 (0)7597 526 207)
Those from other sectors, please email both Ioanna and Jo.