Horizon Europe Journey: A Step-by-Step Overview
Are you ready to navigate each step of the journey? Start now and take the first step forward.
Discover your fit
Begin with finding your project's fit: identify which Horizon Europe category (Pillar), and if within Pillar 2 then theme (Cluster), your innovation sits in. Explore categories and sectors or review relevant call opportunities in the Work Programmes for each theme.
Find your funding area
Check your eligibility
To qualify for Horizon Europe, your project must deliver impactful research or innovation. Ensure your project meets the criteria before applying. Review the high-level eligibility criteria on our eligibility essentials page. You can also check the specific eligibility criteria in the Work Programme document on each of the topic pages.
Check your eligibility
Form a consortium
Almost all multi-beneficiary Horizon Europe call applications require a consortium. Establish a consortium that meets the criteria, or identify and join an existing one. Check how to join or create a consortium on the different ways to build a consortium page.
Build or join a consortium
Understanding the Tenders Portal
Learn how to navigate the Funding and Tenders Portal, the gateway to EU-funded projects, to apply for funding confidently and streamline your application process. Discover how to navigate the Portal.
Understanding the tender portal
Select your call
Visit the portal to identify relevant calls for proposals by filtering search results or exploring topic-specific sections to find the best opportunities for your project. Find the ideal call for your project on the Funding & Tenders Portal.
Find funding calls on the portal
Develop and Submit
Prepare and submit your proposal, ensuring it meets eligibility criteria and aligns with the call's objectives. Register your organisation in the EC Tender Portal before applying. Contact your NCP for expert guidance on proposal building.
Follow up
Proposals are reviewed by independent experts, and outcomes are shared within six months. Approved proposals proceed to Master Grant Agreements.
Successful applications
Once your application is successful, you receive a Master Grant Agreement which defines the scope of work you will undertake.
Timeline for Horizon Europe proposal preparation and submission
3-6 months
Form or join a consortium, define roles, and agree on work distribution.
2-4 months
Develop and finalise the proposal for submission.
2-5 months
(NB Pillar One 3-11 months)
Submit the proposal and await the results announcement.
2-4 months
Sign the Master Grant Agreement to officially launch the project.
Check your eligibility
What are the high level eligibility criteria? Does your project or innovation meet the requirements? Are you prepared to apply? Find the answers here.
Read more
Need Assistance? Find Your Relevant National Contact Point
If you're eligible and already working through the process, locate your National Contact Point (NCP) for support and guidance. Our Advisors are on hand to help support you with your funding application across different strands of Horizon Europe.
Explore available support
USING THE PORTAL
How to Navigate the Portal for Funding Opportunities
Learn to efficiently use the portal to search, filter, and identify funding opportunities relevant to your project.
Read more
OPPORTUNITIES PORTAL
Explore Open Calls
If you are ready to apply and familiar with the portal, access the tender portal and filter by your thematic area to find relevant calls for proposals.
Explore open calls
Your questions answered
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First, create an EU Login Account and then register your organisation by obtaining a 9-digit Participant Identification Code (PIC). The PIC is a unique identifier that is required for participation in Horizon Europe, and once validated will be used in all future correspondence. Once you have this, you will have access to the Funding and Tenders Portal.
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For the single stage submission procedure information on the outcome of the evaluation takes up to 5 months from the date of deadline submission. This is a maximum and often information on results is published sooner, typically 3 months post submission deadline. For a two-stage submission the duration is different and takes longer.
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The indicative date for signature of the grant agreement is 8 months from the deadline of submission. This can be shorter if evaluation results are published early. Once the grant agreement is signed the consortium will receive the pre-financing funds immediately in order to start the project.
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Yes, you should contact the relevant sector NCP who can provide a proposal review.
Back to Horizon Europe
Explore information on the UK’s official Horizon Europe Hub to help guide you on your Horizon Europe journey.