Horizon Europe is the EU’s main funding programmed for research, development and innovation.
In 2026 it will offer concrete opportunities for SMEs and large companies willing to invest in new products, processes, digital technologies and sustainable solutions.
Below is a selection of the most relevant calls, organized by sector, with essential information to quickly assess whether they fit your business needs.
🏭 Industry & Manufacturing
April 2026 | Cluster 4 – Industry, Digital and Space
- Focus: advanced manufacturing, automation, robotics, innovative materials, industrial AI
- Who can apply: SMEs and large companies with R&D activities
- Project type: development of new products/processes within European consortia
- Why it matters: reduces innovation costs and accelerates time-to-market
September 2026 | Clean Industrial Deal
- Focus: decarbonisation, energy efficiency, clean technologies
- Who can apply: industrial and energy-intensive companies
- Project type: pilot actions and industrial demonstrators
- Why it matters: supports strategic investments for the green transition
🤖 Digital & Artificial Intelligence
March 2026 | Cluster 4 – Digital & AI
- Focus: artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, data spaces, digital twins
- Who can apply: ICT companies, deep-tech startups, companies undergoing digital transformation
- Project type: development and testing of advanced digital solutions
- Why it matters: enables scalability of high-value digital solutions
October 2026 | AI & Data for Business
- Focus: AI adoption in business processes and services
- Who can apply: SMEs and large companies across all sectors
- Project type: practical applications and new business models
- Why it matters: improves productivity and competitiveness
⚡ Energy & Climate
April 2026 | Cluster 5 – Clean Energy
- Focus: renewables, hydrogen, energy efficiency
- Who can apply: energy companies, utilities, green-oriented industries
- Project type: R&D and sustainable industrial solutions
- Why it matters: funds energy innovation with strong impact
September 2026 | Climate & Adaptation
- Focus: climate risk mitigation and resilience
- Who can apply: innovative and technology-driven companies
- Project type: solutions for territories and infrastructures
- Why it matters: opens new sustainability-driven markets
🚀 Innovative SMEs & Scale-ups (EIC)
March 2026 | EIC Accelerator – Step 1
- Focus: radical and deep-tech innovations
- Who can apply: high-potential SMEs and startups
- Project type: technical and market validation
- Why it matters: first access to EU funding for growth
June 2026 | EIC Accelerator – Step 2
- Focus: scale-up and commercialisation
- Who can apply: SMEs with advanced prototypes
- Project type: grant + equity (blended finance)
- Why it matters: supports international growth
📩 Would you like to assess whether one of these calls fits your company?
We support businesses in feasibility analysis, project design, partner search and full proposal management.
Contact us for a preliminary discussion: Stefano Moroncelli <smoroncelli@investmentsgroup.net>