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Advancing lead markets and proof-of-concept for deep tech solutions contributing to EU Missions

Support for scaling and proof-of-concept of deep-tech solutions as a catalyst for EU missions, focusing on development phases up to TRL 7 and initiatives for market activation.

Foreign Trade

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Grant criteria

Application Deadline:
09.12. - 31.03.2026 28 days left
Application level: Complex
Region: EU
Company size: all sizes
Funding amount: €4,000,000
Funding rate: 50%
Project start from: 01.05.2026
Project duration: 24 months

Funding objective

Acceleration of market readiness and market introduction of innovative technologies in the context of the EU Missions through proof-of-concept development and the establishment of lead markets.

Eligible expenses

  • Research and development costs
  • Procurement of innovative prototypes
  • Travel expenses for partners
  • Personnel expenses for deep-tech development

Non-eligible expenses

  • Acquisition of real estate
  • Financial reserves

Eligible to apply

  • Companies
  • Founders
  • Non-profit Organizations
  • Educational Institutions

Funding requirements

  • Participation in at least one EU mission project
  • Proof of deep-tech research
  • Commitment to cooperation with public procurers

Documents required for application

  1. Technology and Development Plan
  2. Proof of Concept Report
  3. Financing Plan
  4. Company Profile

Evaluation criteria

  • Degree of innovation of the proof of concept
  • Potential for lead market creation
  • Market entry strategy
  • Team expertise

Description

The mission "Fighting Cancer" aims to sustainably improve the quality of life for over 3 million affected individuals by 2030. Within this thematic area, funded measures will, among other things, strengthen cross-border collaboration among research funders from Europe in the field of translational cancer research. Through coordinated transnational calls for proposals, innovative projects will be supported that close important research gaps and benefit both young and older patients equally. At the same time, the mission promotes the development, validation, and broad accessibility of new surgical, clinical, and digitally supported therapeutic methods to treat locally advanced or metastatic tumors in a targeted and patient-centered manner. Special attention is given to improving the nutritional strategies of older cancer patients to optimize treatment outcomes and rehabilitation success.

Additionally, nationwide networking of National Cancer Mission Hubs (NCMHs) will be supported. The hubs pool expertise from healthcare, research, patient associations, and industry, thereby ensuring the transfer of knowledge into clinical practice. Moreover, they create synergies between Horizon Europe initiatives and EU programs such as EU4HEALTH or Digital Europe. In doing so, the mission paves the way for a patient-centered, innovative, and cost-efficient healthcare system. All funded actors commit to open science practices, FAIR data standards, and the establishment of data-sharing platforms like UNCAN.eu to include the European area and achieve sustainable improvements in cancer control.

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