Fast Track to Research and Innovation for breakthroughs in industrial technologies (Research and Innovation Action)
Funding of open, groundbreaking innovations in industrial technologies within the framework of Horizon Europe RIA. Fast track procedure for small consortia. Submission deadline 02.02.2027, planned opening 22.09.2026.
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Grant criteria
Funding objective
Support for open, breakthrough-oriented research and innovation projects (TRL ≤4) in key areas of industrial technology partnerships (Made in Europe, Process4Planet, Clean Steel, IAM4EU, Textiles for the Future). The goal is to accelerate the innovation pathway in industrial technologies and lay new foundations for industrial progress.
Eligible expenses
- Personnel costs
- Operating and material costs
- Travel expenses
- Subcontractor services
- Expenses for prototypes and test series
Non-eligible expenses
- Costs incurred retroactively before the start of funding
- Costs for large-scale serial production
Eligible to apply
- Companies
- Founders
- Non-profit Organizations
- Educational Institutions
- Public Institutions
Funding requirements
- Consortium of at least three independent legal entities from three different Member States/associated countries
- Maximum of 6 independent participants
- Focus on TRL 1–4 according to the SRIA of the partnerships
Documents required for application
- Fully completed application form
- Part B (project description) in PDF
- Financial and resource plan
- Declaration of financial and operational capacity
- Ethics self-assessment
- Exploitation and dissemination plan
Evaluation criteria
- Excellence
- Impact
- Quality and efficiency of the implementation
Description
The funding program “Fast Track to Research and Innovation for Breakthroughs in Industrial Technologies” supports ambitious research and innovation projects (TRL ≤ 4) in key areas of European industrial partnerships such as Made in Europe, Process4Planet, Clean Steel, IAM4EU, and Textiles for the Future. Small consortia (3 to 6 participants) consisting of companies (especially SMEs and start-ups), research institutions, non-profit or public organizations, as well as educational providers from EU member states and associated countries can receive up to €2.5 million per project. The funding covers 100% of eligible costs, including personnel costs, material and equipment costs, travel expenses, subcontracting services, as well as expenses for prototypes and test series. Submissions are possible electronically via the EU portal until 2 February 2027; the fast-track procedure is expected to open on 22 September 2026. Evaluated projects will be assessed based on excellence, impact, and quality and efficiency of implementation.
The initiative aims to rapidly bring open, groundbreaking innovations to market maturity, thereby strengthening Europe’s technological base in the long term. Requirements include an interdisciplinary concept, a realistic roadmap for exploitation and communication, as well as a sustainable dissemination strategy. Consortia must ensure that intellectual property is fairly distributed and that any exclusive licensing can be restricted by the European Commission. Strong governance, gender equality plans, and ethical standards are mandatory to ensure transparency, equal opportunities, and integrity. Interested project partners are encouraged to network early and advance their innovation ideas within the framework of the EU funding strategy.