Pilot access schemes to Technology Infrastructures for European startups, scaleups and innovative SMEs (CSA)
EU-wide Horizon Europe CSA call for the development and testing of piloted, Europe-wide standardized access models for start-ups, scale-ups, and innovative SMEs to state-of-the-art technology infrastructures. Submission deadline: 21/04/2026.
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Grant criteria
Funding objective
Development and testing of piloted, multi-level, and cross-border access programs to research institutions and technology infrastructures for European start-ups, scale-ups, and innovative SMEs with the aim of shortening market entry times, strengthening innovation capacities, and creating ecological as well as economic synergies across the entire EU area.
Eligible expenses
- Personnel expenses
- Subcontractor services
- Material costs
- Travel expenses
Eligible to apply
- Companies
- Founders
- Educational Institutions
Funding requirements
- Participation of at least three partners from different EU Member States or associated countries
- Consortium of start-ups, scale-ups, or innovative SMEs
- Unified European coordination and willingness for financial participation
Documents required for application
- Standard application form (HE CSA)
- Standard evaluation form (HE CSA)
- Horizon Europe Programme Guide
Evaluation criteria
- Innovative content of the access model
- Strengthening of transnational innovation capacity
- Market relevance and economic viability
Description
The Horizon Europe Coordination and Support Call “Pilot access schemes to Technology Infrastructures for European startups, scaleups and innovative SMEs (CSA)” promotes the development and testing of European standardized access programs to state-of-the-art technology infrastructures. The target group comprises young growth companies, scale-ups, and innovative SMEs from sectors such as advanced materials, clean energy, or biotechnologies, which have a high demand for specialized testing, scaling, and validation environments. Projects are funded in which at least three partners from different EU Member States or associated countries jointly implement a consortium-coordinated pilot program to shorten time-to-market, strengthen innovation capacities, and create ecological as well as economic synergies. The project duration begins after the grant agreement is signed and typically ranges between 24 and 36 months. The consortium applies for funding between €1.5 and €2.5 million and can be supported up to 100% by the program. Eligible costs include personnel and material expenses, subcontracting services, and travel costs. The call is open EU-wide, with a submission deadline of 21 April 2026, 17:00 Brussels time.
Within the pilot program, multi-level, transnational access models are tested, offering centrally managed and funded access to research institutions as well as testing and validation centers. Simplicity and uniformity of access and usage conditions are prioritized so that companies can easily utilize services regardless of their location. The evaluation criteria include the level of innovation of the access models, their market relevance and economic viability, as well as the strengthening of transnational innovation capacities. The projects are expected to integrate existing networks such as Open Innovation Test Beds, leverage synergies with other EU initiatives, and lay the foundation for a European Charter on industrial access to technology infrastructures. The European Commission assumes administrative and evaluative responsibilities, supported by experts from research and industry.