‘Proof of market’ to improve valorisation and commercialisation of Horizon generated R&I results (IA)

The "Proof of Market" call within Horizon Europe Cluster 4 offers targeted grant funding to small consortia (spin-offs, start-ups, SMEs) to bring research results from digital, industrial, and space-related projects to market readiness. With a funding amount of up to €200,000 per consortium and a funding rate of 70%, consortia can conduct market and competitive analyses, technology assessments, as well as pilot and testing phases with potential end users. This specifically supports proof of market, which serves to validate the market potential of EU-based innovation outcomes. Eligible to apply are consortia that hold ownership or usage rights to results from ongoing or completed Horizon Europe Cluster 4 projects or comparable predecessor programs and ensure fair licensing through a commitment letter. The submission deadline is April 21, 2026.

Applications are evaluated based on innovation content, economic impact, and consortium quality. Eligible expenses include regulatory compliance testing, IP consolidation, and pilot implementations. Applicants must present a coherent exploitation and market entry strategy and include evidence of ownership or access rights to relevant research results in their application. The two-stage procedure (Case 1: Proof of Market) enables both rapid market exploration and preparation for commercialization. The funding targets EU-wide consortia and aims to specifically translate research results into marketable products and services, as well as sustainably strengthen the innovation capacity of European SMEs.