R&D for the next generation of scientific instrumentation, tools, methods, digitalisation and solutions for research infrastructure upgrades
EU-wide funding for research and development of innovative scientific instruments, methods, and digital solutions for the modernization of research infrastructures. Applications accepted until 16.06.2026.
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Grant criteria
Funding objective
Support for research and development of innovative instruments, digital methods, and solutions to improve the state of the art of research infrastructures in the EU and associated countries, enhance their performance, and open up new research and user groups.
Eligible expenses
- Personnel expenses
- Material costs
- Travel expenses
- Furnishings and equipment
- Subcontractor services
Non-eligible expenses
- Purchase of real estate
- Commercial production costs
- Debt repayment
Eligible to apply
- Public Institutions
- Educational Institutions
- Non-profit Organizations
- Companies
Funding requirements
- At least two different research institutions (ESFRI or ERIC) must be involved
- Required Technology Readiness Level (TRL) above 4
- Involvement of industry partners (SMEs, start-ups)
- Participation of institutions from EU member states or associated countries
Documents required for application
- Project description
- Cover letter
- Budget plan
- Technical annexes A–E
- Resumes of the project management
- Financial documents and PIC
Evaluation criteria
- Excellence and ambition of the research approach
- Expected impact and exploitation plan
- Quality and efficiency of implementation
Description
Within the framework of the EU-funded program, the development of state-of-the-art scientific instruments, methods, and digital solutions for the modernization of research infrastructures in Europe is being initiated. Public institutions, educational establishments, non-profit organizations, and companies – especially SMEs and start-ups – can apply for grants for projects that upgrade existing research facilities to a higher technology readiness level (TRL > 4), enhance performance, and address previously untapped research and user groups. Essential prerequisites include the collaboration of at least two different ESFRI or ERIC infrastructures as well as the involvement of industrial partners. Funding covers personnel and material costs, travel expenses, equipment investments, and subcontractor services up to 100% of eligible costs. Expenditures for real estate, commercial production, and debt repayment are excluded.
The submission deadline is June 16, 2026. Funding amounts range from €5 million to €10 million per project. Evaluation criteria include the excellence and ambition of the research approach, expected impact including a utilization plan, as well as the quality and efficiency of project implementation. Application documents comprise the project description, cover letter, budget plan, technical annexes A–E, CVs of project leadership, and financial documents including PIC. In addition to applicants from EU member states, institutions from associated countries may participate. Selection and awarding are conducted in a single phase, with an average processing time of five months until notification of results. The aim is to modernize research infrastructures across Europe to meet future scientific and societal challenges.