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

Overview

Financial support for small consortia (spin-offs, startups, SMEs) to explore the commercial potential of research results from ongoing or completed Horizon Europe Cluster 4 projects or its Horizon 2020 predecessors. The grant aims to validate market readiness and accelerate pathways to commercialisation.

Who Can Apply

Small consortia, including spin-offs, startups, and SMEs, that either own or have secured access to knowledge assets (including IPR) from Horizon Europe Cluster 4 or Horizon 2020 LEIT projects. Applicants must demonstrate rights to commercialise the results or provide a commitment letter from the IPR owner for fair access. Business partners are encouraged to participate.

Funding Details

Maximum funding per grant: 13,000,000 EUR.

What Is Funded

Valorisation activities for Horizon-generated R&I results, including:

• Technology demonstration and testing
• Market and competitiveness analysis
• Technology assessment, certification, and regulatory compliance
• Verification of innovation potential and end-user assessment
• User or customer piloting and testing
• IP rights consolidation

Technology / Maturity Requirements

Targeted Technology Readiness Levels (TRL): 4 to 6.

Key Dates

• Open date: 2026-01-05
• Deadline: 2026-04-20

Application Process (High-Level)

Single-stage submission via the Funding & Tenders Portal. Evaluation follows standard Horizon Europe procedures, with an indicative timeline provided in the Work Programme Annexes.

Post-Award Obligations

The granting authority may object to transfers of ownership or exclusive licensing of results for up to four years post-project. Additional reporting or dissemination requirements may apply as outlined in the grant agreement.

Geographic Scope & Language

Eligible countries: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Norway, Iceland, United Kingdom, Switzerland. Application language: English.

Notes

• Applicants must reference the grant number and acronym of the Horizon project(s) generating the results.
• Entities directly or indirectly controlled by China are ineligible.
• Proposals must outline a clear pathway to market.