R&D for the next generation of scientific instrumentation, tools, methods, digitalisation and solutions for research infrastructure upgrades

Overview

Funding for the development of next-generation scientific instrumentation, digital tools, and methods to upgrade research infrastructures, targeting consortia involving research infrastructures, industry, and SMEs to enhance EU scientific competitiveness and innovation.

Who Can Apply

Consortia comprising at least two distinct research infrastructures (ESFRI, ERIC, or international European research organisations) alongside industry partners, SMEs, startups, or scaleups. Participation of multiple nodes from the same infrastructure does not count as separate entities.

Funding Details

Maximum grant amount: €40,000,000.

What Is Funded

• Research and development of advanced scientific instrumentation, tools, digitalisation, and methods for research infrastructures.
• Technology validation, prototyping, and training for RI staff.
• Greening and resilience measures (e.g., energy efficiency, climate adaptation, reduced use of critical materials).
• Co-development with industry to foster innovation and societal/industrial uptake.
• Pre-commercial procurement (PCP) activities for competitive development of solutions.

Technology / Maturity Requirements

• Developments for research infrastructure use cases must exceed TRL 4.
• Additional applications beyond research infrastructures must reach TRL 3-4.

Key Dates

• Open date: 2026-03-09
• Deadline: 2026-06-15

Application Process (High-Level)

Single-stage submission via the Funding & Tenders Portal. Proposals must demonstrate complementarity with prior actions (HORIZON-INFRA-2022-TECH-01-01 and HORIZON-INFRA-2024-TECH-01-01).

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

• Proposals must address environmental sustainability (e.g., Safe and Sustainable-by-Design, circular-by-design).
• Gender dimension integration is encouraged where applicable but not mandatory.
• PCP subcontracting is permitted to support competitive solution development.
• Excludes funding for activities already covered by prior calls under the referenced topics.