Education grants in European Union

Expected Outcome: Projects are expected to contribute to all the following expected outcomes: Effective and innovative methods for gathering, sharing and using large data sets in energy applications for the purpose of training AI models while ensuring privacy and security. Advanced and - wherever possible - open-source AI foundation models to support the digitalisation of the energy system, through improved grid observability, forecasting of supply and demand, advanced storage and renewables integration, demand side flexibility and energy efficiency. Enhanced cooperation, knowledge sharing and interoperability among energy system actors for secure and seamless data exchange. Advanced methodologies for AI model development ensuring that the results are FAIR (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, Reusable) beyond the project ending, open source and accommodating for technology evolution. Scope: The quality of AI models depends strongly on the amount, quality, and representativeness of the data used for their training. Projects are expected to focus on developing, training and testing AI foundation models, using extensive data sets to accelerate the energy transition in key focus…

Expected Outcome: Projects under this topic will contribute to the following outcomes: Accelerate market expansion for European deep tech startups across EU regions and beyond by fostering collaboration and mutual support among European deep tech startup ecosystem actors; Interconnect top-tier tech startup and scaleup hubs embedded in research, technology and higher education ecosystems; Enable cross-border access to infrastructures, facilities, corporates, investors and talents to deep tech startups and scaleups, including those funded by the European Innovation Council (EIC); Enable more European deep tech startups, including women-led startups and scaleups, to succeed scaling into globally competitive companies; Strengthen less-connected innovation hubs by integrating them into a Europe-wide collaborative network; Boost private and public investment in deep tech ventures established within the participating innovation hubs. Scope: This action builds upon the EU’s strategic vision outlined in the EU Competitiveness Compass [1] , the EIC scaling strategy [2] , and the EU Startup and Scaleup Strategy [3] . It aligns with the objectives of strengthening Europe’s deep tech…

Expected Outcome: Project results are expected to contribute to all of the following expected outcomes: Police Authorities in Europe are empowered with modern, accessible and validated tools, methodologies and training curricula to anticipate and cope with the misuse of new and emerging technologies for criminal purposes, with the aim to facilitate prevention, detection, efficient data access and investigation of criminal offences in a lawful manner and with full respect of fundamental rights, including the right to protection of personal data and to privacy; Reinforced interdisciplinary collaboration at the European level through the establishment of partnerships among technologists, policymakers and Police Authorities, resulting in a holistic understanding of the challenges posed by emerging technologies and in sharing of best practices; Clear guidelines and frameworks are created, including on procedures and rules, that ensure lawful access to data, balancing the needs of security with respect for privacy and that foster a European approach to the related challenges for the police and the judiciary. Scope: New and emerging technologies (e.g., new communication technologies,…

Expected Outcome: Project results are expected to contribute to some or all of the following expected outcomes: Improved skills, tools and training curricula for Police Authorities in Europe and Civil Society Organisations (or Non-Governmental Organisations) to work with at-risk groups to prevent persons from going missing. Those improved skills, tools and training curricula are to take into account European multicultural dimension, as well as legal and ethical rules of operation; Enhanced investigation tools and methodologies for Police Authorities in Europe to tackle cold cases in the context of missing persons, based on modern (forensic) technologies and criminology; Modern training curricula for Police Authorities, their improved cross-border cooperation and enhanced tools and methodologies to tackle new cases of missing persons; Enriched European common approaches applied by Police Authorities in Europe to fight the issue of missing persons relying on the synergy of technology, the latest socio-psychological knowledge learned from cases, as well as field experience of Police Authorities and entities dealing with victims, while fully respecting fundamental rights such as…

Expected Outcome: Proposals are expected to contribute to all of the following expected outcomes: policy and decision makers at relevant levels are better equipped to incorporate educational, cultural, societal and behavioural insights related to biodiversity – such as business dependencies, vulnerabilities and systemic risks – into future policy development, including through participatory and co-designed approaches; institutional, business, financial and economic actors have better awareness on the systemic effects of their interactions and interdependencies with ecosystems, including international trade, across value chains; the understanding and mapping of cross-actor and cross-sectoral relationships and their associated knowledge production and decision-making pathways are improved; transdisciplinary research communities from natural and social sciences and humanities (SSH), as well as cultural and creative sectors, among others, collaborate to improve understanding on the indirect drivers [1] behind biodiversity-harming practices, identify leverage points and test evidence-based interventions – including in relation to governance, incentives, narratives, norms and power…

Expected Outcome: Secure Data Sharing Framework: Develop standardised and encrypted communication mechanisms to facilitate seamless data exchange between civilian and military stakeholders. These mechanisms should align with GDPR and other EU regulatory requirements. Early Warning Systems (EWS): Establish a European-level EWS for cyber and hybrid threats. These systems should integrate real-time monitoring tools and predictive analytics to pre-emptively identify and neutralise cyber and hybrid threats targeting critical infrastructure. Collaborative Training Programmes: Design joint training programmes that incorporate AI and cybersecurity scenarios for both civilian (including law enforcement) and military personnel. These programmes should address sector specific needs and hybrid threat scenarios. Integrated Threat Detection Systems: Deploy unified threat detection systems leveraging AI, ZTA, and Digital Twins for cross-sectoral application, targeting current and emerging cyber and hybrid threats. Cross-Sector Security Standards: Develop harmonised cybersecurity standards for dual-use technologies to ensure interoperability and scalability across EU Member States and propose…

Expected Outcome: Project results are expected to contribute to some or all of the following expected outcomes: Improved understanding of links between addictions and crime, including drivers of criminality; Innovative and effective solutions, including training curricula, for Police Authorities in Europe and relevant Civil Society Organisations (or Non-Governmental Organisations) to prevent addictions and related crimes, with a special attention to young people at risk; Evidence-based support to modernising European criminal justice system’s approach when dealing with addiction-related offenses; Novel approaches of collaboration between different stakeholders, primarily Police Authorities in Europe and Civil Society Organisations (or Non-Governmental Organisations), to increase communities’ addiction resilience, security and safety. Scope: A close and complex relationship exists between addictions, such as gambling, drug or alcohol use, and crime (e.g., criminals are often under the influence of drugs while committing crimes, gamblers or drug users commit crimes to pay for their debts or drugs). In this topic, successful proposals are expected to analyse the specific nexus…

Expected Outcome: One or more of the following should be covered: Implementation of guidelines, standardised processes, or manuals – in the EU or multiple EU MS – concerning the most challenging issues, supporting specific stakeholders and sectors addressed by cybersecurity legislation. Develop and implement tools, raise awareness and encourage and facilitate industry uptake, with a focus on SMEs, of conformity assessments of essential cybersecurity requirements for products with digital elements (hardware and software) under the CRA. Support for mechanisms reducing the administrative burden for entities, like single entry point for incident notification. Establish secure communication channels allowing for cooperation and information sharing initiatives. Support the organisation of regular meetings/workshops to identify good practices within specific sectors or emerging areas and facilitate collaborative efforts between different sectors. Support the development of training courses, on the basis of the ECSF and exercises that promote capacity building and internal awareness. Contribution to CR standardisation: Training materials and training actions on cybersecurity certification…

Expected Outcome: Support the adoption of market-ready innovative AI-powered cybersecurity solutions, including solutions developed in the framework of EU-supported research and innovation projects. Provide and deploy up to date AI-powered tools and services to organisations (in particular SMEs) to prepare, protect and respond to cybersecurity threats. Integrate AI technologies into cybersecurity processes to improve the security of ICT solutions, including providing innovative approaches to training employees to use AI solutions for cybersecurity. Deployment of cybersecure tools and technologies relying on trustworthy AI; AI driven cybersecurity tools; Integration of tools to protect and secure AI solutions. Objective: To support the market uptake and dissemination of innovative AI-powered cybersecurity solutions (notably in SMEs, possibly using results stemming from Horizon Europe projects or similar) and improve knowledge and auditing of cybersecurity preparedness. SMEs often lack the resources to assess cyber risks, develop cybersecurity strategies and implement solutions, leaving them vulnerable to cyberattacks. The resilience of organisations that fall into this category is…

Expected Outcome: Project results are expected to contribute to some or all of the following expected outcomes: Increased understanding of policymakers and relevant security practitioners of the phenomenon of terrorism and lone-actor violence towards citizens in confined places such as schools, in the European context; Terrorist and lone-actor attacks to citizens in confined places such as schools, are prevented in Europe by, e.g., detecting and tackling early signs of isolation and radicalisation, as well as the promotion of a secure and inclusive environment; European schools and other confined places, e.g., places of worship, public administration or other buildings accessible to the public, are provided with state-of-the-art means of ensuring their security; Cooperation between Police Authorities in Europe and relevant staff (in schools, public administration, etc.) is improved. Scope: Citizens in European schools and other confined spaces (e.g., places of worship, public administration and other buildings accessible to the public) increasingly face various forms of terrorism and lone-actor violence. This topic aims at providing such places with solutions for ensuring civil…

Expected Outcome: Depending on the decision of each NCC, one or more of the following should be covered: Network of national initiatives to accelerate the cybersecurity industry and facilitate Access-to-Market. European frameworks for establishing cybersecurity incubators and accelerators. Cybersecurity Community Observatory to inform subsequent policy interventions by the ECCC and NCCs. Matchmaking events to create connections and build trust; platforms and events for Access-to-Finance and Access-to-Market including in the area of dual-use technologies. Strengthened Cybersecurity Community to support the European Cybersecurity Industrial, Technology and Research Competence Centre; Maintained technical registration possibilities for candidates for the Cybersecurity Competence Community; Technical assistance for potential applicants for ECCC calls. Uptake of cybersecurity solutions. Strengthened cybersecurity capacities of stakeholders. Synergetic activities that strengthen the role of NCC. Centralised the many initiatives focusing on raising awareness and work together with other NCCs to support a cross European approach covering education, studies, training courses and awareness…

Expected Outcome: The types of deliverables are presented in two parts. The first part covers: Enhanced cooperation, preparedness and cybersecurity resilience in the EU; preparedness support services. Threat assessment and risk assessment services. The second part covers: Risk monitoring services Better compliance, coordinated vulnerability disclosure and monitoring Improved skills, via exercises and training courses, organisation of events, workshops. Stakeholder consultations and white papers. Objective: This action covers two actions from the Cyber Solidarity Act, dedicated to the Cybersecurity Emergency Mechanism, namely (1) coordinated preparedness testing of entities operating in sectors of high criticality across the Union and (2) other preparedness actions for entities operating in sectors of high criticality and other critical sectors. Objectives These actions aim to complement and not duplicate efforts by Member States and those at Union level to increase the level of protection and resilience to cyber threats, in particular for critical industrial installations and infrastructures, by assisting Member States in their efforts to improve their preparedness for cyber…

Expected Outcome: Projects are expected to contribute to the following outcomes: Raised awareness of venture builders’ roles as part of the ecosystem of startup support in research performing organisations, including universities, Research and Technology Organisations and research and technology infrastructures; Upscaling or establishment of venture builders’ roles in research performing organisations; and Enhanced capacity for sharing resources supporting venture building, exchanging best practices and developing skills needed for successful venture building undertakings in research performing organisations, leading to increased commercialisation of research results (from lab to market). Scope: A variety of organisations across Europe support start up and spin off creation, including incubators, accelerators, innovation hubs, science parks and others. Within this ecosystem, venture builders emerge as playing a double role: on the one hand in building the start-up, drawing on innovative ideas and new technologies at very early stage and bringing together the founding team to create the start up; and on the other hand in providing the support needed to enable the start up to launch…

Expected Outcome: Project are expected to contribute to the following outcomes: a sustainable operational model and reference blueprint for a Data Lab for Science linking with the European Open Science Cloud (EOSC) and the Resource for AI Science in Europe (RAISE), enabling researchers to accelerate the uptake of AI in Science; easier access for researchers to large amounts of AI-ready research data, and to associated high-quality data services to seamlessly develop and train AI models for science; and better alignment, interoperability and scaling across countries and disciplines of AI workflows and related services such as data pooling, anonymisation, curation, or synthetic data generation. Scope: Data Labs are introduced in the Data Union Strategy as a connector between AI factories and the Common European Data Spaces, providing specialised services to enable turning data into useable resources for AI training and the development of AI applications such as data pooling, curation, pseudonymisation, and synthetic data generation. A significant number of tools and services within the scope of the Data Lab concept have been developed by research infrastructures and scientific…

Expected Outcome: Enhanced valorisation of intellectual assets, including dormant patents, from universities and public research organisations to support the adoption of green and digital technologies by industry, SMEs and start-ups/spinoffs. Development of entrepreneurial skills and increased involvement of students, researchers, and innovators in the valorisation of research results. Uptake of effective models and tools to facilitate valorisation of unused IP and intellectual assets and access by startups, SMEs, and innovative companies to this untapped knowledge in public research organisations. Scope: Aligned with the European Union's policy priorities, this action will contribute to overcoming the innovation paradox by maximising the impact of public spending in R&I through improved knowledge valorisation practices, and facilitating the uptake of green and digital technologies by start-ups, spinoffs, and innovative SMEs. By unlocking the untapped potential of intellectual assets within universities and public research organisations, and leveraging the creativity of students, researchers, and innovators, the action seeks to improve value creation opportunities deriving from…

Expected Impact: Projects selected under this call for proposals should aim to achieve one or more of the following outcomes in the field of countering cybercrime and supporting digital investigations: - increasing operational capacity and capabilities of law enforcement and/or judicial authorities, - increasing the availability of technical tools for law enforcement, - increasing awareness on best practices and available solutions as well as building synergies amongst relevant stakeholders will be an asset Objective: (1) developing capacity and expertise of law enforcement and judicial authorities; (2) contributing to the implementation of EU law and strategic documents; (3) fostering cross-border cooperation between law enforcement/judicial authorities and private entities. Scope: Proposals should focus on: Enhancing the operational capacity of law enforcement and/or judicial authorities to investigate cyber-attacks and cyber enabled crime, for instance through specific training, investigative techniques and tools (including for) with a focus on top threat priorities (excluding online child sexual abuse, which is covered by specific calls for proposals) as presented in Europol…

Expected Outcome: Project results are expected to contribute to the following outcomes: For supported doctoral candidates New research and transferable skills and competences, leading to improved employability and career prospects within and outside academia; New knowledge allowing the conversion of ideas into products and services, where relevant; Enhanced networking and communication capacities with scientific peers, as well as with the general public that will increase and broaden the research and innovation impact. For participating organisations Improved quality, relevance and sustainability of doctoral training programmes and supervision arrangements; Enhanced cooperation and transfer of knowledge between sectors and disciplines; Increased integration of training and research activities between participating organisations; Boosted R&I capacity; Increased internationalisation and attractiveness; Regular feedback of research results into teaching and education at participating organisations. Scope: MSCA Doctoral Networks will implement doctoral programmes, by partnerships of universities, research institutions and research infrastructures, businesses including SMEs, and other…

Expected Outcome: This action builds on the MSCA Doctoral Networks 2026 call (HORIZON-MSCA-DN-2026). The project results are expected to contribute to the following outcomes: For supported doctoral candidates: New research and transferable skills and competences in the application of AI in science, leading to improved employability and career prospects within and outside academia; New knowledge allowing the conversion of ideas into products and services, where relevant; Enhanced networking and communication capacities with scientific peers, as well as with the general public that will increase and broaden the research and innovation impact. For participating organisations: Improved quality, relevance and sustainability of doctoral training programmes and supervision arrangements; Enhanced cooperation and transfer of knowledge between sectors and disciplines; Increased integration of training and research activities between participating organisations; Boosted R&I capacity and uptake of AI in science; Increased internationalisation and attractiveness; Regular feedback of research results into teaching and education at participating organisations. Scope: Successful RAISE Doctoral…

Expected Impact: Stimulate interest and increase knowledge of audiences in European films, including specific programmes on film heritage, and other audiovisual works including videogames and immersive content Strengthen pan-European cooperation for innovative audience development and film education projects especially using new digital tools Increase pan-European impact and audience outreach Develop film education projects across European and non-European territories Scope: Projects ensuring pan-European cooperation and innovation, based on a robust needs’ analysis of audiences, especially targeting young audiences, using evidence-based strategies, aiming to: - increase interest in, knowledge of and access to audiences, in particular young ones, to European films including dedicated programmes on film heritage and other audiovisual works, - enhance pan-European impact and audience outreach, - promote and increase the contribution of existing European films and audiovisual works, towards audience development, film education and film literacy. Activities should include audience-oriented events and innovative or cross-border film education initiatives. Cooperation between film…

Expected Outcome: World-class National Cyber Hubs across the Union, supported by state-of-the-art technology, acting as clearing houses for detecting, gathering and storing data on cybersecurity threats, analysing this data, and sharing and reporting CTI, reviews and analyses, taking into account well-established standards for sharing and automation processes. Threat intelligence and situational awareness capabilities and capacity building supporting strengthened collaboration between cybersecurity actors, including private and public actors. Targeted training courses on the basis of the ECSF to improve the capacity of cyber security roles. Applications for automated notification of private and public actors about compromised or insecure systems Objective: Where a Member State decides to participate in the European Cybersecurity Alert System, it shall designate or, where applicable, establish a National Cyber Hub, a single entity acting under the authority of the Member State. National Cyber Hubs have the capacity to act as a reference point and gateway to other public and private organisations at national level for collecting and analysing information on cyber threats and…

Objective: This topic targets projects addressing serious social, economic and environmental challenges deriving from the transition towards the EU’s 2030 climate and energy targets and the EU’s 2050 objective of climate neutrality, for the benefit of the EU territories identified in the Territorial Just Transition Plans. The projects must also qualify for a loan by the EIB (or one of its financial intermediaries). Scope: Projects related to a wide range of sustainable investments may be funded, such as: investments in renewable energy and green and sustainable mobility, including the promotion of green hydrogen efficient district heating networks public research digitalisation environmental infrastructure for smart waste and water management sustainable energy, energy efficiency and integration measures, including renovations and conversions of buildings urban renewal and regeneration the transition to a circular economy land and ecosystem restoration and decontamination, taking into account the ‘polluter pays’ principle biodiversity, as well as up-skilling and re-skilling, training, and social infrastructure, including care facilities and social housing. Infrastructure…