RFPs: Bridging Horizon-Funded Research to Market Innovation

The action aims to explore the commercial potential of Horizon research results, ensure effective valorisation and commercialisation pathways, and actively involve startups and SMEs in bringing innovations closer to the market, particularly within the context of Europe’s green and digital transition and open strategic autonomy in raw materials, chemicals and advanced materials.

The initiative provides financial support under a ‘Proof of market’ approach to small consortia such as spin-offs, startups and SMEs to assess and validate the exploitation potential of results generated by ongoing or completed Horizon Europe Cluster 4 projects or predecessor Horizon 2020 LEIT actions. These consortia may include original project participants or new actors, provided they own or have access to the relevant knowledge assets and intellectual property needed for commercial exploitation within the European Union. The indicative funding available for this action is 5,000,000 euros per project. The maximum amount available for this application is approximately €200,000.

Projects supported under this action are expected to focus on concrete valorisation activities that help bridge the gap between research outcomes and market uptake. This includes demonstrating and testing technologies, defining viable commercialisation processes, conducting market and competitiveness analyses, assessing technologies and innovation potential, identifying and engaging potential end users, piloting solutions with customers, ensuring regulatory compliance and standards alignment, and consolidating intellectual property rights.

Any legal entity, wherever established—including organisations from non-associated countries and international research bodies—can participate if it meets Horizon Europe rules and specific call requirements. A “legal entity” is any person or organisation recognized under law, able to act in its own name, exercise rights, and assume obligations, even without formal legal personality.

A clear and credible pathway to market is central to the proposal, and the involvement of at least one business partner is therefore strongly envisaged. Applicants must demonstrate ownership of, or legitimate access to, the results and associated intellectual property, either through direct ownership or through a formal commitment from the rights holders to provide fair and reasonable access for future commercial exploitation.

Business cases and exploitation strategies play a decisive role in demonstrating impact. Proposals are expected to articulate targeted markets, market size, user needs, competitive advantages, and credible plans for scaling up and industrial deployment within the EU. Attention to safety, sustainability, circular economy principles and workforce skills is also essential to support successful adoption and long-term impact of the innovations.

For more information, visit European Commission.