Horizon Europe is the European Union's (EU) latest research and innovation framework funding program. It supports the creation, distribution, and advancement of science- and evidence-based solutions to the world's most important challenges.
The program fosters opportunities for international collaboration and strengthens the impact of research and innovation in tackling major global challenges. This includes:
- a funding budget of €93.5 billion (over $140 billion CAN) over 7 years (2021 to 2027)
- a network of partners and business experts from Europe and around the world
Horizon 2020, Horizon Europe's predecessor, funded more than 7,500 collaborative projects with participants from 149 countries. Canada's participation in Horizon 2020 ranked third among non-associated non-EU countries.
Program overview
Through Horizon Europe, Canada's research and innovation communities can help develop solutions to some of the world's most pressing challenges. From health to climate to social inclusion, this program offers opportunities for impactful discoveries and global partnerships.
Funding is available under three pillars, each with its own eligibility criteria and application procedures.
Pillar 1
Excellent science
Funding to support frontier research, fellowships, doctoral networks, research exchanges, and research infrastructures. Research should look to solve scientific challenges, seek integration with world-class research infrastructures, or host researchers across borders in top institutions. Canada is not an associated country of Pillar 1.
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Pillar 2
Global challenges and European industrial competitiveness
Canadian organizations may apply to research and development projects related to major societal challenges. Applications respond to calls for proposals for various topics under six funding clusters:
- Health
- Culture, Creativity & Inclusive Society
- Civil Security for Society
- Digital, Industry and Space
- Climate, Energy and Mobility
- Food, Bioeconomy, Natural Resources, Agriculture & Environment
Pillar 3
Innovative Europe
Funding for innovative start-ups and small- and medium-sized enterprises doing business in Europe or in a Pillar 3 associated country. Projects help advance Europe's innovation market and foster a European network of education, research and innovation. Canada is not an associated country of Pillar 3.
Canada's role in Horizon Europe
On July 3, 2024, the Government of Canada and the EU signed an agreement allowing Canada's enhanced participation in Horizon Europe under Pillar 2.
Canadians can now access a broader range of research opportunities, and applications from Canadian researchers and innovators will be reviewed as members of consortia in Pillar 2 calls.
Pillar 2 aims to solve some of the world's biggest problems. It includes activities pursued by the Joint Research Centre, which provides the EU and national policymakers with independent scientific evidence and technical support.
Canadians can still participate in other pillars open to international partners. As an associated country, Canadians applying for funding under Pillar 2 can now:
- Join and lead consortium projects
- Receive direct funding
- Collaborate with European partners and other associated countries in various research and innovation areas
- Benefit from increased collaboration and networking
- Expand the reach and citation impact of their research
- Showcase their expertise on the international stage, potentially leading to commercialization of tangible solutions to global challenges
- Retain their Intellectual Property Rights for awarded projects
Canada now has a greater say in shaping the direction, objectives, and outcomes of Horizon Europe projects.
Association allows countries outside the EU to participate under similar conditions as EU Member States. Associated countries also take part in program development and can influence future funding calls.
Before the country's associated status, Canadians participated in Horizon Europe projects as a third party, which required them to access other sources of funding or provide in-kind support. They could not lead consortia and were limited to projects that Canadian research organizations could join.