Horizon Europe
The European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT) is an independent EU body set up in 2008 by the European Union to strengthen Europe's innovation capacity.
Europe's largest innovation network
It falls under the third pillar of Horizon Europe, the European Union's ambitious new research and innovation programme running through to 2027 with continuous calls for grants. With a budget of over 95 billion euros it is the successor to Horizon 2020. The total budget available to the EIT for the period 2021-2027 is 10.105 billion euros.
The institute is a unique EU initiative that promotes innovation across Europe by integrating business, education and research in the search for solutions to pressing global challenges. The EIT supports the development of dynamic long-term European partnerships between leading companies, research laboratories and higher education throughout Europe.
These partnerships between several countries are called Knowledge and Innovation Communities (KICs), each aiming to find solutions to a specific global challenge, from climate change and sustainable energy to healthy living and food. It is the largest innovation network in Europe and now brings together more than 2,000 partners.
High TRL
The technology readiness level must be higher than for VLAIO R&D grants.
Up to 100%.
Depending on the project, the allowed costs can be subsidised between 70% and 100%.
2,000 partners
With its more than 2,000 partners, the EIT is the largest innovation ecosystem in Europe.
10 years
Venture Campus has 10 years of experience in obtaining this kind of European grants.
What our clients say
We were not sure whether we qualified for government grants for our newest project. Venture Campus did the research and made sure we were successfully subsidised!
Venture Campus turned our concept into a successful grant application. On top of that the collaboration was entirely no cure, no pay. For us a real no-brainer.
Focus on what matters, we take care of the rest
A free grant scan!
More than 10 years of experience in providing grant advice.
Frequently asked questions
What is Horizon Europe and which companies is it for?+
Horizon Europe is the European Union's research and innovation programme, with a budget of over €95 billion, running through 2027. It funds ambitious, often cross-border innovation projects around major societal challenges — from climate and energy to health and food. It targets companies with international ambition and a sufficiently advanced technology that want to go beyond what a regional grant covers.
How much funding can I get through Horizon Europe?+
Depending on the project type, accepted costs are funded at 70% to 100%. Innovation actions are typically around 70%, while research and innovation actions can cover up to 100% of direct costs. A flat rate for indirect costs is added on top. Horizon Europe's support rate is therefore higher than most national or regional instruments.
What is the difference between Horizon Europe and a VLAIO R&D grant?+
A VLAIO R&D grant is a Flemish instrument for research and development within your own company, with a lower required technology level and a shorter lead time. Horizon Europe is European, usually requires a consortium with partners from several countries, a higher technology readiness level and stronger European added value — but pays out a higher support rate. Many companies logically grow from a VLAIO track into Horizon Europe.
Do I need to collaborate with foreign partners for Horizon Europe?+
For most strands, yes: the typical Horizon call requires a consortium with partners from different EU member states or associated countries. There are exceptions — such as the EIC Accelerator, where an individual company can apply — but the core of the programme is European collaboration. We help find and structure the right partners.
What technology readiness level do I need for Horizon Europe?+
Higher than for a VLAIO R&D grant. Horizon Europe expects a technology that has matured well beyond an early concept; depending on the call, it targets mid to high TRL levels, where the step to demonstration, scaling or market introduction is central. We assess in advance whether your project sits at the right maturity level for the chosen call.