Horizon Europe: how to apply

Horizon Europe provides a major opportunity for Welsh researchers and innovators to carry out world-class science and innovation in Wales with a global outlook.

We encourage organisations in Wales to make the most of the opportunities and expand Wales’ reputation for leading research and innovation

Latest on the UK relationship with Horizon Europe

The UK is now an associate member of Horizon Europe (1 January 2024). 

Organisations can apply and receive funding from Horizon Europe for the 2024 work programme onwards.

You will need to:

• find a relevant call on the participant portal
• find partners (most projects need a team of at least 3 partners)
• submit a proposal through the participant portal

If you are thinking of applying for this type of research and innovation funding, please get in touch:

• email: HorizonEurope@gov.wales
• Contact the relevant UK National Contact Point

Our dedicated Horizon Europe Unit can help you with:

• advice and guidance
• directing you to specialist support
• contacts to other organisations and the Horizon network
• development of targeted information sessions and events

The Welsh Government’s Agile Cymru programme offers funding to support applications from Wales to Horizon Europe (formerly provided through SCoRE Cymru). Our support covers the preparation of consortia, writing of applications, training and other actions that increase the quality, quantity and size of applications from Wales. 

We welcome applications that will help: 

• increase the number and quality of collaborative Horizon Europe applications from Wales. This may involve deepening and widening relationships with overseas R&I partners in themes that contribute to Welsh policy priorities and have the best chance to attract investment
• increase the value of grants to Welsh participants, for example providing the training or capacity to coordinate Horizon Europe applications
• strategic engagement with EU bodies, such as Horizon Europe Partnerships, and R&I networks that play an important role in funding whether through influencing policy or through forming consortia
• deliver specific events and training that lead to increased Welsh participation in Horizon Europe
• increase Welsh success rates in key parts of the programme such as MSCA and ERC, for example through specific training and bid development support

Please note that funds other than Agile Cymru are also available. If you are a business looking to attend an event or develop an application, check the funding available from Innovate UK and Innovate UK Business Growth.

If you work for a university, the Wales Innovation Network, Global Wales and the British Academy may have support available.

If you are unsure which scheme is right for you, do not hesitate to contact us: HorizonEurope@gov.wales.

Please note that Agile Cymru guidance applies. 

As a guide:

• applications are accepted at any time, subject to the availability of budget
• grants of up to £3,000 are usually sufficient for travel and events, and up to £10,000 for other bid development activity
• strategic programmes of activity, for example with National Contact Points or leading applicant organisations or clusters, could receive higher amounts
• we would look for a strong link to a Horizon Europe opportunity
• where a bid for a specific call is being developed, the proposed bid must be competitive and credible, demonstrating research excellence, disruptive innovation or other qualities as required by the relevant call
• we will support EICA full applications but will only support the initial gateway stage on an exceptional basis
• any proposals for training would need to be specific to Horizon Europe, add value to existing provision and ideally support a Welsh sector or cluster rather than an individual organisation
• we would expect an appropriate contribution to relevant Agile Cymru outputs and outcomes

To apply for Agile Cymru funding for participation in Horizon Europe.