Pillar II: Piloting innovative approaches to support academic startups and spinoffs

Eligible costs are covered as a lump sum and may include: personnel costs, subcontracting, use of research infrastructure, consumables, and other direct costs required for project implementation in line with Horizon Europe rules.

Excellence – Clarity and pertinence of objectives, soundness of the concept, and credibility of the proposed methodology.

Impact – The extent to which the project will contribute to stronger translation of research and innovation results into society and economy, upscaling knowledge valorisation capacities.

Quality and Efficiency of Implementation – Coherence and effectiveness of the work plan, allocation of tasks, and resources.

Applicants and partners who do not meet the eligibility or admissibility criteria outlined in the Horizon Europe Work Programme are excluded.

Entities from countries that are not eligible according to Annex B unless otherwise specified.

Proposals not submitted through the official online system or not complying with format requirements will be ineligible.

Projects are required to provide regular reports in accordance with the Model Grant Agreement (MGA) of Horizon Europe.

Reporting must demonstrate progress towards objectives, activities performed, financial consumption, and final results.

Submission of proposals must be made through the Funding & Tenders Portal using the official application form for the call.

Applicants must adhere to page limits, include all required annexes, and comply with instructions in the Online Manual.

Completed application form (Part A and Part B) as provided in the submission system.

Detailed description of consortium, target group, pilots, methodologies, and planned guidance/services.

Work plan, Gantt chart, and budget table.

Commitment to inclusivity, gender equality, and EU Knowledge Valorisation Platform participation.

Legal entity forms for all consortium members.