Newsletter May 2025

Focus

Horizon Europe 2025 Work Programmes Pre-Published!

The Horizon Europe Pillar II Work Programmes for 2025 have been pre-published. Researchers and innovators can now study the final versions of the call texts, form consortia and prepare the proposal documents. Final publication is expected in the coming days.

After some delays, the much-awaited 2025 Work Programmes for the "Global Challenges and European Industrial Competitiveness" pillar have finally been pre-published by the European Commission. These comprehensive documents contain the details of the 2025 funding opportunities, such as eligibility conditions, scope, expected outcomes, budgets, and technology readiness levels.

Overall, around €6.5 billion will be available for collaborative projects in the Clusters – 1) Health, 2) Culture, Creativity and Inclusive Society, 3) Civil Security for Society, 4) Digital, Industry and Space, 5) Climate, Energy and Mobility, and 6) Food, Bioeconomy, Natural Resources, Agriculture and Environment – as well as in the 5 EU Missions (Cancer, Adaptation to Climate Change, Ocean and Waters, Climate-Neutral and Smart Cities, Soil), and the areas of the New European Bauhaus and Research Infrastructures (Pillar I).

Many calls will open in May, with deadlines in the autumn. The European Commission's Info Days are currently ongoing, and several brokerage events have been organised to help organisations in forming and joining consortia.

And what about Switzerland's status in Horizon Europe? Here, there is also very good news! Just recently, the State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation (SERI) announced that Switzerland had passed the required EU security validation processes and also been granted full access to most of the calls in the strategic areas of artificial intelligence, quantum, communication and network technologies, and sensitive space-related topics.

If you are thinking of applying, we encourage you to make use of Euresearch's services. Euresearch can support you throughout your Horizon Europe journey – from info sessions and personalised advice to reviewing your proposal before submission. For instance, an onsite, hands-on, Proposal Writing Training will be held at the Euresearch Network Office in Bern on 17 June – register now as the number of places is limited!

Author: Matthew Whellens, National Contact Point for Industry and Space (Cluster 4) and New European Bauhaus
Illustration: Alexandra Rosakis

JRC Highlights Report 2024

From the AI Act and innovative cancer research to boosting citizen engagement and supporting democracy, the Joint Research Council (JRC) plays a vital role across a wide range of fields. This report focuses on the impact of important JRC contributions in 11 key areas throughout 2024.

Journey to EU Funding

Discover the impact of participating in Horizon Europe in our interview with Prof Mascha Kurpicz-Briki from the Institute for Data Applications and Security at Bern University of Applied Sciences. She is a project partner in the "BIAS" project, which explores the use of AI in human resources and addresses inequalities in AI-driven recruitment.

IHI Call 11 Draft Topics Published

The two-stage Innovative Health Initiative (IHI) Call 11 is expected to launch in the coming weeks and will cover topics in the fields of diabetes, brain disorders, heart disease, and medicine safety. Do you want to know more? Read the draft topic descriptions on the IHI website.

Upcoming Call: Smart Networks and Services

The European Partnership "Smart Networks and Services" has announced its 2025 Call, allocating €104 million in EU funding to advance 6G technology. An info day will be held on 23 May 2025.
Call opens: 22.05.2025
Deadline: 18.09.2025

MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships 2025 Call

The 2025 call for proposals for the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) Postdoctoral Fellowships is now open. Swiss institutions can participate as the Beneficiary of a “European Fellowship” or as the return host of a “Global Fellowship”.
Deadline: 10.09.2025

MSCA Doctoral Networks 2025 Call

Swiss institutions can participate in the 2025 call of the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) Doctoral Networks as Beneficiaries and also coordinate projects. Join our online info event on 10 June to learn more about the call.
Call opens: 28.05.2025
Deadline: 25.11.2025

EIT among top EU Start-up Hubs for 2025

The Financial Times listed 3 European Institute of Innovation & Technology (EIT) Knowledge and Innovation Communities in its ranking of Europe's leading start-up hubs for 2025. In addition, the EIT was named the top European investor in Sifted's 2024 ranking and ranked among the top 5 investors in the European Patent Office's 2025 report that maps Europe's investors.

Guide – Synergies between EIC and EIT

A new guide has been published on synergies between the European Innovation Council (EIC) and the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT). It is designed to provide a broader understanding of the programmes available to start-ups and innovative companies. Although developed for National Contact Points, it is a useful resource for all stakeholders.

EIC Impact Report 2025

The report highlights how the European Innovation Council (EIC) Fund has become a leading early-stage technology investor in Europe (see also factsheet). The EIC has completed over 150 investment rounds in start-ups and SMEs, including 60 rounds in 2024 alone. Notably, 2 Swiss investors each made 6 unique investments.

EIC STEP – First Companies Backed

Of the 34 companies that submitted proposals to the first batch of the European Innovation Council (EIC) STEP Scale-Up Call, 22 were invited to interview. The 7 companies that meet all the criteria will now be put forward for investment decisions by the EIC Fund. These companies are based in France, Germany, Finland, and the Netherlands.

Info Events – Funding Opportunities in Horizon Europe

Are you looking for funding opportunities for collaborative R&I projects? Our series of info events will provide overviews of the upcoming Horizon Europe calls. For example:
- Cluster 6 Food & Natural Resources:
13.05.2025, Online
- Cluster 2 Culture & Creativity:
02.06.2025, Online
- Cluster 5 Climate, Energy & Mobility:
05.06.2025, Online
- Research Infrastructures:
19.06.2025, Online

National Event – Opportunities in Cluster 1 Health

This is our final event to provide you with information on the 2025 opportunities in Horizon Europe Cluster 1 Health. Participants will receive information on the Cluster and the 2025 calls, and can also book bilateral meetings with Euresearch National Contact Points for any questions.
15.05.2025, Online

Space Community Days Switzerland 2025

Join this free event for insights, networking and ESA's 50th anniversary celebration. The event is open to Swiss organisations and will feature B2B meetings, expert talks and keynotes. Euresearch will be there!
Registration deadline: 19.05.2025
26-27.05.2025, Lausanne

Webinar – European Partnership on Innovative Advanced Materials

Join the National Contact Points for the "Industry meets Innovative Advanced Materials Initiative" webinar, where you can explore support services and learn about the new European Partnership "Innovative Advanced Materials for Europe".
Registration deadline: 21.05.2025
27.05.2025, Online

Networking Event for Health, Environment & Digitalisation

This networking conference and brokerage event, organised by the Baltic region, aims to foster cooperation under Horizon Europe Cluster 1 Health and the Cancer Mission, with particular focus on topics related to the environment, digitalisation and brain health.
03.-04.06.2025, Brussels

Info Event – Cluster 4 Digital, Industry, Space

Are you looking for funding opportunities for collaborative R&I projects in the areas of digital, industry or space? This info event will provide an overview of the upcoming Horizon Europe calls and topics. Additionally, we will discuss how to find a suitable call and prepare a proposal.
24.06.2025, Online