The European Commission has presented calls for projects worth more than €15 billion over the first two years under “Horizon 2020”. The funding is intended to help boost Europe’s knowledge-driven economy, and tackle issues that will make a difference in people’s lives.
What is „Horizon 2020”?
“Horizon 2020” is the biggest EU Research and Innovation programme ever with nearly €80 billion of funding available over 7 years (2014 to 2020). It promises more breakthroughs, discoveries and world-firsts by taking great ideas from the lab to the market.
“Horizon 2020” is open to everyone, with a simple structure that reduces red tape and time so participants can focus on what is really important. This approach makes sure new projects get off the ground quickly – and achieve results faster.
“Time to get to work. Funding from “Horizon 2020″ is crucial for the future of research and innovation in Europe,” said European Commissioner for Research, Innovation and Science Máire Geoghegan-Quinn. She said the funds should contribute to growth, jobs and better quality of life. In the program “Horizon 2020” bureaucratic procedures have been removed to make participation easier, I believe that with “Horizon 2020”, we can achieve even more at European level, bringing our brightest and best together to really tackle the societal grand challenges, while contributing to European economic recovery and growth – said the commissioner. She urged researchers, universities, businesses, including SMEs and others to get involved.
“Horizon 2020” grants with up to 100% funding of direct costs!
Calls in the 2014 budget alone are worth around €7.8 billion, with funding focused on the three key pillars of “Horizon 2020”:
Excellent Science: Around €3 billion, including €1.7 billion for grants from the European Research Council for top scientists and €800 million for Marie Skłodowska-Curie fellowships for younger researchers (see MEMO/13/1123).
Industrial Leadership: €1.8 billion to support Europe’s industrial leadership in areas like ICT, nanotechnologies, advanced manufacturing, robotics, biotechnologies and space.
Societal challenges: €2.8 billion for innovative projects addressing Horizon 2020’s seven societal challenges, broadly: health; agriculture, maritime and bioeconomy; energy; transport; climate action, environment, resource efficiency and raw materials; reflective societies; and security.
What are the objectives of the program?
- Responding to the economic crisis to invest in future jobs and growth
- Addressing people’s concerns about their livelihoods, safety and environment
- Strengthening the EU’s global position in research, innovation and technology
Participation in the program “Horizon 2020” is the avenue whereby your business will reach the coveted heights, in unity with European objectives!
If you have a business or scientific idea, innovation or social visions, if you are looking for financing or new horizons for your industrial, social or scientific initiatives or just want to start a business in Europe, and has insufficient funds, the program “Horizon 2020” is your solution.