The Horizon Europe Work Programme for 2026-2027 has been adopted , and it includes a number of topics on knowledge valorisation.
Find out about the relevant topics in Cluster 4 ‘Digital, Industry and Space’
- ‘Proof of market’ to improve valorisation and commercialisation of Horizon generated R&I results (IA) for 2026
[planned opening date: 06 January 2026 - Deadline date: 21 April 2026 17:00 Brussels time]
HORIZON-CL4-2026-01-MAT-PROD-48
- ‘Proof of market’ to improve valorisation and commercialisation of Horizon generated R&I results (IA) for 2027
[planned opening date: 22 September 2026 - Deadline date: 02 February 2027 17:00 Brussels time]
HORIZON-CL4-2027-01-MAT-PROD-49
This action aims to provide financial support to small consortia (i.e. spin-offs, startups, SMEs) to explore the exploitation potential, in the EU, of results emerging from ongoing or completed projects funded under Cluster 4 ‘Digital, Industry and Space’ or its predecessor activities under the LEIT part of Horizon 2020.
- Enhancing industry-academia knowledge exchange in Social Sciences and Humanities (SSH)
[planned opening date: 06 January 2026 - Deadline date: 21 April 2026 17:00 Brussels time]
HORIZON-CL4-2026-01-MAT-PROD-41
This topic supports SSH-industry co-creation (for example through hackathons, team-based approaches, targeted mentorship and exchange programmes etc) focussing on specific challenges from industry including SMEs.
- Unlocking the potential of academic intellectual assets for industry, SMEs and startups
[planned opening date: 22 September 2026 - Deadline date: 02 February 2027 17:00 Brussels time]
HORIZON-CL4-2027-01-MAT-PROD-42
This action explores strategies and implements pilots for actively involving students and researchers in valorising academic IP and intellectual assets, for identifying and testing models and tools for easier IP access and utilisation by startups and SMEs.
Discover also these topics in the ‘WIDERA’ (‘Widening participation and strengthening the European Research Area’) part
- European Citizens' Hackathon Championship
[Opening date: 10 December 2025 - Deadline date: 12 March 2026 17:00 Brussels time]
HORIZON-WIDERA-2026-06-ERA-06
The aim is to accelerate knowledge valorisation through citizen engagement by driving the co-creation of innovative solutions that address citizens' needs, in joint teams of researchers and citizens, thereby supporting their market uptake.
- Piloting innovative approaches to support academic startups and spinoffs
[Opening date: 10 December 2025 - Deadline date: 12 March 2026 17:00 Brussels time]
HORIZON-WIDERA-2026-06-ERA-04
The objective of this action is to strengthen ecosystems for knowledge valorisation and innovation by supporting academic startups and spinoffs to benefit from end-user feedback and links to industry and society.
To learn more about these funding opportunities:
- Join online the Horizon Europe info days on Cluster 4: Digital, Industry and Space on 29 January 2026
- Watch the recordings of the Horizon Europe info days – WIDERA Work Programme ERA calls (morning sessions) and Horizon Europe info days – WIDERA Work Programme ERA calls (afternoon sessions)