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Excellence Hubs allow innovation ecosystems in Widening countries and beyond, to team up and create better linkages between academia, business, government and society. This will foster a place-based innovation culture in Widening countries based on a strategic agenda aligned with regional or national smart specialisation strategies, and clearly identified expectations for economic and societal impacts. Projects should contribute to the following outcomes:
The projects will foster a regional innovation culture in Widening countries, aligned with regional or national smart specialization strategies. Consortia should seek synergies and avoid overlaps with relevant initiatives such as European Innovation Ecosystems, EIC Pathfinder, the KICs of the European Institute of Innovation & Technology (EIT), in particular the EIT Community Hubs established in Widening countries, the JRC’s ‘Partnerships for Regional Innovation’ and the Widening Dissemination and Exploitation Facility. This action supports the ERA’s third priority of translating R&I results into the economy, aiming to enhance European competitiveness in the global technology race while improving the environment for business R&I investment, technology deployment, and the uptake of research results in society.
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The action targets regions as R&I actors, as they are where innovation and industrial ecosystems thrive, strengthening the connective tissue between higher education institutions, businesses, in particular SMEs and start-ups, research centres, and local communities and citizens. Regional ecosystems across the EU can drive new European strategic value chains.
Excellence Hubs are networks of innovation ecosystems in Widening countries, involving larger communities based on the quadruple helix principle. Legal entities form non-Widening countries may join if the consortium demonstrates that this is necessary to achieve the expected impacts.
Projects should include a well-balanced package covering at least the following activities:
Proposals should clearly illustrate the expected impact of the project, including new local and international partnerships, institutional changes, increased R&I intensity and other relevant indicators.
Expected project duration is up to 5 years.
1. Admissibility Conditions: Proposal page limit and layout
The page limit of the application is 40 pages.
described in Annex A and Annex E of the Horizon Europe Work Programme General Annexes.
Proposal page limits and layout: described in Part B of the Application Form available in the Submission System.
2. Eligible Countries
described in Annex B of the Work Programme General Annexes.
A number of non-EU/non-Associated Countries that are not automatically eligible for funding have made specific provisions for making funding available for their participants in Horizon Europe projects. See the information in the Horizon Europe Programme Guide.
3. Other Eligible Conditions
In order to achieve the expected outcomes, participation as coordinators to the call is limited to legal entities established in Widening countries as defined in the Horizon Europe regulation.
Proposals must involve at least two R&I ecosystems from two different Widening countries.
Each R&I ecosystem must be entirely based in a single Widening country and must comprise four different categories of actors i.e. a) academic institutions (universities and/or non-university research centres or labs), b) business entities, c) public authorities or authorised agencies operating at regional or local level and d) societal actors (e.g. civil society organisations, citizens, end users, media, cultural actors etc.).
A proposal may demonstrate involvement of a Widening country R&I ecosystem by either:
described in Annex B of the Work Programme General Annexes.
4. Financial and operational capacity and exclusion
described in Annex C of the Work Programme General Annexes.
5a. Evaluation and award: Award criteria, scoring and thresholds
The following rules for dealing with ex-aequo applications apply: in the first place, ex-aequo proposals will be prioritised according to geographical diversity criteria, defined as proposals with coordinators established in a Widening country, not otherwise represented as coordinator by a more highly ranked proposal. The method described in Points 1), 2), 3) and 5) of General Annexes Part F (Procedure/Evaluation procedure and ranking) will then be applied to the remaining equally ranking proposals in the group. This rule establishing the priority order serves to better spread the impact of the action and to strengthen the efficiency of the ‘Widening participation and spreading excellence’ programme.
are described in Annex D of the Work Programme General Annexes.
5b. Evaluation and award: Submission and evaluation processes
are described in Annex F of the Work Programme General Annexes and the Online Manual.
5c. Evaluation and award: Indicative timeline for evaluation and grant agreement
described in Annex F of the Work Programme General Annexes. The following exceptions apply:
The following rules for dealing with ex-aequo applications apply: in the first place, ex-aequo proposals will be prioritised according to geographical diversity criteria, defined as proposals with coordinators established in a Widening country, not otherwise represented as coordinator by a more highly ranked proposal. The method described in Points 1), 2), 3) and 5) of General Annexes Part F (Procedure/Evaluation procedure and ranking) will then be applied to the remaining equally ranking proposals in the group. This rule establishing the priority order serves to better spread the impact of the action and to strengthen the efficiency of the ‘Widening participation and spreading excellence’ programme.
6. Legal and financial set-up of the grants
The funding rate is 70 % of the eligible costs. An explanation should be provided in the proposal on how the remaining 30% will be secured and shared among the beneficiaries.
Beneficiaries may provide financial support to third parties. The support to third parties can only be provided in the form of grants and is limited to SMEs and start-up companies.The maximum amount to be granted to each third party is EUR 60 000.
described in Annex G of the Work Programme General Annexes.
described in the specific topic of the Work Programme
Application and evaluation forms and model grant agreement (MGA):
Application form templates — the application form specific to this call is available in the Submission System
Standard application form (HE CSA)
Evaluation form templates — will be used with the necessary adaptations
Standard evaluation form (HE CSA)
Guidance
HE Programme Guide
Model Grant Agreements (MGA)
HE MGA
Call-specific instructions
Information on financial support to third parties (HE)
Information on clinical studies (HE)
Additional documents:
HE Main Work Programme 2026-2027 – 1. General Introduction
HE Main Work Programme 2026-2027 – 11. Widening participation and strengthening the European Research Area
HE Main Work Programme 2026-2027 – 14. General Annexes
HE Programme Guide
HE Framework Programme 2021/695
HE Specific Programme Decision 2021/764
EU Financial Regulation 2024/2509
Rules for Legal Entity Validation, LEAR Appointment and Financial Capacity Assessment
EU Grants AGA — Annotated Model Grant Agreement
Funding & Tenders Portal Online Manual
Funding & Tenders Portal Terms and Conditions
Funding & Tenders Portal Privacy Statement
Applicants asked the EU 23 questions about this call and the EU published the answers. They clarify the call documents but do not replace them.
Financial Support to Third Parties (FSTP) can be used to attribute grants to certain third-party recipients, which are not partners in the consortium. The rules and conditions to use FSTP are described in the specific conditions of the Call, in the Section B of General Annexes of the HE Work Programme and in the General Model Grant Agreement. Conditions aim to ensure consortia apply an objective and transparent selection procedure of third-party recipients. There is no limitation concerning the percentage of the total project’s budget that can be attributed to FSTP, provided that this amount is proportionate to and consistent with the contributions expected from the FSTP recipients and in line with the description of the Call. In relation to this, if the FSTP mechanism is used for activities that fall within the research component of the project, then the funds allocated to FSTP will count towards the R&I component.
On the other hand, and as per WP Call description, the conceptual design and pre-planning for pilots and demonstrators, if applicable and in line with the R&I strategy, must be financed by sources other than the Union contribution provided by the Excellence Hub grants. Hence, the FSTP mechanism should not be used for pilots and demonstrators.
Read it on the EU portal ↗Answered 6 Oct 2026
The Work Programme states that involvement of a Widening country R&I ecosystem can be either: 1) The participation, as a beneficiary, by one or more umbrella organisations, whose membership comprises the four different categories of Widening country R&I actors for the relevant Widening country; or 2) the participation of individuals legal entities representation each of the four categories of actors. The Work Programme does not provide the possibility of having a combination of the two aforementioned possibilities.
Read it on the EU portal ↗Answered 6 Oct 2026
The current call does no longer have the notion of accompanying actions. It does include a list of activities that all proposals should include, while allowing to tailor measures within the shape of activities to the needs of the applicants. It also allows to design additional activities that applicants consider relevant in achieving the objectives.
Read it on the EU portal ↗Answered 15 Sept 2026
The concept of ecosystems implies an adequate mix of large and small companies that may differ, according to the chosen domain and business sector. Therefore, no preference for either type of company is indicated in the call. In any case, SMEs are especially encouraged to participate and the call is SME-friendly. We also welcome the participation of start-ups but not exclusively.
Read it on the EU portal ↗Answered 15 Sept 2026
Although we have no preceding example, this would be, in principle, possible e.g. by focusing on social innovation or commercial valorisation of the outcome of social science results.
Read it on the EU portal ↗Answered 15 Sept 2026
The excellence hub action does not foresee advanced partners, as in other widening actions. Nevertheless, participation is open to legal entities from Member States and associated countries, including non-widening countries, beyond the two ecosystems, if necessary to achieve the objectives of the action. This can, however, only be a minor component.
Read it on the EU portal ↗Answered 1 Oct 2026
The procurement of major equipment, R&I infrastructure and construction cannot be funded by the projects. Nevertheless, a number of preparatory actions for the development of pilots and demonstrators can be covered. Without indicating a closed list, we consider activities such as specification and pre-development of major equipment, pre-planning cost for infrastructures and feasibility studies could be eligible for funding under this call.
Read it on the EU portal ↗Answered 12 Oct 2026
The commitment of the regional authorities at proposal stage will be sufficiently demonstrated by their participation in the proposal. Financial commitments may be included in the investment plans to be elaborated during the lifetime of the project.
Read it on the EU portal ↗Answered 6 Oct 2026
Public authorities or authorised agencies are considered to be the representative public entities which have clear role in shaping policies and/or ensuring public support for the implementation of national/regional strategies
Read it on the EU portal ↗Answered 13 Oct 2026
Confirm the current call documents and submission conditions with the funding authority.
View on EU portal ↗Source: EU Funding & Tenders Portal · synced 2026-10-17
Read it on the EU portal ↗Answered 21 Sept 2026
The call text lists a number of examples for societal actors who should be selected, according to their added value, for the project and its R&I context. The sole condition is that such actors should be neither commercial nor part of the public administration. The added value, outreach and impact of such actors will be evaluated by the experts.
Read it on the EU portal ↗Answered 15 Sept 2026
For complex ecosystems with a large number of members and in the absence of an umbrella organisation, it is recommended that the ecosystem is represented by a limited number of core partners (at least two, one research + one established business partner) who sign the grant agreement (GA) while other members of the ecosystem are listed in the proposal including a short description of their roles but are not signing the GA. The associated partners will benefit from the knowledge generated and services offered by the project (e.g. training, study visits) and contribute with their expertise to the strategic work of the consortium. Associated partners may not claim costs from the project (art. 9.1), including direct personnel costs. The use of affiliated partners (formerly linked third parties in H2020) is also a potential option if applicable.
Read it on the EU portal ↗Answered 15 Sept 2026
The Work Programme states that involvement of a Widening country R&I ecosystem can be either: 1) The participation, as a beneficiary, by one or more umbrella organisations, whose membership comprises the four different categories of Widening country R&I actors for the relevant Widening country; or 2) the participation of individuals legal entities representation each of the four categories of actors. The Work Programme does not provide for having a combination of the two aforementioned possibilities.
Read it on the EU portal ↗Answered 15 Sept 2026
Yes. This is provided that the associated country is listed as a widening country in the work programme.
Read it on the EU portal ↗Answered 14 Sept 2026
There is no fixed maximum percentage. However, the work programme requires a balanced package of up to five core actions including the research project. Consequently, an overly dominant research part would cast doubts on the credibility of a balanced approach and is not in line with the overall character of a CSA and the policy objectives of the call. In view of the expected heterogeneity of the submission, we have not fixed a percentage in the work programme and leave the applicants and the evaluators justify and assess the research needs of each individual project.
Read it on the EU portal ↗Answered 15 Sept 2026
At proposal level, no fully-fledged investment plan is required since this should be derived from the joint R&I strategy to be elaborated during the project. Nevertheless, some key elements of the investment plan should be outlined in the proposal, notably the purpose and type of investment and the envisaged funding sources as well as the approach to ensure its sustainability and expected impact.
Read it on the EU portal ↗Answered 23 Sept 2026
In principle there are two possible and equally valid approaches for the definition of the R&I domain:
a)Based on regional smart specialisation strategies (RIS3): The consortium needs to identify a common denominator in the RIS3s and set up the project around this topic. The reasoning behind it needs to be explained in the proposal.
b)Based on European policy priorities: In this case the topic selection is based on EU policy priorities notably the green and digital transition. Consortia need to explain what particular aspect of these priorities they will address including the economic benefits.
It is of course also possible that these two approaches converge in a single project.
Read it on the EU portal ↗Answered 12 Oct 2026
"Place-based" means that the ecosystem is operating in a specific territorial (i.e. regional or local context) and thus benefitting from geographic proximity favouring close links between actors, especially academia and business. There is no prescribed geographical reference such as a territorial unit defined by NUTS. Nevertheless, it is expected that applicants briefly describe the territorial context and place based approach in the proposal. Proposals must involve at least two R&I ecosystems, each of them fully covering the quadruple helix, from two different Widening countries.
Read it on the EU portal ↗Answered 15 Sept 2026
There is no template or standardised approach for the R&I strategy. Some key elements are nevertheless worth mentioning. There should be an analysis of research and development needs and gaps in the chosen domain and how the consortium wants to address them in a complementary manner. The pathway to commercial exploitation and how scientific results will be translated into the economy have to be described. Investment should be derived from this strategy.
Read it on the EU portal ↗Answered 15 Sept 2026
The research component needs to be presented as a distinct work package broken down to meaningful tasks and sub-tasks in a similar manner like a traditional research and innovation project (RIA). Apart from a convincing work plan, a clear reference and link to the R&I strategy needs to be included. The work package needs to clearly demonstrate that it will strengthen the link between science and business and its results will feed into a commercialisation and investment path.
Read it on the EU portal ↗Answered 15 Sept 2026
The call does not prescribe a particular TRL level. According to the type of activities funded under this call we would expect that a range of TRL 3 to 7 would be appropriate for these funded actions.
Read it on the EU portal ↗Answered 15 Sept 2026
To ensure an impactful economic outcome from the ecosystem, it is instrumental that companies from the ‘real economy’ actively participate and that the consortium is not overly dominated by start-ups and consultants. Therefore, at least one of the business entities per ecosystem needs to prove that it has been existing at least for two years before the call publication and generates a significant operational income by commercial activity (not public funding). Balance sheets or extracts from annual business reports will be accepted as evidence and should be annexed to the proposals (submitted in one of the official EU languages).
Read it on the EU portal ↗Answered 15 Sept 2026
'European relevance' means that there is an added value of a joint European funding versus presumably isolated regional/national activities for the participating ecosystems. The consortium has to demonstrate that it is more than the sum of its parts (i.e. the individual ecosystems). Applicants should demonstrate the strategic benefits of a European collaboration as a whole through the envisaged collaboration.
Read it on the EU portal ↗Answered 15 Sept 2026
