UK firms can still benefit from EU-funded innovation scheme

Although the UK has now left the European Union, innovative companies can still apply for a share of �95.5 billion through an EU-funded innovation programme.

UK companies are still able to access funding from Horizon Europe, despite Brexit.

This allows UK businesses - as well as scientists, researchers and industry - to apply for a grant from a pot of �95.5 billion.

All they require is an innovative idea that comes with a disruptive nature and scale-up potential.

Horizon Europe is an EU-funded programme for research and innovation, used to tackle climate change and help achieve the UN 's sustainable development goals by awarding funding to relevant projects.

Despite leaving the EU, UK businesses still have access to this funding as an associate country.

Firms with a strong bid proposal can make the most of this funding, which is designed to facilitate collaboration and strengthen the impact of research and innovation.

Similar to the Smart Grants run by Innovate UK, the Horizon Europe funding is aimed at innovative ideas.

The current funding cycle runs from 2021-27 with a total budget of �95.5 billion.

When making a bid for funding, it is encouraged that researchers, businesses and innovators in the UK and further afield work together to form global consortia, as most Horizon Europe opportunities are designed for transnational collaborations.

To do this, there is a platform built for Innovate UK EDGE clients designed to help find partners and collaborators abroad.

The team based at the Chamber can support firms with their search, as well as helping with their proposal.

As each category has its own funding, the deadlines differ for each.

However, deadlines for applications for this cycle close between September and October, depending on the cluster being applied for.

If you are interested in applying for Horizon Europe Funding, get in contact with one of our in-house Innovation and Growth Specialists in the Innovate UK EDGE based team at the Chamber. Contact Sunny Claire at [email protected]

To find out more about each cluster click here.