Expected Outcome:
Proposals are expected to contribute to the following outcomes:
Scope:
Artificial intelligence and machine learning present enormous opportunities to use scientific knowledge and research results faster and more effectively to create value, develop new products and services and address the needs of our societies. Despite leading in many fields of scientific research, Europe falls short in innovation and valorisation performance (what is known as “the innovation paradox”). Harnessing the power of AI to guide the efforts of researchers and innovators to bring results to the market, make their research more responsive to the needs of society and provide knowledge to inform public policies, can significantly contribute to addressing the innovation paradox. From results scouting to patent drafting, the role of AI to support knowledge valorisation presents ever-growing possibilities.
One of the main reasons hampering valorisation of the knowledge generated by R&I actors in Europe is that researchers and innovators are not always aware of the valorisation opportunities of their research results and may struggle to adopt a concrete plan on how to generate value from their research.
This topic aims to support R&I actors to use AI to support the uptake of research results by market and society. This entails the identification of appropriate existing tools and instruments and the testing of AI -powered valorisation plans in at least 100 cases.
The action will provide an AI -powered valorisation toolbox, which will take into account EU policy and regulations on AI-ethics, as well as social sciences and humanities aspects, and can be used by researchers and innovators to identify the opportunities for valorisation as well as for guiding them towards market and societal uptake. This may include using AI for assessing feasibility under conditions, investigating legal frameworks that may be relevant to the uptake of the solutions, providing guidance on supporting instruments and funding mechanisms, supporting matching with investors, providing knowledge on the sector, investigating institutional and cultural aspects, citizens and consumer preferences. The use of AI may also focus on the efficient use of intellectual assets to raise awareness and guide R&I actors for the smart management of intellectual assets.
The action will also support multistakeholder collaboration for valorisation, by identifying and promoting dynamic stakeholder interaction opportunities to optimise outreach and engagement, e.g. by engaging SMEs, social enterprises, NGOs and local communities. Drawing of the testing of at least 100 cases of AI- powered valorisation from research results to the market, the action will also develop a knowledge base for insights and best practices, principles and guidance to ensure a responsible use of AI for knowledge valorisation benefiting society.
For ERC grants, excellence is the sole selection criterion—evaluations focus exclusively on the quality of the research and track record .
Peer-reviewers adhere strictly to predefined criteria (e.g., Horizon ITN evaluations), and weaknesses—rather than strengths—often decide the outcome .
Horizon Europe emphasizes Green & Digital Transitions and resilience, with specific budget steering across biodiversity, climate, digital, and societal missions .
Proposals that clearly align with these strategic orientations and EU missions are significantly more competitive.
Horizon projects demand well-balanced consortia across Europe—geographically and disciplinarily diverse, including academia, industry, SMEs, NGOs .
Effective leadership, communication, trust, and active collaboration are key success factors.
A strong publication record—especially in high-impact venues—and prior grant awards bolster chances .
ERC starting, consolidator, or advanced grants require exceptional citation records, strong proposals, and investigator track records .
For large collaborative grants, project coordination, administration, and communication are just as crucial as scientific content .
Demonstrating realistic budget planning (100% direct costs + 25% indirect costs), administrative frameworks, and governance structures strengthens proposals .
Marie Skłodowska-Curie fellowships emphasize researcher mobility, interdisciplinary training, and developing future talent .
Northern and certain Eastern European institutions currently have higher success rates (≈22% vs below 18% in Southern Europe) .
ERC gender data: male and female applicants have similar success rates, though male applicants apply more frequently .
| Factor | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Excellence-first | Superior science and investigator record are non-negotiable. |
| Strategic fit | Alignment with EU green, digital, and mission goals is essential. |
| Consortium quality | Geographic, sectoral, and expertise balance enhances impact. |
| Management capacity | Good PM builds confidence in successful delivery. |
| Experience track record | Publications, previous funding, and citations build credibility. |
| Mobility & careers | MSCA focuses on researcher development and interdisciplinary collaboration. |
Master criteria & avoid weaknesses: Make sure your proposal addresses common reviewer pitfalls—methodology, innovation, budget clarity.
Map to EU priorities: Explicitly connect your objectives to Horizon Europe’s strategic plan (2025–2027).
Build strong consortia early: Prioritize complementary expertise, geography, gender balance, and partner roles.
Show robust project management: Include a Work Package structure, governance plans, and clear communication strategies.
Leverage your track record: Highlight high-impact papers, leadership in projects, and previous awards.
Consider MSCA opportunities: Use them for mobility grants or integrating training into your project.
✅ In Summary
To maximize success with European Commission grants—especially ERC or Horizon Europe—focus relentlessly on scientific excellence, strategic EU alignment, consortium strength, and solid project planning. Combine these with a strong publication record and researcher development elements, and aim to close off any potential reviewer concerns.
General conditions
1. Admissibility Conditions: Proposal page limit and layout
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.
Sponsor Institute/Organizations: European Commission
Sponsor Type: Corporate/Non-Profit
Address: Rue de la Loi 200, 1040 Bruxelles, Belgium
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Sep 23, 2025
Sep 23, 2025
$2,340,000
Affiliation: European Commission
Address: Rue de la Loi 200, 1040 Bruxelles, Belgium
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