Horizon Europe Springboard Scheme for Cluster 4 Industry Themes

Overview

This scheme helps UK organisations get ready to bid for Horizon Europe funding. It pays towards early work on a proposal under the Cluster 4 Industry and Horizontal Activities Work Programme 2027, covering topics such as digital, manufacturing, materials, clean energy and AI. You can apply for up to £5,000, excluding VAT. Up to 20 eligible UK organisations will receive a grant, and each organisation can have only one. The money can support partnership building, such as joining co-programmed partnerships, attending consortium-building events in eligible European countries and making scoping visits. It can also pay for proposal development, including outside writing expertise or dedicated internal resource, and for feasibility and scoping work such as workshops and market opportunity assessments. It suits UK businesses, universities, research organisations and others developing proposals under the eligible topics. Applications are assessed on a rolling basis, and funding goes to the earliest applicants until the budget is used up. The final deadline is 2 February 2027, but early applications are encouraged. Before you start, you must contact the UK Cluster 4 Industry National Contact Point, discuss your concept and activity plan, and get written confirmation that you are eligible. A meeting or phone call alone does not count. If your costs are above £5,000, you must explain how you will cover the rest. Grant offer letters are expected by 31 March 2027, with payments expected between 1 and 15 April 2027. Official source: https://iuk-business-connect.org.uk/opportunities/horizon-europe-springboard-scheme-for-cluster-4-industry-themes/. Last checked by GrantMatch on 15 October 2026.