HORIZON-WIDERA-2025-ACCESS: A Key Funding Call to Drive Centres of Excellence in Innovation

HORIZON-WIDERA-2025-ACCESS: A Key Funding Call to Drive Centres of Excellence in Innovation

The European Union continues its commitment to bridging gaps in research and innovation with the HORIZON-WIDERA-2025-ACCESS-01-01-two-stage call.

This funding initiative, part of the broader Horizon Europe programme, targets countries and regions with lower research and innovation (R&I) performance, offering significant resources to establish or modernise centres of excellence. Through partnerships with established research leaders, the programme aims to boost scientific capacities, foster innovation-driven culture, and position these regions more competitively on the global stage.


Key Dates and Structure of the HORIZON-WIDERA-2025-ACCESS Call

The call officially opens on 3 December 2024 and follows a two-stage application model. The deadlines are 10 April 2025 for the first stage and 20 January 2026 for the second.

In the initial stage, applicants must outline a strategic vision for their R&I projects, detailing how their planned collaboration with established institutions will advance excellence.

Projects invited to the second stage must include a robust investment plan with binding commitments for complementary funding, whether from national, regional, or private sources.

Who Can Apply in HORIZON-WIDERA-2025-ACCESS Call?

Eligible applicants include universities, research institutes, and organisations within low R&I-performing regions across the EU and associated countries.

These entities must partner with at least one leading research organisation from a high-performing R&I country, ensuring a collaborative approach that leverages advanced expertise. Only centres not previously funded by similar initiatives are eligible, and applications must demonstrate readiness to maximise the impact of the funding on their R&I infrastructure.


Objectives and Expected Outcomes

Projects funded through HORIZON-WIDERA-2025-ACCESS should aim to create sustainable centres that act as lighthouses of innovation, fostering scientific growth and a culture of excellence in their host regions. Expected outcomes include:

  • Enhanced R&I capacity of local institutions.
  • Improved innovation systems through systemic reforms.
  • Development of new research areas aligned with strategic EU goals, such as the Green Deal and digital transformation.
  • Strengthened autonomy for centres in administration and personnel, ensuring operational independence.

Budget and Funding Model

This call has a total budget of €270 million, awarded as HORIZON Action Grants. In addition to Horizon Europe’s support, applicants must secure matching funds from complementary sources like regional, national, or private investments.

This funding model strengthens partnerships, ensuring these centres have the resources needed to maintain long-term sustainability and continue driving R&I growth beyond the life of the grant.


Conclusion: A Unique Opportunity for European R&I Advancement

The HORIZON-WIDERA-2025-ACCESS call is a strategic move to empower low-performing R&I regions, equipping them to achieve excellence. For institutions ready to innovate and grow, this funding represents a path to greater scientific achievements, sustainable growth, and global competitiveness. Interested applicants can review all guidelines and requirements on Kaila.

Do you want to stay up to date with the publication of calls for your innovation projects? At Kaila, we provide you with a calendar featuring the calls from major European funding programmes. Find out how to get it here:

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