What Are HORIZON-JU Calls?

What Are HORIZON-JU Calls?

Everything You Need to Know About HORIZON-JU Calls in Horizon Europe

The HORIZON-JU calls are funding opportunities within Horizon Europe managed by Joint Undertakings (JUs). These JUs are public-private partnerships that aim to advance strategic sectors through innovation. They combine funding from the European Commission with contributions from industry, research institutions, and public entities.

Why Are HORIZON-JU Calls Important?

HORIZON-JU calls focus on accelerating the transition from research to market. They provide financial support to projects that develop cutting-edge technologies and solutions across various industries. These calls play a crucial role in Europe’s industrial leadership and sustainability goals.

How HORIZON-JU Calls Work

1. Public-Private Partnerships for Impact

JUs are established to address Europe’s critical challenges in sectors such as energy, mobility, health, and digitalisation. They create synergies between public institutions and private companies, ensuring technological breakthroughs reach commercialisation.

2. Funding Structure

HORIZON-JU calls receive financing from Horizon Europe and contributions from participating industries. This mixed funding approach maximises investment in high-impact innovations.

3. Targeted Technology Readiness Levels (TRLs)

Unlike early-stage research grants, these calls typically support projects with TRL 4-7. This means they focus on developing, validating, and demonstrating technologies rather than initial research.

Key Sectors Covered by HORIZON-JU Calls

HORIZON-JU calls support projects in highly strategic areas, ensuring that European industries remain globally competitive. Some of the most prominent Joint Undertakings include:

1. Key Digital Technologies (KDT JU)

This JU focuses on semiconductors and microelectronics, crucial for Europe’s digital sovereignty. It funds research that strengthens Europe’s position in the global chip industry.

2. Clean Hydrogen JU

Hydrogen is a key pillar of the EU’s Green Deal. This JU funds projects that develop clean hydrogen technologies to support the energy transition and reduce carbon emissions.

3. Circular Bio-based Europe (CBE JU)

This JU promotes circular economy solutions by funding projects that use bio-based resources efficiently, reducing waste and environmental impact.

4. Europe’s Rail JU

To enhance Europe’s railway system, this JU funds research into smart, sustainable, and efficient rail transport solutions.

5. Global Health EDCTP3 JU

This initiative focuses on developing medical solutions for infectious diseases, strengthening global health security and pandemic preparedness.

How to Apply for HORIZON-JU Calls

Applying for this funding requires careful planning and collaboration. Follow these steps to increase your chances of success:

1. Identify the Right Call

Visit the Funding & Tenders Portal of the European Commission. Use filters to find calls that align with your research or business objectives.

2. Build a Strong Consortium

Most HORIZON-JU calls require international consortia. Partner with universities, research centres, and businesses across Europe to strengthen your proposal.

3. Prepare a Competitive Proposal

Your application must highlight innovation, impact, and feasibility. Clearly define objectives, methodologies, and expected results. Ensure alignment with the specific JU’s strategic priorities.

4. Submit Before Deadlines

Check deadlines carefully. Submissions after the official closing date are not accepted.

Benefits of Participating in HORIZON-JU Calls

1. Access to Funding

Winning a this grant provides significant financial support for research and development projects.

2. Industry Collaboration

Participation fosters strong networks between academia, startups, SMEs, and industry leaders.

3. Market Readiness

Projects benefit from structured pathways towards market adoption, reducing time-to-market for innovative solutions.

Final Thoughts

HORIZON-JU calls represent a unique funding opportunity for companies and researchers aiming to scale up innovation in strategic European industries. By leveraging these calls, participants contribute to Europe’s technological and economic growth while accelerating their own innovations.

Are you ready to take your project to the next level? Explore current HORIZON-JU funding opportunities today and join Europe’s innovation leaders!

OPEN CALLS

Climate, Energy and Mobility

HORIZON-JU-CLEANH2-2025 | HORIZON-JU-CLEANH2-2025 Deadline: 23-Apr
HORIZON-JU-Clean-Aviation-2025-01F | Clean Aviation CfP 03F Deadline: 23-Apr
HORIZON-JU-ER-2025-01 | EU-RAIL JU Call Proposals 2025-01 Deadline: 7-Mar
HORIZON-SESAR-2025-DES-IR-02 | Digital European Sky Industrial Research 02 Deadline: 16-Sep
    HORIZON-JU-GH-EDCTP3-2025-01-two-stage | HORIZON-JU-GH-EDCTP3-2025-01-two-stage 2-Sep

    Health

    HORIZON-JU-GH-EDCTP3-2025-04-two-stage | Tackling Diarrhoeal Diseases in the context of Climate and Health and Transformative Innovations in Global Health Deadline: 2-Sep
    HORIZON-JU-IHI-2024-08-two-stage | Innovative Health Initiative JU Call 8 Deadline: 23-Apr
    HORIZON-JU-IHI-2025-09-single-stage | Innovative Health Initiative JU Call 9 Deadline: 29-Apr
    HORIZON-JU-IHI-2025-10-two-stage | Innovative Health Initiative JU Call 10 Deadline: 14-Oct