Official call identifier: HORIZON-CL4-2027-01-MAT-PROD-02
Objective of the call
The objective of this call is to develop and demonstrate advanced manufacturing technologies for key products and components that are strategically important for Europe. Projects should strengthen European production capabilities, reduce dependencies and improve industrial competitiveness and resilience.
Scope of activities
Proposals should address key products or components for which European manufacturing is at risk of being lost, or where Europe depends heavily on imports. Relevant technologies may include:
- Additive and hybrid manufacturing
- Photonics and laser-based processing
- Advanced joining, assembly and surface engineering
- Polymer and composite processing and lightweight manufacturing
- In-line testing, inspection and quality control
- Processes using secondary or bio-based raw materials and recovered components
Projects should demonstrate measurable improvements in manufacturing performance, resource and energy efficiency, product quality and resilience. The main focus must be manufacturing technologies; development of advanced materials alone is not the primary purpose of this topic.
Proposals must include a business case and exploitation strategy. Automotive applications are eligible, while battery production is excluded. International cooperation with Japan and Taiwan is encouraged where it adds value.
Eligible applicants
- SMEs, start-ups and large companies developing or applying innovative technologies
- Universities, research organisations and research and technology organisations (RTOs)
- Public bodies and non-profit organisations with relevant expertise
Applications must normally involve at least three independent legal entities established in three different EU Member States or Horizon Europe Associated Countries, including at least one entity established in an EU Member State. Participation and funding remain subject to the eligibility conditions in the Horizon Europe General Annexes and the topic conditions.
Specific consortium we are looking for:
- Manufacturers of strategically important products and components
- Machinery, equipment, automation and manufacturing technology providers
- SMEs and start-ups offering advanced production, inspection or process solutions
- Universities, research organisations and RTOs specialising in manufacturing technologies
- Industrial end users providing pilot lines and demonstration environments
- Partners working with secondary raw materials, bio-based feedstocks and recovered components
Topic-specific restriction: Organisations directly or indirectly controlled by China, or by a legal entity established in China, cannot participate, even where they are established in an otherwise eligible country.
Eligible costs
Funding follows the Horizon Europe budget-based grant model. Eligible expenditure may include:
- Personnel for technology development, integration and industrial demonstration
- Equipment depreciation, materials, consumables and other goods and services used for the project
- Prototype and pilot manufacturing, testing, inspection and validation
- Subcontracting where justified and project-related travel
- Project management, dissemination, exploitation and business planning
- Indirect costs in accordance with the applicable Horizon Europe rules
Funding conditions
Type of action: Innovation Action (IA)
Funding rate: Up to 70% of eligible costs for profit-making entities and up to 100% for non-profit legal entities
Total topic budget: EUR 36 million
Expected EU contribution per project: EUR 6–8 million
Indicative number of funded projects: 6
Technology Readiness Level (TRL): Activities are expected to start at TRL 5 and achieve TRL 7 by the end of the project.
Project duration: To be justified by the proposed work plan; no fixed duration is specified in the topic.
Deadline for submission
Deadline: 2 February 2027, 17:00 Brussels time (CET)
This call follows a single-stage submission procedure.