Horizon Europe for Canadian Innovators

About Horizon Europe

Horizon Europe is the world’s largest funding program for international cooperation in research and innovation. With a budget of €95.5 billion for 2021-2027, Horizon Europe brings together researchers and innovators from the 27 European member states and more than 20 associated countries, including Canada, the UK, Norway, and South Korea. Most other countries can also participate at their own cost.

Horizon Europe in Canada

In 2024, Canada joined Horizon Europe following the signing of an association agreement in July, which took retroactive effect on January 1, 2024. Since then, Canadian researchers, corporations, and civil society organizations have become eligible to participate in Pillar II of the program, with the same rights and opportunities as their counterparts in the EU.

Horizon Europe features a rich and intricate program architecture that differs from Canadian funding programs. While navigating Horizon Europe can be challenging, this complexity reflects the program’s broad scope and ambitious goals.

Although successful participation in Horizon Europe comes with a certain level of effort and investment, the rewards are significant, as the program:

  • Typically covers 100% of the research and related overhead costs (with some exceptions for corporate partners).

  • Connects innovators with top-level colleagues worldwide to build lasting networks.

  • Grants visibility and international recognition to participating researchers and innovators.

How ECCIR Supports Canadian Participation in Horizon Europe

ECCIR offers a wide range of services designed for potential Canadian participants. With deep knowledge of the Canadian research and innovation landscape, ECCIR engages in client-focused conversations to evaluate the viability and best possible strategies for opening doors to Horizon Europe. Based on these conversations, ECCIR customizes our services to the specific needs of each individual client. These services include:

Tailored Information

We provide tailored information on Horizon Europe to suit the needs of the designated audience, whether businesses, scholars, administrators, specific sectors, or institutions.

Strategy Development

We support the development of institutional strategies for participation in Horizon Europe and other international funding opportunities.

Viability Assessment

We assess the viability of potential Horizon Europe projects.

Partnership Building

We help clients identify suitable international partners and establish successful partnerships.

Proposal Writing

We advise on proposal writing for Horizon Europe applications.

Project Administration

We offer ongoing assistance with administering Horizon Europe projects.

ECCIR charges each client for services based on their individual requirements, objectives, and needs. Please contact info@eccir.ca for more information and to book a cost-free consultation.

ECCIR’s Horizon Europe Sessions for Canadian Innovators

ECCIR provides customized online and in-person orientation sessions on Horizon Europe for Canadian innovators. We tailor our sessions to meet the needs of universities, companies, industry sectors, and broader audiences. Participants gain an understanding of the Horizon Europe program, learn how to identify relevant funding opportunities, and receive guidance on finding international research and innovation partners.

In addition to personalized information sessions, ECCIR has hosted webinars and in-person events on various topics, including:

Horizon Europe for Cleantech Innovators

Horizon Europe Legal Aspects

For more information and to start organizing your session, please contact info@eccir.ca.

ECCIR is a Friend of NCPs for Horizon Europe

ECCIR has been recognized as a “Friend of the NCP” by the Horizon Europe coordination unit at Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED), which serves as the National Contact Point (NCP) and lead agency for Horizon Europe in Canada. This distinction grants ECCIR privileged access to information, positioning the organization as a trusted advisor on a broad range of Horizon Europe-related matters. As part of this recognition, ECCIR engages in regular consultations with ISED, participates in routine update meetings, and receives exclusive invitations to high-level information sessions and events.

Enterprise Europe Network Canada

ECCIR proudly serves as the Canadian Coordinator for the Enterprise Europe Network (EEN), an EU initiative connecting innovation stakeholders across 50 countries worldwide. EEN plays a key role in driving matchmaking and partnership-building events in collaboration with National Contact Points (NCPs) for Horizon Europe. They create opportunities for networking integrated into major trade fairs and international conferences, such as Hannover Messe.

Stay Up to Date on Horizon Europe

ECCIR regularly publishes our International Innovation Newsletter, which provides an overview of the latest and most relevant news items on Horizon Europe, as well as the broader European research and innovation ecosystem. It spotlights both virtual and in-person events, serving as a platform for matchmaking and partnership building. By selectively providing information on individual calls for proposals, it also serves as an essential resource for anyone seeking to stay ahead in the field. Similar information services are available through ECCIR’s social media.

Get Started

Contact our team today to discover how ECCIR can help you access Horizon Europe.

Treaty Acknowledgment

ECCIR respectfully acknowledges that we are located in Amiskwaciwâskahikan on Treaty 6 Territory, a traditional gathering place for diverse Indigenous peoples. We express gratitude and respect for the land we use, pledge to honour the spirit of reconciliation, and commit to moving forward in collaboration with Indigenous nations.

Follow Us