What funding can you apply for
The EU has several programmes and funds from which you can apply for funding for projects and activities related to cybersecurity, including research, technological and industrial R&D and skills development. Only legal entities that fulfil certain criteria are eligible for funding.
Who can apply for funding?
Within Horizon Europe and the Digital Europe Programme (DIGITAL), calls for proposals are generally open to the following:
- Businesses
- Higher education institutions
- Research institutes
- Public-sector organisations
Applicants must:
- be a legal entity in an EU Member State or country associated with the programme;
- meet the required technology readiness level (TRL); and
- sometimes fulfil certain security criteria or be a certain type of stakeholder.
Funding is intended for those:
- wishing to contribute to strengthening the impact of research and innovation in developing, supporting and implementing EU policies (Horizon Europe);
- wishing to help build European digital infrastructure (DIGITAL);
- wishing to tackle major global-societal challenges;
- possessing skills and resources that can be utilised in the project;
- able to access essential European networks; and
- who are financially stable and with the means to finance costs not covered by EU funding.
Where can I apply for funding?
Horizon Europe – the EU’s framework programme for research and innovation
Digital Europe Programme (DIGITAL) – the EU’s funding programme focused on bringing digital technology to businesses, citizens and public administrations
Sweden’s National Coordination Centre (NCC-SE) is responsible for providing guidance and advice on obtaining funding from Horizon Europe and DIGITAL.
Examples of other programme initiatives offering funding opportunities
European Regional Development Fund (ERDF)
European Defence Industrial Development Programme (EDIDP)
Preparatory Action on Defence (PADR)
What can I apply for funding for?
Horizon Europe and the Digital Europe Programme (DIGITAL) describe their focuses and planned activities in their respective work programmes.
These work programmes cover the different subject areas guiding calls that are made within the programmes and in which funding can be applied for. Be sure to read the work programmes and the relevant call to see whether your project falls within the subject area.
Funding applications can be made for:
- projects that can help to achieve the objectives of the call;
- costs arising from activities within the project that are eligible for funding; and
- staff costs, subcontracting, purchasing, indirect costs.
When a call opens, the call text is published in the EU Funding & Tenders Portal. The call text states the purpose and objectives of the call, as well as which costs you can apply for funding for in the call in question.
Learn more in the EU Funding & Tenders Portal
Example
The call for proposals Privacy-preserving and identity management technologies (HORIZON-CL3-2023-CS-01-02) was open during Q2 and Q3 2023.
The total budget was EUR 15.7 million, with an estimated grant per project of EUR 2–4 million.
The type of action was "Innovation Action", entailing cost coverage of up to 70 per cent for companies and up to 100 per cent for non-profit organisations such as higher education institutions, with TRL levels of approx. 6–8.
