| Notice deadline: fase I – estimated date: es. February 2026 – phase II estimated date: September 26- The European Union with a financial endowment of 15-20 million euros supports collaborative research and innovation projects that contribute to the green and digital transition in the cultural heritage sector This call for tenders is part of the framework programme Horizon Europe (Work Programme 2025-2026), an initiative funded by the European Union, and aims to fund large-scale research and innovation projects related to safeguarding, valorization and digital transition of the cultural heritage value chain. Eligibility conditions These criteria apply to both single-stage and double-stage proposals. Applicants must meet all legal requirements, financial and compliance issues to be taken into consideration. Status of Participants: Applicants can be any established legal entity (University, Research Centers, Big Businesses, PMI, Public bodies and NGOs). Geographic requirements: organizations must form a consortium comprising at least 3 independent legal entities established in 3 several EU Member States or countries associated with Horizon Europe. Financial and operational capacity: coordinators and partners must demonstrate financial capacity and operational resources (team, infrastructure) necessary to carry out the project activities. Exclusion criteria: Applicants must not find themselves in any situation of exclusion (for example, failure, fraud or corruption) as defined in the article 136 of the EU Financial Regulation. EU compliance: projects must comply with Horizon Europe standard obligations, including the adoption of a Gender Equality Plan (GEP), the practices of Open Science, the DNSH principle (Do No Significant Harm) and research ethics. The initiative offers financial support typically through two types of actions (strands): Research and Innovation Actions (RIA): aimed at establishing new knowledge or exploring the feasibility of new technologies for cultural heritage (Financing to 100% of eligible costs). Innovation Actions (IA): oriented to produce plans, prototypes or designs for products, new or improved processes or services related to the green transition (Financing to 70% for for-profit businesses, 100% for non-profit organizations). The submission procedure is often divided into two phases for complex tenders: –Phase 1 (Presentation of the short proposal): The consortia present a reduced draft (circa 10 pages) centered on scientific excellence and project impact. A full description of the implementation is not required at this stage. -It is specified that passing the phase 1 of the tender does not imply any financing, but it serves as a pre-selection. -Only consortia invited to participate phase 2 (which will open in the following months) they will be able to present the complete proposal and access evaluations for funding. Mandatory program conditions: candidates must include a robust data management strategy (Data Management Plan) and dissemination of results. • Selection: The results of the evaluation (ESR – Evaluation Summary Report) are communicated to the candidates and the best proposals proceed to the signing of the Grant Agreement. Description of the task: Applicants are invited to submit proposals for research projects specifically focused on European cultural heritage and cultural and creative industries. Projects must contribute to European strategic autonomy, to social inclusion and the dual transition (green and digital) of the sector. Main requirements: Consortium: The proposal must be submitted by a transnational consortium of at least three independent entities from eligible countries. Technology: projects must demonstrate a clear level of technological maturity (TRL) departing and arriving, based on the type of action (es. TRL 3-5 for RIAs, TRL 6-8 per the IA). Period: The implementation period of a typical Horizon project varies from 36 ai 48 months. Unlike programs aimed at SMEs, Horizon Europe projects typically cover up to 100% of research costs for non-profit organizations, while the co-financing contribution is mainly requested for businesses (ad is. 30% paid by the company in Innovation Actions). |
