The European Union (EU) provides a broad suite of funding instruments to support collaborative research, innovation, and sustainable development across its Member States and associated countries. These instruments, often implemented through competitive calls for proposals, require the formation of consortia across sectors and regions. Below is a detailed overview of the principal consortium grant mechanisms, including key parameters such as budget range, project duration, TRL levels, and success rates.
Research and Innovation Actions (RIA)
Budget: €2 million – €10 million
Duration: 36 – 48 months
Minimum consortium: 3 independent entities from 3 different eligible countries
TRL: Start at TRL 1–3, aim for TRL 4–5
Average success rate: ~10–15%
RIA projects support early-stage research with the goal of advancing scientific knowledge and enabling future technological developments. Common activities include experimental research, concept development, laboratory-scale testing, and theoretical analysis. These projects are 100% funded and often led by universities and research institutes, although participation from industry is encouraged.
Innovation Actions (IA)
Budget: €2.5 million – €10 million
Duration: 24 – 36 months
Minimum consortium: 3 independent entities from 3 different eligible countries
TRL: Start at TRL 5–6, aim for TRL 7–8
Average success rate: ~10–14%
IA projects focus on bringing innovative solutions closer to market by supporting piloting, demonstration, and scale-up. These actions typically involve a higher proportion of industrial partners. While non-profits can receive 100% funding, profit-making participants are generally funded at 70%.
Coordination and Support Actions (CSA)
Budget: €0.5 million – €3 million
Duration: 12 – 36 months
Minimum consortium: 1 (consortia of 3 or more are common)
TRL: Not applicable
Average success rate: ~20–30%
CSAs support the coordination and promotion of research activities rather than the research itself. Typical activities include policy development, knowledge exchange, stakeholder engagement, training, and dissemination of results. They are fully funded and offer higher success rates due to the non-technological nature of the work.
LIFE Programme
Budget: €1 million – €5 million
Duration: 36 – 60 months
Minimum consortium: 1 (collaboration is encouraged)
TRL: Start at TRL 6, aim for TRL 8–9
Average success rate: ~20–25%
LIFE funds environmental, nature, and climate-related projects that contribute to EU policy objectives. It supports both best practices and innovative approaches in areas such as biodiversity, waste management, clean energy, and climate adaptation. Though single applicants are allowed, many projects are collaborative.
Circular Bio-based Europe Joint Undertaking (CBE JU)
Budget: €3 million – €12 million
Duration: 36 – 48 months
Minimum consortium: 3 independent entities from 3 different eligible countries
TRL: Start at TRL 4–5, aim for TRL 6–7
Average success rate: ~15–20%
CBE JU funds collaborative projects in the bioeconomy, particularly those that reduce dependence on fossil resources through sustainable, bio-based value chains. It supports industry-led innovation across multiple sectors and strongly encourages the inclusion of SMEs, academia, and large industry.
EIC Pathfinder
Budget: €3 million – €4 million (consortia); up to €3 million (single applicants)
Duration: 24 – 48 months
Minimum consortium: 3 (for consortia; some Pathfinder calls allow single entities)
TRL: Start at TRL 1–2, aim for TRL 3–4
Average success rate: ~5–7%
The EIC Pathfinder funds visionary and exploratory research with the potential to lead to disruptive innovations. It is designed for high-risk/high-reward projects that explore entirely new concepts, often involving deep-tech and multidisciplinary approaches.
EIC Transition
Budget: Up to €2.5 million
Duration: 12 – 36 months
Minimum consortium: 1 (single entity or small consortia)
TRL: Start at TRL 3–4, aim for TRL 5–6
Average success rate: ~7–10%
EIC Transition funds the maturation and validation of breakthrough technologies developed under previous EU-funded projects, particularly EIC Pathfinder. It supports technological validation, development of business models, and preparation for commercialisation and scale-up.
Interregional Innovation Investments (I3)
Budget: €2 million – €10 million
Duration: 24 – 48 months
Minimum consortium: At least 3 entities from different EU regions
TRL: Start at TRL 6–7, aim for TRL 8–9
Average success rate: ~15–20%
I3 promotes interregional partnerships that scale up and commercialise innovative products and services aligned with regional smart specialisation strategies. The focus is on building cross-border value chains and commercial networks that can attract investment and generate economic impact.
ERA-NET Cofund
Budget: €1 million – €5 million (per project, depending on national agency contributions)
Duration: 24 – 36 months
Minimum consortium: Typically 3–5 partners from different participating countries
TRL: Varies, often TRL 3–6
Average success rate: ~20–30%
ERA-NET Cofund actions coordinate national R&D funding by launching joint transnational calls with EU co-funding. Projects are funded through national agencies, and requirements vary by country. These initiatives aim to reduce fragmentation and foster strategic alignment across Europe.
Joint Programming Initiatives (JPIs)
Budget: €1 million – €5 million
Duration: 24 – 48 months
Minimum consortium: 3–5 partners from participating countries
TRL: Varies, often TRL 2–6
Average success rate: ~20–30%
JPIs focus on aligning national research priorities to address societal challenges such as health, water security, and urban development. Funding is coordinated through national calls, with each partner funded by its own country. They are suitable for policy-relevant and interdisciplinary research.
Connecting Europe Facility (CEF)
Budget: €1 million – €50 million or more
Duration: 12 – 60 months
Minimum consortium: 1 (multi-partner consortia are common)
TRL: Start at TRL 8–9
Average success rate: ~15–25%
CEF supports trans-European networks and infrastructure in the fields of transport, energy, and digital connectivity. It funds mature projects that involve deployment, interoperability, and cross-border integration. Proposals must align with EU priorities and often require Member State endorsement.
