Access over EUR 53 billion in European R&I funding through Horizon Europe Pillar II
What is Pillar II?
Pillar II takes a top-down, directed approach to research and innovation. It addresses EU and global policy challenges and competitiveness opportunities, organised around six thematic clusters:
Projects funded under Pillar II cover a broad range of Technology Readiness Levels. Early-stage research and near-market innovation are both eligible, making this pillar relevant to companies and research organisations at any stage of development.
Two key instruments: Missions and Partnerships
EU Missions are high-ambition, large-scale initiatives designed to deliver measurable impact on major societal challenges by 2030. Five missions are active:
- Cancer
- Adaptation to climate change
- Healthy oceans, seas, coastal and inland waters
- 100 climate-neutral and smart cities
- A soil deal for Europe
European Partnerships bring together the EU, member states and private partners to address shared research and innovation priorities. Luxembourg companies can participate through Luxinnovation's matchmaking and NCP support services.
Who can apply?
Pillar II is open to:
- Companies of all sizes legally established in an eligible country, with a specific focus on SMEs and startups
- Research organisations and universities
- Public institutions and non-profit organisations
- Cross-sectoral and cross-border consortia
Pillar II explicitly encourages cross-disciplinary, cross-sectoral and cross-border collaboration. Most calls require a consortium of at least three independent entities from three different eligible countries.
Key figures
How Luxinnovation supports you
As Luxembourg's National Contact Point (NCP) for Horizon Europe, Luxinnovation provides dedicated support throughout the entire process.
We can advise you on:
- identifying the most relevant cluster and call for your project
- assessing your eligibility and that of your consortium partners
- finding national and European partners through our matchmaking services
- proposal writing and reviewing your draft to align with evaluation criteria
- identifying synergies between Horizon Europe funding and national instruments such as the RDI Law
Applications are submitted directly via the EU Funding and Tenders portal.
This programme is managed by the European Commission.
Optimise your Horizon Europe participation
Feel free to contact us for further information and support. We are also available to discuss how this funding measure and others would best fit into your long-term strategy.
