[European Commission](https://commission.europa.eu/index_en)

April 21, 2026 (Full application deadline, 17:00 Brussels time)

Around €2,500,000 (lump sum grant; 1 expected award)

Supports schemes to attract management talent and build capacity for technology infrastructures serving industry and innovation across the EU.

--- ## Description This European Commission grant (HORIZON-CL4-2026-01-MAT-PROD-44) aims to strengthen technology infrastructures across EU member states by attracting management talent and enhancing capacity building for staff members. The initiative focuses on developing and implementing schemes to address the competencies, skills, organizational structures, and business models needed for technology infrastructures to deliver services more effectively, particularly to industry, SMEs, startups, and scaleups. Key objectives include: - A sound understanding of management and skills needs in technology infrastructures. - Improved, sector-agnostic, open-source, and remotely accessible training for staff. - Enhanced professionalization of both technical and managerial personnel. - Promotion of entrepreneurial skills and career development. - Increased transnational and multisite collaboration, best practice sharing, and networking. - Laying groundwork for coordinated policy and priority setting at the EU level. The grant is delivered as a Coordination and Support Action (CSA), with a single-stage application process and a lump sum funding model. --- ## Due Dates - April 21, 2026: Full application submission deadline (17:00 Brussels time) --- ## Funding Amount - Approximate grant amount: **€2,500,000** (lump sum) - **Number of grants expected:** 1 Eligible costs are provided as a lump sum, simplifying financial management for beneficiaries. --- ## Eligibility - **Who can apply:** - Legal entities (public or private bodies, research organizations, universities, SMEs, industry, etc.) established in EU Member States or Horizon Europe Associated Countries. - Consortia are expected, typically including multiple organizations from different eligible countries. - Legal entities established in China are not eligible for this specific topic. - **Additional requirements:** - Applicants must demonstrate operational and financial capacity. - Proposals must adhere to the specific conditions and page limits outlined in the Horizon Europe Work Programme General Annexes. For full details, refer to [Annex B of the General Annexes](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/docs/2021-2027/horizon/wp-call/2026-2027/wp-15-general-annexes_horizon-2026-2027_en.pdf). --- ## Application Process - **Submission system opens:** January 6, 2026 - **Deadline:** April 21, 2026, 17:00 Brussels time - **Application type:** Single-stage; submit a full proposal via the [EU Funding & Tenders Portal](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/opportunities/topic-details/HORIZON-CL4-2026-01-MAT-PROD-44?isExactMatch=true&status=31094501,31094502&order=DESC&pageNumber=9&pageSize=50&sortBy=startDate) - **Required documents:** - Application form (HE CSA template) - Detailed budget table - Supporting documents as specified in the call and General Annexes **Evaluation criteria:** Excellence, impact, and quality/efficiency of implementation (see [Annex D](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/docs/2021-2027/horizon/wp-call/2026-2027/wp-15-general-annexes_horizon-2026-2027_en.pdf)). --- ## Additional Information - Projects are expected to foster collaboration with the Joint Research Centre (JRC) and align with EU policy priorities, including green and digital transitions. - Training materials should be scalable and possibly up-scaled via the European Social Fund Plus (ESF+). - Intellectual property, financial, and legal conditions are detailed in the [Model Grant Agreement](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/docs/2021-2027/common/agr-contr/ls-mga_en.pdf). --- ## External Links - [Call details and application portal](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/opportunities/topic-details/HORIZON-CL4-2026-01-MAT-PROD-44?isExactMatch=true&status=31094501,31094502&order=DESC&pageNumber=9&pageSize=50&sortBy=startDate) - [Horizon Europe Programme Guide](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/docs/2021-2027/horizon/guidance/programme-guide_horizon_en.pdf) - [General Annexes (eligibility, evaluation, financial rules)](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/docs/2021-2027/horizon/wp-call/2026-2027/wp-15-general-annexes_horizon-2026-2027_en.pdf) - [Online Manual (application procedures)](https://webgate.ec.europa.eu/funding-tenders-opportunities/display/OM/Online+Manual) --- ## Contact Information | Contact Type | Details | |----------------------|--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | General Inquiries | [European Commission Contact Page](https://commission.europa.eu/about-european-commission/contact_en) | | Research Enquiries | [Research Enquiry Service](https://research-and-innovation.ec.europa.eu/contact-us/research-enquiry-service_en) | | National Contact Points | [Find your NCP](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/support/ncp) | | IT/Portal Helpdesk | [IT Helpdesk Contact Form](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/support/helpdesks/contact-form) | ---

Attracting management talent for capacity building for Technology Infrastructures staff members (CSA) - European Commission

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