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

September 16, 2025 (single-stage)

€3.5–4.5 million per project | Approx. 3 grants available

Supports research and innovation to reinforce Europe’s leadership in sustainable design, focusing on competitiveness, innovation, and cultural heritage.

Requires collaboration with existing EU-funded networks and a strong focus on cross-sectoral impact.

--- ## Description This Horizon Europe call seeks research and innovation projects that will strengthen Europe’s position as a global leader in design for sustainable competitiveness. The objective is to enhance the understanding, capacity, and global influence of the European design sector and its professionals. Projects should address the cultural, economic, and environmental dimensions of design, leveraging Europe’s heritage, creativity, and skilled workforce to devise evidence-based strategies, innovative business models, and technological solutions. Proposals are expected to focus on a specific area within the design sector to maximize impact and are encouraged to collaborate with existing EU-funded platforms and networks. --- ## Due Dates - Opening date: May 15, 2025 - Proposal deadline: September 16, 2025, 17:00 Brussels time --- ## Funding Amount - Total call budget: €13.5 million - Expected contribution per project: €3.5–4.5 million (lump sum funding) - Approximate number of projects funded: 3 --- ## Eligibility - Open to legal entities (universities, research institutes, companies, NGOs, etc.) established in EU Member States and Horizon Europe Associated Countries. - Entities from certain non-EU/non-Associated Countries may participate under specific provisions (see [Horizon Europe Programme Guide](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/docs/2021-2027/horizon/guidance/programme-guide_horizon_en.pdf)). - Proposals must include a consortium with at least three independent legal entities from different eligible countries. - Legal entities established in China are not eligible to participate in Innovation Actions in any capacity. --- ## Application Process - Single-stage submission via the [EU Funding & Tenders Portal](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/opportunities/topic-details/HORIZON-CL2-2025-01-HERITAGE-06?isExactMatch=true&status=31094501,31094502&order=DESC&pageNumber=7&pageSize=50&sortBy=startDate). - Proposals must use the standard application form and adhere to a 50-page limit for Part B. - Submission requires a detailed budget table (lump sum model). - Evaluation is based on excellence, impact, and quality/efficiency of implementation (see [Annex D](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/docs/2021-2027/horizon/wp-call/2025/wp-14-general-annexes_horizon-2025_en.pdf)). - All software developed must be open source (see specific topic guidelines). --- ## Additional Information - Projects should build upon and collaborate with existing EU-funded projects, particularly those focused on cultural and creative industries and sustainable climate transition. - Proposals should select a specific focus within the design sector (not all aspects or subsectors). - Use of established platforms, networks, or clusters is encouraged to avoid duplication. - All data produced should comply with FAIR principles (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, Re-usable). - The call is part of the Horizon Europe Cluster 2: Culture, Creativity and Inclusive Society. --- ## External Links - [Call Topic & Submission Portal](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/opportunities/topic-details/HORIZON-CL2-2025-01-HERITAGE-06?isExactMatch=true&status=31094501,31094502&order=DESC&pageNumber=7&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) - [Standard Application Form (HE RIA, IA)](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/docs/2021-2027/horizon/temp-form/af/af_he-ria-ia_en.pdf) - [Detailed Budget Table (HE LS)](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/docs/2021-2027/common/temp-form/af/detailed-budget-table_he-ls-euratom_en.xlsm) - [Funding & Tenders Portal Online Manual](https://webgate.ec.europa.eu/funding-tenders-opportunities/display/OM/Online+Manual) - [National Contact Points](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/support/ncp) --- ## Contact Information | Type | Details | |---------------------|------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | General Enquiries | [Research Enquiry Service](https://research-and-innovation.ec.europa.eu/contact-us/research-enquiry-service_en) | | National Support | [National Contact Points](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/support/ncp) | | IT/Portal Support | [IT Helpdesk](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/support/helpdesks/contact-form) | | Funder Contact | [European Commission Contact](https://commission.europa.eu/about-european-commission/contact_en) |

Europe as a global powerhouse of design for sustainable competitiveness

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