European network for upscaling venture builders’ roles in research performing organisations (CSA)
European network for upscaling venture builders’ roles in research performing organisations (CSA) supports research organisations’ venture-building capacity to turn early-stage ideas and technologies into startups.
Funder: European Commission
Due Dates: October 13, 2026 (Opening) | February 2, 2027, 17:00 Brussels time (Submission deadline)
Funding Amounts: €1 million total topic budget; one expected grant of approximately €1 million
Summary: Supports a European network to establish and expand venture-building roles in research performing organisations and commercialise research results.
Key Information: Funded beneficiaries generally must be established in EU Member States or Horizon Europe Associated Countries.
Description
This Horizon Europe Coordination and Support Action (CSA), funded by the European Commission under the Digital, Industry and Space programme, supports research performing organisations in establishing or expanding venture-building functions. It focuses on universities, Research and Technology Organisations, and research and technology infrastructures. Venture builders help transform very early-stage ideas and technologies into startups by assembling founding teams and supporting businesses as they launch and grow.
The action seeks to raise awareness of venture builders within the startup-support ecosystem, strengthen resource sharing, exchange best practices, and develop venture-building skills. Its goal is increased commercialisation of research results, from lab to market. Projects must demonstrate a gender-sensitive approach that accounts for the different barriers faced by women innovators and entrepreneurs across the innovation ecosystem.
