Excellence Hubs
Excellence Hubs supports regional networks of academia, business, government and society, funding cross-border research and innovation strategies to build capacity and deliver economic and societal benefits.
Funder: European Commission
Due Dates: March 4, 2027 (Full application)
Funding Amounts: €1.5 million–€4.5 million per project for up to 5 years; 70% of eligible costs
Summary: Supports cross-border networks of regional innovation ecosystems connecting academia, business, government and society in Widening countries.
Key Information: Consortia must involve at least two ecosystems in different Widening countries, with a Widening-country coordinator.
Description
Excellence Hubs is a European Commission Horizon Europe Coordination and Support Action supporting sustainable regional research and innovation ecosystems in Widening countries and beyond. It connects academia, businesses, government and societal actors through cross-border strategies aligned with regional or national smart specialisation priorities and European goals. The action aims to strengthen science-business-society links and translate research results into economic and societal benefits.
Projects combine joint strategy development, collaborative research, investment planning and commercially sustainable business models. Research should close knowledge gaps and advance science and technology with market potential. Complementary activities include knowledge transfer, mutual learning, skills development, staff exchanges and engagement with local governments and citizens. Expected outcomes include lasting partnerships, stronger regional innovation capacity and new business opportunities for SMEs, university spin-offs and start-ups, particularly in deep tech.
