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

September 24, 2026

~€7,000,000 total; one grant expected; project duration up to 5 years

Supports long-term collaboration, sustainability, and impact of Centres of Excellence in Widening countries via joint initiatives and capacity building.

Only consortia coordinated by legal entities in Widening countries with prior Teaming CoE experience are eligible as coordinators.

--- ## Description This funding opportunity aims to enhance the sustainability, visibility, and impact of Centres of Excellence (CoE) established in Widening countries under Horizon 2020 and Horizon Europe. The grant supports strategic, structured collaboration among CoEs, promoting the creation of thematic clusters, multidisciplinary cooperation, responsible AI practices, commercialization, and entrepreneurship. Activities include strategic clustering, pilot cluster implementation, knowledge valorisation training, networking and matchmaking events, the development of a digital platform, organization of an international conference, and support for entrepreneurship and technology transfer. The action is designed for a five-year duration, with tailored key performance indicators for monitoring progress. --- ## Due Dates - September 24, 2026: Full application submission deadline (single-stage) — 17:00 Brussels time --- ## Funding Amount - The total indicative budget for this call is €7,000,000. - The European Commission expects to fund one grant of approximately €7,000,000. - The project duration should be up to 5 years. --- ## Eligibility - **Coordinator eligibility:** Only legal entities established in Widening countries (as defined in the Horizon Europe regulation) that are or have been coordinators of a Horizon 2020 or Horizon Europe Teaming action are eligible to coordinate. - **Consortium composition:** The consortium should have a core with demonstrated expertise in sustaining Teaming CoEs, complemented by partners with relevant skills (e.g., communication, training, knowledge valorisation, IPR). - **Geographical coverage:** Activities should reach all past, existing, and future Teaming CoEs wishing to participate. - **Eligible countries:** See [Annex B of the Horizon Europe Work Programme 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) and the [Horizon Europe Programme Guide](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/docs/2021-2027/horizon/guidance/programme-guide_horizon_en.pdf). --- ## Application Process - **Submission:** Single-stage application via the [EU Funding & Tenders Portal](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/opportunities/topic-details/HORIZON-WIDERA-2026-01-WIDENING-01?isExactMatch=true&status=31094501,31094502&order=DESC&pageNumber=6&pageSize=50&sortBy=startDate). - **Application form:** Use the [HE CSA standard application form](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/docs/2021-2027/horizon/temp-form/af/af_he-csa_en.pdf). - **Evaluation:** Criteria and process described in [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) and [Annex F](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). - **Supporting documents:** Refer to the [Online Manual](https://webgate.ec.europa.eu/funding-tenders-opportunities/display/OM/Online+Manual) and [Programme Guide](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/docs/2021-2027/horizon/guidance/programme-guide_horizon_en.pdf). --- ## Additional Information - The action should maximize the use of existing services and facilities to avoid duplication. - Proposals must outline key performance indicators tailored to the action's objectives. - Only one grant is expected to be awarded for this topic. - For further details on eligibility, submission, and evaluation, consult 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). --- ## External Links - [Call Details & Submission Portal](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/opportunities/topic-details/HORIZON-WIDERA-2026-01-WIDENING-01?isExactMatch=true&status=31094501,31094502&order=DESC&pageNumber=6&pageSize=50&sortBy=startDate) - [Horizon Europe Work Programme 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) - [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 CSA)](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/docs/2021-2027/horizon/temp-form/af/af_he-csa_en.pdf) - [Online Manual](https://webgate.ec.europa.eu/funding-tenders-opportunities/display/OM/Online+Manual) --- ## Contact Information | Type | Details | |---------------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | Funder Contact | [European Commission Contact Page](https://commission.europa.eu/about-european-commission/contact_en) | | General Enquiries | [Research Enquiry Service](https://research-and-innovation.ec.europa.eu/contact-us/research-enquiry-service_en) | | National Contacts | [National Contact Points (NCPs)](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/support/ncp) | | Phone | +32 2 299 11 11 |

Teaming Synergies - European Commission

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