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Open CSA HORIZON-CL4-2027-01-MAT-PROD-42 INDUSTRY

Unlocking the potential of academic intellectual assets for industry, SMEs and startups (CSA)

INDUSTRY

Deadline 2 February 2027 132 zile rămase
Opening date 22 September 2026
Budget 1 mil. EUR
Expected grants 2

Destination / beneficiaries

Achieving technological leadership for Europe’s open strategic autonomy in raw materials, chemicals and innovative materials (2026-27)

1. Overview

Rezultate așteptate

  • Enhanced valorisation of intellectual assets, including dormant patents, from universities and public research organisations to support the adoption of green and digital technologies by industry, SMEs and start-ups/spinoffs.
  • Development of entrepreneurial skills and increased involvement of students, researchers, and innovators in the valorisation of research results.
  • Uptake of effective models and tools to facilitate valorisation of unused IP and intellectual assets and access by startups, SMEs, and innovative companies to this untapped knowledge in public research organisations.

Domeniu de aplicare

Aligned with the European Union's policy priorities, this action will contribute to overcoming the innovation paradox by maximising the impact of public spending in R&I through improved knowledge valorisation practices, and facilitating the uptake of green and digital technologies by start-ups, spinoffs, and innovative SMEs. By unlocking the untapped potential of intellectual assets within universities and public research organisations, and leveraging the creativity of students, researchers, and innovators, the action seeks to improve value creation opportunities deriving from these assets and bolster the competitiveness of European industry.

The action should explore strategies and implement pilots for actively involving students and researchers (including those in social sciences and humanities) in valorising academic IP and intellectual assets. These should include hackathons, workshops and larger-scale “summer camp” programmes, and foresee the involvement of interested industry partners than can be potential adopters.

The action should also identify and test models and tools for easier IP access and utilisation by startups and SMEs. These should cover innovative licensing and other valorisation approaches, especially tackling the issue of unused academic patents, as well as the use of AI to manage and valorise research results and IP.

Proposals submitted under this topic should consider how to exploit synergies with other EU-funded projects covering intellectual assets management, entrepreneurship, and AI for knowledge valorisation. They should also pay particular attention to reducing the gender gap and promoting diversity in knowledge valorisation, and include dedicated measures to foster gender balance and inclusiveness in this field.

2. Support information

Online Manual is your guide on the procedures from proposal submission to managing your grant.

Horizon Europe Programme Guide contains the detailed guidance to the structure, budget and political priorities of Horizon Europe.

Funding & Tenders Portal FAQ – find the answers to most frequently asked questions on submission of proposals, evaluation and grant management.

Research Enquiry Service – ask questions about any aspect of European research in general and the EU Research Framework Programmes in particular.

National Contact Points (NCPs) – get guidance, practical information and assistance on participation in Horizon Europe. There are also NCPs in many non-EU and non-associated countries (‘third-countries’).

Enterprise Europe Network – contact your EEN national contact for advice to businesses with special focus on SMEs. The support includes guidance on the EU research funding.

IT Helpdesk – contact the Funding & Tenders Portal IT helpdesk for questions such as forgotten passwords, access rights and roles, technical aspects of submission of proposals, etc.

European IPR Helpdesk assists you on intellectual property issues.

CEN-CENELEC Research Helpdesk and ETSI Research Helpdesk – the European Standards Organisations advise you how to tackle standardisation in your project proposal.

The European Charter for Researchers and the Code of Conduct for their recruitment – consult the general principles and requirements specifying the roles, responsibilities and entitlements of researchers, employers and funders of researchers.

Partner Search help you find a partner organisation for your proposal.

3. Priorities
  • AI
  • DigitalAgenda