By adopting eco-friendly and digital solutions across production, operations, administration, marketing, and sales, businesses can reduce their environmental impact while enhancing and market appeal. Embrace these efficiency strategies to position your company at the forefront of the green economy. Embrace these strategies to position your company at the forefront of the green economy.
OUTBOUND LOGISTICS
Activities involved in converting the inputs into finished products and services. This includes manufacturing, assembling, packaging and testing.
Partnership & Pilot Project Grants are public funding instruments designed to support collaborative projects between businesses, research institutions and public organizations. These grants help SMEs test new technologies, business models and innovative solutions in real-world conditions before full-scale implementation.
The focus of these grants is to reduce financial risk for businesses by providing non-repayable funding for pilot initiatives, feasibility studies and large-scale demonstration projects. Governments and the EU encourage partnerships between private companies, universities and public institutions to foster innovation, sustainability and economic growth. By leveraging Partnership & Pilot Project Grants, SMEs can develop, test and refine their innovations with reduced financial risk and strong institutional support, paving the way for long-term growth and market expansion.
How do these Grants Benefit SMEs?
Lower-risk testing of new products and services before commercial launch.
Access to expert knowledge and research infrastructure through partnerships.
Funding for innovative and high-impact projects that may not attract private investors.
Opportunities to scale up successful pilot projects into full-fledged businesses.
How to Apply?
Applying for national grants often requires a detailed
business proposal, including a clear
project description, expected impact and financial planning. Some grants may require co-financing, meaning businesses need to contribute a percentage of the project’s total cost; this means a grant might cover 60–80% of costs, while the applicant must fund the remaining amount.
Where to Find Partnership & Pilot Project Grants?
Innovation and pilot project grants are typically offered through EU programs, national governments, and regional development funds. Key sources include Horizon Europe, which funds collaborative R&D, pilot projects, and demonstrators, and the European Innovation Council (EIC), which supports breakthrough innovations through its Pathfinder and Transition programs. National innovation and technology funds provide country-specific grants that encourage partnerships, while Interreg and other regional development programs offer funding for cross-border collaboration. Additionally, sector-specific grants targeting areas such as energy, healthcare, and digital transformation are available to support innovation in key industries.
To access innovation and pilot project grants, SMEs should check EU funding platforms such as Horizon Europe, the European Innovation Council (EIC), and the LIFE Programme. Exploring national innovation funding agencies can reveal country-specific grant opportunities, while joining cross-border collaboration projects through Interreg or regional programs provides additional access to resources. Networking with research institutions and industry leaders is also key to building strong partnerships that enhance the success of grant applications.
Horizon Europe – Innovation & Pilot Project Grants
Horizon Europe, the EU’s largest research and innovation program, provides grants for pilot projects, feasibility studies, and partnerships in various fields, including green technology, healthcare, digital transformation, and advanced manufacturing. SMEs can apply for funding to collaborate with research institutions, corporations, and public organizations.
European Innovation Council (EIC) – Pathfinder & Transition Grants
The EIC Pathfinder & Transition grants support early-stage innovation projects and pilot testing. SMEs, startups, and research teams working on high-risk, high-impact technologies can secure funding to develop prototypes and conduct feasibility studies before commercialization.
Interreg Europe funds regional cooperation and pilot projects that bring together SMEs, public institutions, and research centers across different EU countries. This funding supports cross-border partnerships in fields like digital innovation, climate adaptation, and regional development.
National Innovation & Technology Funds (Example: Innovate UK)
Many EU countries have national programs supporting pilot projects and partnership grants. Innovate UK, for instance, funds collaborative R&D and industry-led innovation projects in the UK. Similar programs exist in Germany (ZIM), France (Bpifrance), and the Netherlands (RVO.nl).
The Eureka Network supports international collaboration on R&D and pilot projects through programs like Eurostars, which provides grants to innovative SMEs working with research organizations and industry partners. This funding helps SMEs develop and test new technologies, products, and services before full-scale.
