Upcoming opening of Horizon Europe calls for Excellence Hubs

The aim of the call is to create a stronger link between the academic community, industry, the public sector, and society to promote the development of an innovation culture based on regional potentials in Widening group countries, in accordance with regional or national smart specialization strategies. Project proposals must include at least two innovation ecosystems from two different Widening group countries, each encompassing four key stakeholder groups: academic institutions, the business sector, public institutions, and societal actors. • Connecting universities and research organizations with industry; • Creating new opportunities for small and medium-sized enterprises, startups, and innovative companies; • Contributing to the development of regional smart specialization priorities (RIS3); • Attracting investments and strengthening capacities to participate in European research and innovation programs. The EU contribution covers 70% of eligible project costs, with the remaining 30% to be secured from other sources. The Ministry invites universities, research organizations, companies, startups, and other interested stakeholders to start preparing project ideas and establishing international partnerships in a timely manner to take advantage of this opportunity to participate in European innovation initiatives. We remind that the Ministry of Education, Science, and Innovation, through the Call for encouraging participation in the Horizon Europe 2026 research and innovation program, co-finances the costs of engaging an expert who will provide professional support services to organizations based in Montenegro in preparing project proposals for calls within the Horizon Europe program.