5 key EU funding programmes: Has your project found the right fit?

Get an overview and tips on what to look out for when you apply.

The European Union offers some of the world’s largest public funding programmes for research, innovation and the green transition. For cleantech companies and organisations, these programmes can be critical to development, scale-up and internationalisation.

At the same time, competition is intense – and a strong application can fail simply because it targets the wrong instrument.

Based on both Clean’s and ICN’s (International Cleantech Network) experience across European projects, this overview outlines five key EU programmes and the evaluation logic applicants need to understand before applying.

#1. Horizon Europe – mission first

Horizon Europe is the EU’s flagship research and innovation programme, centred on major societal missions such as climate neutrality and industrial competitiveness. While often perceived as a research programme, the strongest proposals clearly articulate how they contribute to system-level change.

Tip: Evaluators look for credible pathways to impact and for consortia that reflect real-world value chains – not just technical excellence in isolation.

Read more about Horizon Europe’s application process here.

#2. Interreg – practical cooperation

Interreg focuses on cross-border cooperation and practical implementation. Here, success is less about novelty and more about whether a project can credibly address shared regional challenges.

Clean currently leads the South Baltic-funded SMEBeyond project, which helps small and medium-sized enterprises in the South Baltic region overcome barriers to internationalisation.

Tip: Clear governance structures, defined roles and long-term cooperation are often decisive factors in evaluation.

Read more about Interreg’s application process here.

#3. Innowwide – beyond Europe

Innowwide supports innovative SMEs exploring markets outside Europe through early-stage feasibility and market activities.

For cleantech SMEs, Innowwide supports activities such as market studies, regulatory analysis, technical adaptation and local partner identification in third countries.

Tip: Experience shows that the programme works best when embedded in a broader project portfolio, strengthening local partnerships and follow-up potential.

Read more about Innowwide’s application process here.

#4. Eureka Eurostars – close to market

Eurostars supports SME-led international R&D projects with a strong commercial focus. While attractive due to its bottom-up logic, success depends heavily on having the right partners in place.

Clean has hosted several partner matching seminars and information sessions for Eurostars stakeholders.

Tip: Projects grounded in existing networks and cluster collaboration tend to perform better than ad hoc consortia.

Read more about Eureka Eurostars’ application process here.

#5. Erasmus+ – skills for the green transition

Erasmus+ funds education, training and skills development that underpin innovation and deployment of green technologies.

Funded by Erasmus+, Clean hosts activities and develops learning materials for eco-innovators under the Endurance project. These activities are tailored for SMEs and startups looking to integrate green growth and European Green Deal strategies.

Tip: Proposals perform better when they demonstrate lasting institutional impact and clear links between education, industry and labour market needs.

Read more about the Erasmus+ application process here.

Funding starts with fit

EU funding is about alignment. Organisations that succeed understand the logic of each programme and match ambition, partnerships and impact accordingly – treating EU funding as a strategic portfolio rather than isolated calls.

Interested in taking a deeper dive into which EU funding programme fits your project?
Become a Clean Funding Insider to access a wide range of funding programmes and opportunities.

Cleans’ activities are co-funded by the European Union and the Danish Board of Business Development.