Opening soon Horizon Europe — "Proof of market": commercialisation of research results by start-ups and SMEs
The Horizon Europe call HORIZON-CL4-2027-01-MAT-PROD-49 gives €200,000 to each small consortium of spin-offs, start-ups and SMEs that wants to commercialise results from Cluster 4 or Horizon 2020 LEIT projects. The total budget is €5 million.
- Who can apply
- Small consortia made up of spin-offs, start-ups and SMEs can apply
- Total budget
- 5,000,000 euro (2027 budget), for around 25 projects
- Funding amount
- Fixed EU contribution of 200,000 euro per project (the minimum and maximum are the same)
- Submission period
- 13 October 2026 – 2 February 2027, 17:00 (Brussels time)
Checked against official sources on · funder: European Commission · official source
The guide has not been published yet, but good applications are built before launch. Those who start when the call window opens usually miss out on it.
Who can apply
Small consortia made up of spin-offs, start-ups and SMEs can apply. They must build on results from ongoing or completed projects funded under Cluster 4 "Digital, Industry and Space" of Horizon Europe or under the LEIT component of Horizon 2020. The proposal must confirm that at least one of the applicants holds the relevant knowledge, including intellectual property rights. If none of them does, it must include a letter of commitment from the owner.
What it covers
- Technology demonstration
- Commercialisation planning
- Market analysis
- Technology assessment
- User testing
- Regulatory compliance
- Strengthening intellectual property
We prepare your application before the window opens
- We analyse whether you qualify and under which programme exactly.
- We build the application: business plan, budget, supporting documents.
- We submit during the call window and follow the evaluation.
- We stay with you through the reimbursement file and final payment.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Horizon "Proof of market" call open?
Not yet. On 26 September 2026, the call HORIZON-CL4-2027-01-MAT-PROD-49 appeared as "Forthcoming" in the Funding & Tenders Portal. The opening, originally scheduled for 22 September 2026, has been postponed to 13 October 2026. The submission deadline is 2 February 2027, 17:00 (Brussels time).
How much funding does a project receive through "Proof of market"?
Each project receives a fixed EU contribution of 200,000 euro, with the minimum and maximum being the same. The total budget of the topic is 5 million euro, enough for around 25 projects across Europe.
Can I apply if my company has not taken part in a Horizon project?
Yes, with one condition. If your company does not own the results, the proposal must include a letter of commitment from their owner. In the letter, the owner confirms that they will negotiate access to the results on fair, reasonable and non-discriminatory terms. The results must come from Horizon Europe Cluster 4 or Horizon 2020 LEIT projects.
Who can be part of the consortium?
The call targets small consortia made up of spin-offs, start-ups and SMEs. At least one member must hold the knowledge being exploited, including intellectual property rights, or the consortium must have the owner's letter of commitment. The general Horizon Europe rules on the minimum number of partners and eligible countries apply separately and must be checked in the call documents.
What activities does the "Proof of market" call fund?
The call funds activities that exploit the results of European research. These include technology demonstration, commercialisation planning, market analysis, technology assessment, user testing, regulatory compliance and strengthening intellectual property. The aim is a clear route for Horizon results to reach the market.
How do you submit the application?
The application is submitted online, in a single stage, through the European Commission's Funding & Tenders Portal. The project is an Innovation Action (IA). Submission is possible between 13 October 2026 and 2 February 2027, 17:00 (Brussels time).
How long does it take to prepare the application?
It depends on the complexity of the project and the documents you already have. The first step is the eligibility analysis, which tells you what needs to be prepared.
What happens if I do not qualify?
We tell you before any contract is signed, and if another suitable programme exists, we point you to it.
Next step
We prepare your application before the call opens — Horizon Europe — "Proof of market": commercialisation of research results by start-ups and SMEs
Fill in the form and we will tell you whether you qualify. If you do not qualify under this programme, we will tell you which other one you could apply for — or that there is none, if that is the case.
or call us directly on 0755 167 167
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