Insights

In an effort to confront one of the most pressing health challenges of our time, the European Union has launched an ambitious initiative known as the EU Cancer Mission. This critical component of the Horizon Europe research and innovation programme (2021-2027) aims to significantly improve the lives of millions by 2030, tackling cancer through a multi-faceted approach that encompasses research, innovation, and comprehensive stakeholder engagement.

The health teams at Spinverse, led by Rohit Sood and Jayden Khakurel, have had a busy spring with several clients whilst concepting and preparing various innovative and complex project proposals for the calls falling under Horizon Europe programmes in clusters 1 and 4. When successful, the impact of these projects will be life-changing to many people suffering from serious illnesses or mental issues. What is more, the proposed projects aim to enhance European healthcare research infrastructure (RI) and a more secure use of sensitive patient data.

The European Union is advancing its commitment to sustainable transportation by allocating EUR 1 billion to the Alternative Fuels Infrastructure Facility (AFIF) for 2024-2025. This funding will enhance the development of electric and hydrogen fueling infrastructure across the Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T), supporting the EU's ambitious decarbonization goals outlined in the new alternative fuels regulation and the ReFuelEU and FuelEU maritime initiatives.

The LIFE funding instrument, one of the largest public funding programmes in Europe, has  opened its 2024 call topics on the 18th of April, launching hundreds of millions of euros for implementing best practices and developing, demonstrating and promoting innovating techniques to fight climate change and protect our environment. Are you getting ready to join the environmental and climate actions with LIFE? Read this update from our LIFE programme expert Mikko Tiira.

The Patria-led defence research and development ecosystem eALLIANCE was granted significant funding from Business Finland in February 2024 for amplifying collaboration between civilian and defence sector companies. Spinverse supported Patria with the preparation of the winning proposal and will be supporting Patria in the project’s day-to-day management and ecosystem orchestration.

The European Union has set ambitious goals for achieving a climate-neutral and circular economy by 2050. Among one of the largest funding programmes to demonstrate low-carbon technologies is Innovation Fund, which had its call deadline on 9^th April 2024, releasing a total of 4B€ in grants. Over the past few months, our Spinverse funding experts have been working hard together with clients to submit several project proposals. Together, these projects demonstrate potential for significant greenhouse gas (GHG) avoidance and bring together many innovative actors in Europe.

Aimed at fostering sustainability in the plastics industry, the four-year SPIRIT programme has already entered its third year of operation. Kicked off in 2022, the SPIRIT programme has successfully launched 14 partnership projects and created a vibrant ecosystem of over 50 members including universities, research institutes, and diverse industry companies. Programme Manager Jaakko Tuomainen from Borealis shares the rewarding experiences gained from this initiative which is part of the Veturi programme for leading companies funded by Business Finland.

For companies considering applying for Circular Bio-based Europe Joint Undertaking (CBE JU) funding and forming a consortium, understanding the role of a project coordinator is crucial. Karl Peebo is the project manager in the SWEETWOODS flagship project coordinated by Estonian company Fibenol. He shares his insights into the responsibilities and benefits of this key role in EU-funded project consortiums.

Do you need funding for your SME? Are you aiming to commercialize your idea by founding a startup in the coming year? Or maybe you need to accelerate the development of your innovation to reach the market? Either way, EU funding might have open calls that will help you do just that! Of course, you can participate in large Horizon Europe calls in collaboration with academics, non-for-profits, large enterprises, and other SMEs, however, you may want to go for a smaller consortium or apply on your own.   

Spinverse had the pleasure of coordinating FlexiGrid, a 10M€ project which created a data management platform integrating cutting-edge technologies and services. The four-year project has focused on enabling distribution system operators to keep pace with the growth of variable renewable electricity sources. The FlexiGrid project has now come to an end with potential to be replicated, also paving the way for future research and providing input for policy decisions in the future.