Cascade Calls in Horizon Europe: Access EU Funding through Cascade Funding

Updated on 8 July 2026

In addition to the traditional calls published by the European Commission, the EU Framework Programme Horizon Europe offers further opportunities for start-ups, scale-ups and other organisations to receive funding for research and innovation projects. One particularly attractive funding mechanism is Financial Support to Third Parties (FSTP), better known as Cascade Calls or cascade funding.

Through these calls, companies, universities, research organisations and public authorities can obtain EU funding for pilot projects, demonstration activities, testing and validation, or innovative applications – without being a member of a large European project consortium.

Thanks to simplified application procedures and shorter evaluation timelines, Cascade Calls provide an accessible entry point into European research and innovation funding, particularly for SMEs, start-ups and research organisations. Depending on the call, funding may be available for both single applicants and small international consortia.

What are Cascade Calls?

Cascade Calls are funding opportunities launched by projects that have already received funding under the EU Framework Programme Horizon Europe. The European Commission allows these projects to allocate part of their grant budget to external organisations. This funding mechanism is officially known as Financial Support to Third Parties (FSTP).

Its objective is to integrate start-ups, innovative SMEs, research organisations and public bodies into existing European innovation ecosystems and to accelerate the development of new technologies and applications.

Participating project consortia publish their own Open Calls, inviting external organisations to submit innovative project proposals.

Which projects are funded?

Cascade Calls support both single applicants (mono-beneficiary projects) and smaller collaborative research and innovation projects involving up to three partners. Typical activities include:

• Pilot applications and pilot projects
• Demonstration of innovative technologies
• Experiments and feasibility studies
• Validation and testing activities
• Development of new use cases within ongoing EU projects
• Development of digital innovations and new business models 

Funded topics range from digitalisation, artificial intelligence and cybersecurity to health, energy and mobility, as well as GreenTech, sustainability and industrial innovation.

Who can apply?

Cascade Calls are particularly suitable for:

• Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs)
• Start-ups and scale-ups
• Innovative companies
• Universities and research organisations
• Public authorities and municipalities
• Technology providers and innovation stakeholders 

For organisations applying for EU funding for the first time, Cascade Calls offer a comparatively straightforward entry into European research and innovation funding.

Benefits of Cascade Calls at a glance

Cascade Calls provide SMEs, start-ups, research organisations and public authorities with an accessible route to European funding under Horizon Europe. Compared with traditional EU funding programmes, applicants benefit from several advantages:

✔ Easier access to EU funding
Receive funding without participating in a large international project consortium.

✔ Reduced administrative burden
Application procedures are simpler and less complex than those for standard Horizon Europe calls.

✔ Attractive funding amounts
Depending on the call, grants typically range between EUR 50,000 and EUR 200,000, with funding rates often ranging from 70% to 100%.

✔ Faster project implementation

Shorter project durations and quicker funding decisions enable innovative ideas to be implemented more rapidly.

✔ Practice-oriented innovation funding
Support is available for pilot projects, demonstrations, experiments and validation activities with a strong application focus.

✔ Access to European innovation networks
Participants benefit from access to existing Horizon Europe projects, international partners and European innovation ecosystems.

✔ Particularly attractive for SMEs and start-ups
Cascade Calls provide an excellent opportunity for SMEs and young innovative companies to gain their first experience with EU funding.

✔ A stepping stone to larger EU projects
Successful participation can pave the way for involvement in larger Horizon Europe consortia and other European funding programmes.

Funding amounts and project duration

Compared with traditional Horizon Europe projects, Cascade Calls are generally smaller in scale and involve significantly less administrative effort.

Typical characteristics include:

• Grants between EUR 50,000 and EUR 200,000 (higher amounts may be available for collaborative projects)
• Funding rates typically ranging from 70% to 100%
• Project durations of six to eighteen months
• Simplified application and evaluation procedures
• Shorter time-to-grant 

Funding amounts and eligibility conditions vary depending on the individual call and thematic area.

Where can I find current Cascade Calls?

All Cascade Calls are published via the European Commission's Funding & Tenders Portal.

To find current opportunities:

1. Open the Funding & Tenders Portal.
2. Navigate to Calls for Proposals.
3. Use the search filters.
4. Select Calls for funding in cascade (issued by funded projects).
5. Optionally exclude closed calls from your search results. 

As each Cascade Call is organised by a different Horizon Europe project, funding conditions, budgets, application procedures and deadlines vary from one call to another.

BayFOR support

The Bavarian Research Alliance (BayFOR) supports companies, universities, research organisations and public authorities in Bavaria in identifying suitable funding opportunities under the EU Framework Programme Horizon Europe.

We advise on current Cascade Calls, assess the eligibility of your project idea and support you in preparing successful project proposals.

Contact us if you are looking for suitable EU funding opportunities for your innovation project.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What are Cascade Calls?

Cascade Calls are funding opportunities launched by projects already funded under the EU Framework Programme Horizon Europe. They enable external organisations to obtain funding for research, development and innovation projects.

What is Financial Support to Third Parties (FSTP)?

Financial Support to Third Parties (FSTP) is a funding mechanism of the European Commission that allows Horizon Europe projects to allocate part of their grant budget to external organisations in order to support innovation, pilot projects and demonstration activities.

Who can apply for Cascade Calls?

Eligible applicants often include:

• SMEs  
• Start-ups and scale-ups
• Universities  
• Research organisations
• Public authorities
• Municipalities  
• Technology providers and innovation stakeholders 

Eligibility requirements are specified in each individual call.

How much funding is available?

Funding amounts vary depending on the individual call. In many cases, grants range between EUR 50,000 and EUR 200,000 per project, although higher or lower amounts may be available.

How long do Cascade Call projects last?

Projects are generally shorter than traditional Horizon Europe projects and typically run for six to eighteen months.

Which types of projects are funded?

Eligible activities include pilot projects, demonstration projects, feasibility studies, validation and testing activities, technology development and digital innovation.

Do I need to be part of a Horizon Europe consortium?

No. One of the main advantages of Cascade Calls is that organisations can receive EU funding without being part of a large European project consortium.

Where can I find current Cascade Calls?

Current Cascade Calls are published on the Funding & Tenders Portal. Use the filter "Calls for funding in cascade (issued by funded projects)" to search specifically for cascade funding opportunities.

Are Cascade Calls easier than standard Horizon Europe applications?

In many cases, yes. Application procedures are generally shorter and less complex than those for regular Horizon Europe calls, making Cascade Calls particularly attractive for organisations seeking their first experience with EU funding.

What are the benefits of Cascade Calls for SMEs and start-ups?

Cascade Calls offer SMEs and start-ups straightforward access to European funding. They provide opportunities to test innovative technologies, explore new markets and build connections within European innovation networks.

Can organisations from Bavaria apply?

Yes. Companies, universities, research organisations and public authorities based in Bavaria are generally eligible to apply, provided they meet the requirements of the respective call.

Does BayFOR provide support?

Yes. BayFOR supports organisations in Bavaria in identifying suitable Cascade Calls, assessing funding opportunities and preparing successful project applications under Horizon Europe.