Latest news

€7.55 million in EU funding for digital innovation in health, energy and mobility: On 15 September 2026, the EU-funded SYSTEMEU project launches its first Open Call for Joint Interregional Projects (JIPs). Companies, start-ups, research institutions and other organisations from Bavaria can apply together with partners from four other European regions. The Bavarian Research Alliance (BayFOR) is a project partner in SYSTEMEU and supports applicants from Bavaria with proposal preparation and the search for suitable international project partners. The deadline for applications is 16 November 2026.

How can research results from different disciplines be translated into practice and generate value for society, the economy and policymaking? The European Commission has published new practical guidelines on the valorisation of multidisciplinary research and innovation results. Particular attention is given to integrating results from the Social Sciences and Humanities (SSH).

An updated annotated application template is now available for the 2026 and 2027 Horizon Europe calls. The German National Contact Points (NCPs) have revised their guidance for Research and Innovation Actions (RIA) and Innovation Actions (IA) to reflect changes to the application forms. The document provides practical guidance and explanations to support applicants in preparing Horizon Europe proposals.

Making it easier to use patents to secure financing and speeding up the public procurement of innovative technologies: On 9 September 2026, the European Commission presented its legislative proposal for the European Innovation Act. The initiative, first announced in 2025, is thus taking concrete legal shape. Its aim is to create better conditions for innovative companies, start-ups and scale-ups to finance new technologies and research results, bring them to market and scale internationally from within Europe.

The Fonds de recherche du Québec (FRQ) is partnering with the Bavarian State Ministry of Science and the Arts to launch a new bilateral research program on AI-powered and human-centered robotics for real-world applications.
The call for proposals opens on 22 September 2026.

Japan is now officially associated to Horizon Europe, the European Union's framework programme for research and innovation. As one of the world's leading research and innovation nations, Japan will now participate in the programme's largest collaborative funding pillar on equal terms with EU Member States and other associated countries. The association creates new opportunities for universities, research organisations, companies and other stakeholders across Europe – including Bavaria – to strengthen international research and innovation partnerships.

The Bavarian State Ministry of Economic Affairs, Regional Development and Energy (StMWi) has begun preparations for the next ERDF funding period, 2028–2034. Through a public online consultation, universities, research institutions, businesses, local authorities, associations and members of the public are being given the opportunity to help shape the future direction of ERDF funding in Bavaria. The consultation is open until 30 August 2026.

The European Research Council (ERC) has published its Work Programme 2027, thereby introducing important changes for applicants under Horizon Europe. Of particular relevance are the significantly expanded funding windows for Starting and Consolidator Grants, new application rules, and the continuation of the ERC Plus Grant. These changes open up the opportunity for more researchers to apply for one of Europe’s most prestigious grants for excellent basic research.

The European Commission has presented a new EU Action Plan on Cybersecurity and Artificial Intelligence (AI). Its objective is to strengthen Europe's digital resilience while accelerating the development and deployment of trustworthy AI. For universities, research organisations, companies, start-ups and SMEs, the action plan signals important opportunities: by the end of 2026 and throughout 2027, the EU plans to launch new Horizon Europe calls, establish European AI testing and evaluation infrastructures, and introduce additional investment instruments for deep-tech and AI innovation.

The European Commission has launched a public consultation on the future of contractual European Partnerships under Horizon Europe. Until 16 October 2026, universities, research organisations, companies, industry associations, start-ups, SMEs and other stakeholders are invited to share their experience and recommendations. The consultation will help shape the future development of European Partnerships and strengthen Europe's research, innovation and competitiveness.