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The European Partnership FOREST officially launches in Helsinki on 13 October 2026, marking the start of a new European research and innovation initiative focused on climate-resilient forests, sustainable forestry and the circular bioeconomy. Supported by Horizon Europe, the ten-year partnership has a total budget of approximately €233 million, including €70 million in EU funding. Its first joint call, with a funding volume of more than €40 million, opens up new opportunities for international research and innovation projects in Europe's forest-based sector.

The European Commission launched the European Water Academy on 21 September 2026. The initiative aims to strengthen skills in the water sector and bring research closer to practice. As a flagship action under the European Water Resilience Strategy, it connects universities, research institutions, businesses, water utilities and public bodies. Its goal is to better protect Europe’s water resources through knowledge transfer, training and collaboration.

On 8 October 2026, the Bavarian Research Alliance (BayFOR) and the Centre for Research and Technology-Hellas (CERTH) signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the aim of further developing their long-term cooperation in the areas of research, innovation and technology transfer in the field of green hydrogen. The signing took place during the Greek Orthodox Metropolis ceremony to mark the awarding of the Golden Cross, First Class, to the Bavarian Minister-President, Dr Markus Söder. The Greek Deputy Prime Minister, Kostis Hatzidakis, also attended the ceremony.

Bavaria and Québec are deepening their cooperation in science and research. On 5 October 2026, Bavaria’s Science Minister Markus Blume and Québec’s Chief Scientist Prof. Jérôme Dupras signed a joint declaration establishing a strategic innovation partnership. A concrete component of this partnership is joint research funding for AI-powered and human-centred robotics. The Scientific Coordination Office Bavaria–Québec/Alberta/International at the Bavarian Research Alliance (BayFOR) is responsible for implementation on the Bavarian side.

Seventeen institutions from Munich’s innovation ecosystem have joined forces to form the Women Entrepreneurs Alliance (WE Alliance). The Bavarian Research Alliance (BayFOR) is one of its members. Together, the partners aim to better connect and increase the visibility of existing services for female entrepreneurs and facilitate access to advice, networks, financing and funding.

The European Commission is providing an additional €500 million for Horizon Europe in 2026 and 2027. This brings the budget of the EU’s research and innovation programme for these two years to around €14.8 billion. At the same time, the Commission is expanding the 2026–2027 work programme with two new cross-cutting calls focusing on areas including biodiversity, artificial intelligence, energy, innovative SMEs and the translation of research results into market-ready innovations.

The Bavarian companies Reverion and ADVITOS have reached the final of the German Future Prize 2026 with pioneering innovations for the energy transition and intensive care medicine. The Bavarian Research Alliance (BayFOR) successfully supported both companies in securing EU funding to further develop their technologies.

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.

€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).