Smart Grant Alternative – Horizon Europe Funding: A Game-Changer for UK SMEs – Grants of up to £2 million available today.
A Smart Grant Alternative is essential now that Innovate has closed the Innovate UK Smart Grant. Imagine securing six-figure funding to accelerate your innovation, scale up your business, and make a global impact—all without giving up equity. This isn’t just a dream; it’s a real opportunity through Horizon Europe, the EU’s largest research and innovation funding programme.
With a staggering €95.5 billion allocated from 2021 to 2027, Horizon Europe is designed to fuel ambitious ideas, drive technological breakthroughs, and solve pressing global challenges. The best part? UK businesses are fully eligible to apply—and many are already winning substantial grants. The only question is: Why not you?
Innovate UK Smart Grants suspended in January 2025 means that UK SME;s are struggling to find the grant funding they need to complete essential development of new products and services. EU grants are a Smart Grant Alternative and UK SME’s have always done well in EU grant funding competitions.
Smart Grant Alternative – Why UK SMEs Should Apply Now
For the first time since Brexit, 50 UK-led research projects have been granted almost €80 million through Horizon Europe, marking a significant return to the programme. Before Brexit, the UK was a top beneficiary of Horizon funding, securing billions for world-leading research and innovation. Now that the UK is fully re-associated, British businesses and researchers must act fast to reclaim their place in the programme and access these vital funds.
The UK’s absence from Horizon for three years, due to political disputes, created a funding vacuum that left many SMEs and researchers without the support they needed. Now that the UK is back, there is a real opportunity for businesses to secure competitive funding, rebuild research ties with European partners, and drive forward groundbreaking innovation.
Since the suspension of Innovate UK Smart Grant funding. These grants are an essential and timely Smart Grant Alternative.
What Makes Horizon Europe Different?
Unlike traditional funding routes like bank loans or venture capital, Horizon Europe doesn’t require repayment or equity surrender. This means you can secure up to 100% of project costs, covering research, development, testing, and even market expansion.
The programme is structured into three main pillars, each offering different types of funding:
1. Excellent Science
- European Research Council (ERC): Funding for breakthrough discoveries that push the boundaries of knowledge.
- Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA): Supports talent development and collaboration.
- Research Infrastructures: Provides access to cutting-edge facilities and research networks.
2. Global Challenges & Industrial Competitiveness
This pillar is perfect for SMEs looking to apply innovation to real-world problems. Funding is available for:
- Health & Biotech – Develop new medical technologies or digital health solutions.
- Sustainable Energy & Mobility – Create clean energy solutions, electric vehicle technologies, or smart logistics.
- AI & Digital Transformation – Build next-gen cybersecurity, automation, and data-driven solutions.
- Food & Agriculture – Innovate in sustainable farming, food security, or bioeconomy solutions.
- Security & Resilience – Strengthen disaster preparedness, digital security, and infrastructure protection.
3. Innovative Europe
- European Innovation Council (EIC): Perfect for startups and scale-ups with disruptive technologies.
- European Institute of Innovation & Technology (EIT): Connects businesses with academia for collaborative innovation.
- Innovation Ecosystems: Strengthens the startup environment across Europe.
Smart Grant Alternative – How Likely Are You to Win?
Here’s the reality: Many UK businesses are already winning Horizon Europe funding. The key is understanding how to craft a competitive application. If you can demonstrate innovation, market potential, and a solid implementation plan, your chances of securing funding are much higher than you might expect.
Before Brexit, the UK was one of the most successful recipients of European Research Council grants, often receiving the lion’s share of available funding. With the UK now paying an annual participation fee of €2.4 billion, British businesses and researchers have every reason to apply and reclaim a leading position in Horizon Europe.
At Novigo Grants, we specialise in securing grant funding for UK SMEs. Our expert team has helped businesses successfully navigate the application process, ensuring they submit standout proposals that tick all the right boxes. If you were ready to apply for an Innovate Smart Grant before they were closed and now you need a Smart Grant Alternative, Give us a call land lets see what grants there are available right now.
How to Apply & Boost Your Success Rate
Applying for Horizon Europe funding might seem complex, but with the right strategy, it’s absolutely achievable. The process involves:
- Identifying the right funding call – We help pinpoint the perfect opportunity for your business.
- Crafting a winning proposal – Focus on innovation, impact, and feasibility.
- Building strong partnerships – Collaborating with universities or industry partners can strengthen your application.
- Navigating the submission process – Ensuring your application meets all the technical and eligibility requirements.
Proposals are evaluated by independent experts based on excellence, impact, and feasibility. The good news? We know exactly what assessors look for.
Upcoming Calls & Deadlines
Horizon Europe calls for 2024-2025 are now open, covering multiple industries. Don’t miss out—opportunities like these can be game-changers for businesses looking to innovate and grow.
Check the latest funding calls on the EU Funding Portal or contact us directly at Novigo Grants to discuss how we can help you secure your share of Horizon Europe funding.
Smart Grant Alternative – Let’s Work It Out Together
If you’ve ever thought, “My business is too small” or “We probably won’t win”—think again. Horizon Europe was designed to empower SMEs, and with the right support, your business could be next in line for a transformative grant.
At Novigo Grants, we’re here to guide you through the process, maximise your chances of success, and help you secure the funding you deserve. So give us a call and we can help you to identify the right grant for your business and then help you write a winning application.
Call Graham on 07868 748856 to find a SMart Grant Alternative.