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EU programmes · European Commission (managed by the European Research Executive Agency, REA)

Horizon Europe — Cluster 6: Food, Bioeconomy, Natural Resources, Agriculture and Environment

GrantsDual-use
Ticket size
EUR 3–20m per project (varies by topic)

About the programme

Horizon Europe Cluster 6 funds research and innovation addressing food systems, biodiversity, circular bioeconomy, clean environment, climate action on land and oceans, and green rural/urban communities.

  • It operates through Research and Innovation Actions (RIA) and Innovation Actions (IA) under a 2026–2027 Work Programme comprising over 57 call topics.
  • The total budget for 2026 calls exceeds EUR 630 million, distributed across seven thematic destinations.
  • Eligible applicants include universities, research centres, SMEs, NGOs, municipalities, and public authorities forming international consortia of at least three partners from three different countries.

Why it matters

Although not a defence instrument, some Cluster 6 topics (e.g. digital environmental observation, resilient communities, zero-pollution technologies) carry dual-use relevance for companies with environmental monitoring, sensing, or resilience capabilities.

  • The large per-project ticket sizes (up to EUR 20m) and open eligibility for private companies, including SMEs, make this a substantial non-dilutive grant opportunity.
  • Defence-tech firms with civilian environmental technology spin-offs or dual-use R&D pipelines should monitor relevant topics in destinations 4–7.

Calls & cycles

none tracked
No call cycle on record. Check the official programme page.

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