Apply for grants to support Horizon Europe bids
Pump priming refers to the process of providing initial financial support to help UK businesses, researchers, and institutions prepare for larger funding applications, specifically for Horizon Europe.
The idea is to ‘prime’ or kick-start projects by offering grants that cover preliminary activities such as research, networking, proposal development, and collaboration building. This initial funding is intended to make it easier for applicants to get ready and strengthen their chances of success when applying for Horizon Europe grants later on.
Several pump priming grant opportunities are currently open for applications.
Innovate UK Pump Priming Scheme – for SMEs
Small and medium sized businesses in the UK can apply for up to £5,000 to support Horizon Europe proposal preparations. The funding can be used for networking, attending events, and developing proposals. Applicants will also receive support from Innovate UK experts.
Deadline 15 July 2025
Grant amount Up to £5,000
More details Horizon Europe pump priming opportunities
British Academy Pump Priming Scheme – for academics
Grants of up to £10,000 are available to Principal Investigators at UK universities and research institutions. The funding supports Horizon Europe proposals in areas like democracy, governance, cultural heritage, and social transformations.
Deadline 11 June 2025
Grant amount Up to £10,000
More details British Academy website
Find details on current Horizon Europe calls.
First published 2 June 2025
