Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Help UK businesses and researchers secure funding for innovative projects through Horizon Europe.
- Company: Innovate UK supports UK SMEs in accessing research and innovation opportunities.
- Benefits: Receive up to £5,000 in grant funding and expert support for your project.
- Why this job: Join a collaborative effort to drive scientific progress and strengthen UK-EU partnerships.
- Qualifications: Must be a UK registered business with fewer than 250 employees.
- Other info: Applications open from 29 May 2025 to 15 July 2025; activities must complete by 31 October 2025.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 42000 £ per year.
Horizon Europe is the EU’s largest research and innovation programme ever, with a budget of over €95 billion for 2021–2027. It offers significant opportunities for accessing new knowledge, partners, markets, and resources and is designed to support UK businesses and research organisations in their pursuit of groundbreaking innovations.
The Horizon Europe Pump Priming funding schemes are aimed at enabling businesses, research organisations and other organisations to build partnerships and develop ideas that will have the potential significant market impact by going forward as a proposal to Horizon Europe. Applications for the Innovate UK Horizon Europe Pump Priming 2025 opportunity are open from 29 May 2025 and close 15 July 2025. Applications will be processed upon receipt and in the order that they are received. Please note that the award of any grant is made subject to available funding.
Innovate UK are leading a scheme focused on supporting UK SMEs to develop proposals across a wide range of sectors under Pillar 2 and Pillar 3 of Horizon Europe for EIC Pathfinder and Transition opportunities. Successful applicants will have access to grant funding of up to £5,000 (excluding VAT) and are advised to work with a UK National Contact Point in support of their project. Applicants are also given access to a highly experienced Innovate UK Business Growth Innovation and Growth Specialist (IGS) if they are not already a client, to further support their innovation and growth journey.
With the aim of developing a consortium and applying to Horizon Europe, Pump Priming can help with:
- Access to opportunities for collaborative research and innovation
- Explore networking and partnership opportunities
- Support with travel costs to meet with potential consortia and partners
- Develop your Horizon Europe proposal
- Fund consortium partners to travel to UK
Strengthening research ties benefits both the UK and our European partners. Horizon Europe provides many opportunities for UK researchers, and this scheme will prepare them to compete effectively for a share of its c. £80 billion. By fostering collaboration with a diverse range of organisations, the UK research community can access expertise and resources across Europe, driving scientific progress that benefits everyone.
Programme eligibility and how to apply for Innovate UK’s Horizon Europe Pump Priming funding scheme:
To qualify for the Horizon Europe Pump Priming funding schemes, applicants must meet these specific criteria:
- UK registered business
- Business is trading and not a holding or dormant company
- Business has fewer than 250 employees
- The support to be provided will not exceed their rolling three-year Minimal Financial Assistance Allowance
Applications must identify a specific Horizon Europe Pillar 2 or Pillar 3 call and the topic to which they will apply. Applications to Pillar 3 must be part of a collaborative Horizon Europe project. Applicants will be required to work with a UK National Contact Point and engage with Innovate UK Business Growth. All applications for the Innovate UK 2025 Pump Priming scheme must be submitted no later than 15 July 2025. All activities must be completed by 31 October 2025 and all claims must be submitted to the Innovate UK scheme no later than 27 November 2025 or they may not be fulfilled.
Pillar 2 Calls: Applicants should first consider the list of available calls for Horizon Europe, prior to submitting an application. You can see a summary of each eligible area at the links below:
- The New European Bauhaus Facility
- Missions: Soil Deal for Europe
- Missions: 100 Climate-Neutral and Smart Cities by 2030
- Missions: Restore Our Oceans and Waters
- Missions: Cancer
- Missions: Adaptation to Climate Change
- Cluster 1 – Health
- Cluster 2 – Culture, Creativity and Inclusive Society
- Cluster 3 – Civil Security for Society
- Cluster 4 – Digital, Industry and Space
- Cluster 5 – Climate, Energy and Mobility
- Cluster 6 – Food, Bioeconomy, Natural Resources, Agriculture and Environment
Pillar 3 Calls:
- European Innovation Ecosystems
- European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT)
- European Innovation Council (EIC)
To register your interest, please contact your Innovate UK Business Growth innovation and growth specialist (if already an existing client) or contact us.
For academic researchers, a similar scheme is available through The British Academy: this is focused on supporting researchers to develop proposals to Pillar 2 of Horizon Europe. British Academy are inviting proposals from UK researchers and proposals from UK led consortiums containing EU/Associated Countries-based researchers to pump prime collaborations to support the effective uptake of the opportunities provided by the UK’s association to Horizon Europe. British Academy’s new round of funding of up to £10,000 (including VAT) with the aim to develop collaborative activities under Pillar 2 of Horizon Europe, further strengthening UK-EU research partnerships and support researchers in preparing high quality Horizon Europe applications. To apply, applicants should visit the British Academy Horizon Europe Pump Priming webpage. This scheme closes on 11 June 2025.
Contact Detail:
Innovate UK ICURe Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Horizon Europe Pump Priming collaboration opportunities 2025
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific calls under Pillar 2 and Pillar 3 of Horizon Europe. Understanding the themes and objectives of these calls will help you tailor your proposal to meet the funding criteria effectively.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with potential partners early on. Attend relevant workshops, webinars, or networking events to connect with other businesses and research organisations that could be valuable collaborators for your project.
✨Tip Number 3
Engage with a UK National Contact Point as soon as possible. They can provide invaluable guidance on the application process and help you navigate the complexities of Horizon Europe funding.
✨Tip Number 4
Consider reaching out to Innovate UK's Business Growth Innovation and Growth Specialists. They can offer tailored support and advice to enhance your proposal and increase your chances of securing funding.
We think you need these skills to ace Horizon Europe Pump Priming collaboration opportunities 2025
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Funding Scheme: Familiarise yourself with the Horizon Europe Pump Priming funding scheme. Read through the eligibility criteria and ensure your business meets all requirements before applying.
Identify Relevant Calls: Review the list of available calls under Pillar 2 and Pillar 3 of Horizon Europe. Make sure to identify a specific call and topic that aligns with your project to strengthen your application.
Engage with Support Services: Reach out to a UK National Contact Point and an Innovate UK Business Growth Innovation and Growth Specialist. Their guidance can be invaluable in shaping your proposal and ensuring it meets the necessary standards.
Craft a Compelling Proposal: When writing your application, clearly articulate your project's objectives, potential market impact, and how it aligns with Horizon Europe's goals. Use concise language and provide evidence to support your claims.
How to prepare for a job interview at Innovate UK ICURe
✨Understand Horizon Europe
Make sure you have a solid grasp of what Horizon Europe is and its significance. Familiarise yourself with the programme's goals, funding opportunities, and how it supports UK businesses and research organisations. This knowledge will help you demonstrate your enthusiasm and suitability for the role.
✨Know the Pillars Inside Out
Since the job focuses on Pillar 2 and Pillar 3, be prepared to discuss these areas in detail. Research the specific calls and missions under these pillars, and think about how your skills and experiences align with them. This will show that you're proactive and well-prepared.
✨Highlight Collaborative Experience
Given the emphasis on building partnerships and consortia, be ready to share examples of your past collaborative projects. Discuss how you contributed to team success and any challenges you overcame. This will illustrate your ability to work effectively with others.
✨Prepare Questions for the Interviewers
Interviews are a two-way street, so come armed with thoughtful questions. Ask about the company's vision for the future of Horizon Europe projects or how they support their employees in developing proposals. This shows your genuine interest in the role and the organisation.
