Digital for Planet works on several Cluster 4 and 5 projects of the Pillar II of Horizon Europe.
This week, along with colleagues from Martel Innovate, Digital for Planet participated in the info days on Clusters 4 (Digital, Industry and Space) and 5 (Climate, Energy and Mobility), organised by EURESEARCH, Switzerland’s national network for European research and innovation. With regional offices across the country, EURESEARCH advises Swiss researchers, higher education institutions, companies, and public bodies on Horizon Europe and related European funding opportunities.
Horizon Europe Cluster 5 – Online Session
On 19 January, an online session on Horizon Europe Cluster 5 was held. The session gave an overview of upcoming funding calls, eligibility rules, strategic priorities, and practical aspects such as proposal preparation and consortium building. A particular focus was on Switzerland’s role as an associated country, allowing Swiss actors to apply as beneficiaries, coordinate projects, and receive funding on equal terms with EU partners. Cluster 5 projects require consortia with at least one EU Member State partner and two additional partners from different countries.
The event concluded with guidance on identifying topics, forming strong international consortia, and accessing proposal-writing support. Early engagement with National Contact Points (NCP) for Cluster 5 was encouraged to align with EU priorities and strengthen proposal competitiveness.
“European Funding–Opportunities for Companies & Academics Collaborations” Event
The event took place on 21 January at Fondation Campus Biotech in Geneva and was aimed at academics and companies interested in learning about European research and innovation funding opportunities, especially now that Switzerland is back as a beneficiary in Horizon Europe, giving Swiss organisations renewed access to a wide range of calls for proposals and collaborative projects. Dr Lamprini Kolovou (Head of Consulting) and Dr Anna Aseeva (Policy and Sustainability Expert) attended the event in person.
Throughout the event, speakers from EURESEARCH regional offices and NCPs offered detailed insights into Horizon Europe Pillar II Thematic Clusters 4 and 5, as well as Pillar III innovation programmes including opportunities such as the EIC Pathfinder and transition funding. Presentations also highlighted international funding instruments from Innosuisse (e.g., Eurostars/Eureka) and featured testimonials from successful project participants, both academic and SME representatives, who shared practical perspectives on preparing proposals and running EU-funded projects, as well as on partnering and best practices.
Digital for Planet’s Insights
The European Commission is committing significant funding to Horizon Europe’s Cluster 5 – Climate, Energy and Mobility. The 2026–2027 Work Programme allocates €2,246.4 million to Cluster 5, prioritising Destination 3: Energy supply.
The cluster supports collaborative research and innovation addressing urgent societal challenges, including climate neutrality, energy security, and sustainable, smart mobility, bringing together researchers, industry, public authorities, and civil society to deliver impactful solutions.
Cluster 5 falls under Pillar II of Horizon Europe, which targets global challenges and European industrial competitiveness. Funding follows a top-down approach, with the European Commission defining key policy and technology priorities and launching targeted calls. Recent trends include fewer but larger topics, increased use of lump-sum funding, alignment with the Green and Clean Industrial Deal, and stronger focus on Europe’s strategic autonomy.
The cluster spans six destinations covering climate science and adaptation, cross-sectoral climate solutions, sustainable and competitive energy supply, efficient energy use, and clean, connected, and automated mobility. All destinations emphasise solution-oriented projects, including testing, demonstration, and deployment. Planned calls in climate sciences include Earth system science, climate risk modelling, policy support, and cooperation with regions particularly affected by climate change, such as Africa.
Cluster 5 is closely linked to the EU Mission on Adaptation to Climate Change, which emphasises practical implementation at regional and local levels. While Cluster 5 develops climate knowledge and projections, mission-driven actions focus on tangible solutions like local energy transitions and adaptation measures involving municipalities and local authorities.
Digital for Planet, with its 15 EU-funded projects, is well positioned to support Swiss partners in organising consortia and writing the proposals on the topics of sustainability. Drawing on our extensive expertise across the entire project lifecycle, Digital for Planet ensures strategic alignment with EU priorities, full compliance with funding requirements, and a clear, compelling structure. This targeted support strengthens the proposal’s overall quality and enhances its competitiveness for successful funding.