Many Horizon Europe funding opportunities involve working with others from different countries and sectors. This page explains how to find partners, join an existing consortium or build a new one.
Collaboration is a key part of Horizon Europe. Many projects need a consortium, which is a group of organisations working together to deliver a shared research or innovation project. A consortium can include universities, research organisations, businesses, public bodies, charities, end users and other specialist partners. Any legal entity can be a partner.
The right partners should strengthen your proposal, bring the expertise needed to deliver the project and help show how your work will create impact.
When you may need partners
Some Horizon Europe opportunities are open to single applicants, but many collaborative calls need a consortium. The exact requirements are set out in the call topic and Work Programme. You should always check the specific topic conditions before you start preparing your application.
For many collaborative actions, you usually need at least 3 independent legal entities from 3 different EU Member States or Associated Countries, unless the call says otherwise.
You should approach consortium building as a project in its own right — allocating resources, people and time, creating an activity or task list, setting milestones to review progress and go/no-go decision points.