Horizon Europe 2026-2027 work programme drafts

Ordered by microfluidic relevance

Writer

Celeste Chidiac, PhD

Keywords

Microfluidic Devices, Intelligent Microfluidics, Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning

Published

October 03, 2025

Deadline

Sep/Oct/Dec 2026/2027

Keywords

Intelligent Microfluidics

Deep Learning

Microfluidic Devices

Artificial Intelligence

Machine Learning

health research

AI & data

Climate & Environment

Security & Resilience

Culture & Inclusive Society

Need advice for your intelligent microfluidic system?

Your microfluidic SME partner for Horizon Europe!

Horizon Europe 2026-2027 Calls ordered by microfluidic relevance

We have sorted the calls for projects from Horizon Europe 2026-2027 based on the impact microfluidics can have on them. We are sharing our analysis in case it can help you with project funding efforts. And, of course, if our expertise can be of use to you, we would be delighted to discuss it further.

By microfluidic relevance, we mean the relevance of using microfluidic technologies for the topic cited. But also, to a lesser extent, what a microfluidic laboratory or SME could contribute to the topic (mainly for calls with low relevance to microfluidic technologies).

Relevance (%)	90-100	80-89	70-79	60-69	50-59
Relevance (*)	*****	****	***	**	*

Best topics ordered by microfluidic relevance within each call

Horizon Europe Cluster 1 2026-2027 Calls ordered by microfluidic relevance

***** HORIZON‑HLTH‑2026‑01‑TOOL‑03 – INTEGRATING NEW APPROACH METHODOLOGIES (NAMS) TO ADVANCE BIOMEDICAL RESEARCH & REGULATORY TESTING

Type of action: RIA
Budget (topic, M€): 50.00 · Expected: 5.00-8.00 · #projects: 7
Opening: 10 Feb 2026 · Deadline: 16 Apr 2026.

Scientific summary:

Advance/validate NAMs (e.g., organ‑on‑chip, in‑silico) to replace/augment animal testing across biomedical research and regulatory contexts.
Build interactive approaches to develop, test, and accelerate acceptance of NAMs.

Why microfluidics:

MPS/organ‑on‑chip are core NAMs; microfluidics can deliver standardized platforms, inter-lab reproducibility, and qualification packages for regulators.

***** HORIZON‑HLTH‑2027‑02‑IND‑02 – PORTABLE AND VERSATILE POINT‑OF‑CARE DIAGNOSTICS

Type of action: IA
Call: Cluster 1 – Health (Two-stage – 2027)
Budget (topic, M€): 40.00
Expected EU contribution per project (M€): 5.00-7.00
Estimated number of projects granted: 6
Opening: 10 Feb 2027 · Deadlines: 13 Apr 2027 (1st stage), 22 Sep 2027 (2nd stage).

Scientific summary:

Push PoC diagnostics that are more sensitive, specific, robust, and easy‑to‑use, addressing false results and cumbersome sample prep.
Align with WHO REASSURED criteria; emphasize sample‑to‑answer, miniaturization, versatility of specimen types, manufacturability, high‑throughput readiness, quality control, and regulatory compliance.
Integrate mobile technologies and ML/AI for data acquisition/analysis; ensure suitability for resource-limited settings.
Applicable to infectious and non-communicable disease testing and longitudinal monitoring.

Why microfluidics:

Lab-on-chip sample preparation and detection (nucleic acid, protein, cell) to achieve REASSURED and sample-to-answer.
Droplet and paper microfluidics for multiplexing and low-cost disposables; on-chip isothermal amplification; integrated solid‑phase extraction.
Design-for-manufacture of microfluidic cartridges, with scalability to injection-moulded and roll-to-roll parts.
Embedded sensors and on‑chip QC to reduce false negatives/positives; connectivity for readouts.
MICROFLUIDIC can supply prototype-to-pilot platforms meeting regulatory and quality needs in the IA frame.

**** HORIZON‑HLTH‑2026‑01‑IND‑03 – REGULATORY SCIENCE TO SUPPORT TRANSLATIONAL DEVELOPMENT OF PATIENT‑CENTRED HEALTH TECHNOLOGIES

Type: RIA · Budget: 20.00 M€ · Expected: 4.00-6.00 M€ · #projects: 4
Opening: 10 Feb 2026 · Deadline: 16 Apr 2026.

Scientific summary:

Improve regulatory methodologies and evidence frameworks (including RWD, NAMs, AI models) along the lifecycle of non‑pharma health technologies (MD, IVD, AI, SoHO).

Why microfluidics:

Microfluidic devices (diagnostics/organ‑chips) are ideal case studies to produce regulatory‑grade evidence and pilot regulatory sandbox approaches.

**** HORIZON‑HLTH‑2027‑03‑TOOL‑02 – ADVANCING BIO‑PRINTING OF LIVING CELLS FOR REGENERATIVE MEDICINE

Type of action: RIA
Budget (topic, M€): 45.00
Expected EU contribution per project (M€): 7.00-10.00
Estimated number of projects granted: 5
Opening: 03 Jun 2027 · Deadline: 22 Sep 2027

Scientific summary:

Advance bio‑printing technologies and translation for regenerative medicine.
Quality, viability, function, and integration of printed constructs; towards clinically relevant use‑cases.

Why microfluidics:

Microfluidic printheads for coaxial/multimaterial deposition; shear-controlled cell handling.
Perfusable micro‑vasculature and bioreactors for maturation; process analytics inline.

**** HORIZON‑HLTH‑2027‑01‑IND‑01 – DEVELOPMENT OF CELL‑FREE PROTEIN SYNTHESIS PLATFORMS FOR DISCOVERY AND/OR PRODUCTION OF BIOLOGICALS

Type of action: RIA
Budget (topic, M€): 35.00
Expected EU contribution per project (M€): 6.00–8.00
Estimated number of projects granted: 5
Opening: 10 Feb 2027 · Deadline: 13 Apr 2027

Scientific summary:

Mature CFPS platforms for faster design-build-test-learn cycles and scalable production of protein biologics; lower cost and improved scalability/quality.

Why microfluidics:

Continuous‑flow and droplet CFPS reactors for rapid prototyping and mini‑biomanufacturing.
Inline process monitoring and automated screening of variants; integration with downstream analytics.

*** HORIZON‑HLTH‑2026‑01‑DISEASE‑04 – DEVELOPMENT OF NOVEL VACCINES FOR VIRAL PATHOGENS WITH EPIDEMIC POTENTIAL

Type: RIA · Budget: 45.00 M€ · Expected: ~10.00 M€ · #projects: 5
Opening: 10 Feb 2026 · Deadline: 16 Apr 2026.

Scientific summary:

Novel vaccine candidates vs epidemic‑potential viruses; strong preclinical packages and manufacturability.

Why microfluidics:

Microfluidic nanoprecipitation/emulsification for vaccine formulation, on‑chip QA and process analytics.

*** HORIZON‑HLTH‑2026‑01‑DISEASE‑11 – UNDERSTANDING SEX/GENDER‑SPECIFIC MECHANISMS OF CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASES: DETERMINANTS, RISK FACTORS & PATHWAYS

Type: RIA · Budget: 40.00 M€ · Expected: 6.00-7.00 M€ · #projects: 6
Opening: 10 Feb 2026 · Deadline: 16 Apr 2026.

Scientific summary:

Mechanistic research on sex/gender differences in CVD: determinants, risk factors, biological pathways.

Why microfluidics:

Cardiac/vascular‑on‑chip to dissect sex‑specific responses under controlled hemodynamics and omics sampling.

*** HORIZON‑HLTH‑2027‑02‑TOOL‑01‑two‑stage – DEVELOPMENT OF PREDICTIVE BIOMARKERS OF DISEASE PROGRESSION AND TREATMENT RESPONSE BY USING AI (CHRONIC NCDs)

Type of action: RIA
Call: Cluster 1 – Health (Two‑stage – 2027)
Budget (topic, M€): 45.00
Expected EU contribution per project (M€): 6.00-8.00
Estimated number of projects granted: 6
Opening: 10 Feb 2027 · Deadlines: 13 Apr 2027 (1st stage), 22 Sep 2027 (2nd stage).

Scientific summary:

AI-driven discovery/validation of predictive biomarkers of progression/response in chronic NCDs.
Leverage multimodal data (omics, imaging, clinical, sensor‑derived), RWD, privacy/security‑by‑design.
Emphasis on robust, generalizable models and clinical utility supporting precision prevention/treatment.

Why microfluidics:

Multiplexed microfluidic assays (exosomes, cytokines, cfDNA) generate high‑quality biosignatures for AI pipelines.
Single‑cell and organ‑on‑chip enable functional biomarkers under controlled microenvironments.
MICROFLUIDIC can provide standardized sample‑to‑AI workflows and validated cartridge‑based tests.

*** HORIZON‑HLTH‑2027‑01‑DISEASE‑08 – DEVELOPMENT OF INNOVATIVE ANTIMICROBIALS AGAINST CRITICAL PATHOGENS RESISTANT TO ANTIMICROBIALS

Type of action: RIA · Budget: 45.00 M€ · Expected: 8.00-10.00 M€ · #projects: 5
Opening: 10 Feb 2027 · Deadline: 13 Apr 2027

Scientific summary:

Discovery/optimization of antibacterials against critical, resistant pathogens; robust pre-clinical packages.

Why microfluidics:

On-chip chemostats/gradients for MBC determination and resistance evolution studies; HT screens in droplets.

*** HORIZON‑HLTH‑2027‑01‑DISEASE‑05 – BROAD‑SPECTRUM SMALL‑MOLECULE ANTIVIRALS (EPIDEMIC POTENTIAL)

Type of action: RIA · Budget: 45.00 M€ · Expected: ~10.00 M€ · #projects: 5
Opening: 10 Feb 2027 · Deadline: 13 Apr 2027

Scientific summary:

First-in-class broad-spectrum antivirals; preclinical/PK-PD, resistance, and potency versus priority viruses.

Why microfluidics:

Microreactor synthesis and droplet assays for fast SAR; on‑chip infection models enhance throughput.

*** HORIZON‑HLTH‑2027‑01‑DISEASE‑06 – MONOCLONAL ANTIBODIES TO PREVENT/TREAT INFECTIONS FROM FLAVIVIRIDAE

Type of action: RIA · Budget: 45.00 M€ · Expected: ~10.00 M€ · #projects: 5 ·
Opening: 10 Feb 2027 · Deadline: 13 Apr 2027

Scientific summary:

Discovery and engineering, as well as preclinical development, of monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) against Flaviviridae.

Why microfluidics:

Single‑cell antibody discovery, droplet screening, micro‑bioprocess analytics for manufacturability.

*** HORIZON‑HLTH‑2027‑01‑DISEASE‑07 – MONOCLONAL ANTIBODIES TO PREVENT/TREAT INFECTIONS FROM FILO‑, NAIRO‑, PHENUI‑, PICORNA‑ & TOGA VIRIDAE

Type of action: RIA · Budget: 45.00 M€ · Expected: ~10.00 M€ · #projects: 5
Opening: 10 Feb 2027 · Deadline: 13 Apr 2027

Scientific summary:

As above, for additional viral families; breadth/neutralization, escape management.

Why microfluidics:

Same microfluidic value chain: HT single‑cell recovery, affinity/function screens on‑chip, Qc.

*** HORIZON‑HLTH‑2027‑01‑TOOL‑05 – PILOT ACTIONS FOR FOLLOW‑ON FUNDING: REGENERATIVE MEDICINE

Type of action: IA · Budget: 40.00 M€ · Expected: 6.00-8.00 M€ · #projects: 5
Opening: 10 Feb 2027 · Deadline: 13 Apr 2027

Scientific summary:

Translate/scale promising EU-funded regenerative medicine outputs; manufacturing readiness, clinical adoption, ecosystems.

Why microfluidics:

Perfusion bioreactors, controlled microenvironments, and inline sensing to scale cell/tissue products; microfluidics can de-risk CMC.

Horizon Europe Cluster 3 2026-2027 Calls ordered by microfluidic relevance

***** HORIZON‑CL3‑2027‑01‑DRS‑01 – OPEN TOPIC ON ADVANCED PROTECTIVE GEAR OPTIMIZED FOR CBRN‑E (CHEMICAL, BIOLOGICAL, RADIOLOGICAL, NUCLEAR, EXPLOSIVES) ENVIRONMENTS AND NEW GENERATION OF SMART PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT FOR DISASTER RESPONDERS

Type of action: IA
Opening 05 May 2027; Deadline 04 Nov 2027
Budget (topic, M€): 8.00
Expected EU contribution per project (M€): ~4.00
Estimated number of projects: 2
Scientific summary:
- Deliver next-gen protective ensembles and smart PPE for CBRN‑E events.
- Integrate sensing, monitoring, and decision-support directly in gear; enhance decontamination & durability in harsh environments.
- Support responders’ operational effectiveness while reducing physiological burden and exposure risks.
- Validate in operationally realistic trials with first‑responder end‑users.
Why microfluidics:
- Skin/airborne bio‑chemical exposure monitoring via lab‑on‑patch microfluidic cassettes integrated into garments, boots, gloves, and masks.
- On‑body sweat/respiratory sampling and point‑of‑exposure detection (biotoxins, VOCs) with disposable polymer chips.
- Microfluidic aerosol samplers for field triage; rapid decontamination cartridges and micro‑mixers for neutralizers.
- Organ‑on‑chip panels for material biocompatibility and decontaminant efficacy screening; microfabricated flow paths embedded in respirators.
- Training modules for responders on microfluidic biosensing

***** HORIZON‑CL3‑2026‑01‑FCT‑06 – PREVENTION AND MITIGATION OF MISUSE OF SYNTHETIC BIOLOGY FOR BIOTERRORISM PURPOSES

Type of action: RIA
Opening 05 May 2026; Deadline 04 Nov 2026
Budget (topic, M€): 3.00
Estimated number of projects: 1
Scientific summary :
- Map bioterror risks arising from synthetic biology, gene editing, and DIY bio ecosystems.
- Define monitoring & regulatory needs; raise dual‑use awareness in the research community.
- Advance identification technologies for early, deployable bioagent detection (alongside expert‑lab characterization).
Why microfluidics :
- Fieldable microfluidic bio‑surveillance: rapid nucleic‑acid/protein assays on polymer chips for early detection and source tracing.
- Portable sample‑to‑answer devices (swab→lysis→amplification→readout) for first‑responders and law enforcement.
- Biosafety-by‑design testbeds on organs‑on‑chips to evaluate pathogenicity/toxicity pathways under controlled micro‑physiology.
- Contribute to best‑practice training for labs and innovation/entrepreneurship curricula on dual‑use mitigation.

**** HORIZON‑CL3‑2027‑01‑BM‑03 – DETECTION AND CHARACTERISATION OF THREATS OR ILLEGAL/SMUGGLED GOODS IN CARGO

Type of action: RIA
Opening 05 May 2027; Deadline 04 Nov 2027
Budget (topic, M€): 14.00
Expected EU contribution per project (M€): ~3.50
Estimated number of projects: 4
Scientific summary:
- Improve screening of cargo/containers for dual‑use items, weapons, explosives, harmful liquids/powders, and illicit goods.
- Develop sensors, machine learning, anomaly detection, and multi‑modal screening workflows; emphasize real‑time decisions and reduced false results.
- Strengthen interoperability and trial solutions at borders, ports, and logistics nodes.
Why microfluidics:
- Microfluidic pre‑concentrators and nano‑porous chips for trace chemical/explosive/narcotic signatures in headspace and wipes.
- Lab‑on‑chip immuno/aptamer assays for liquids/powders; compact sample prep for heterogeneous cargos.
- In‑line cartridge architecture enabling high‑throughput swab‑to‑result; ruggedized polymer devices for customs workflows.

*** HORIZON‑CL3‑2027‑01‑SSRI‑01 – ACCELERATING UPTAKE THROUGH OPEN PROPOSALS FOR ADVANCED SME INNOVATION

Type of action: IA
Opening 05 May 2027; Deadline 04 Nov 2027
Budget (topic, M€): 4.50
Expected EU contribution per project (M€): ~1.50
Estimated number of projects: 3
Scientific summary:
- Fast‑track SME security innovations to final testing/validation and nearer‑to‑market adoption.
- Focus on operational trials, standardization/validation, and integration into practitioner workflows.
- Address SME‑specific barriers (resilience of smaller actors, solution certification).
Why microfluidics:
- Perfect fit for pilot‑scale validation of portable biosensor/microchip platforms with first responders, police, borders.
- Support for certification, field trials, manufacturability (polymer microfabrication), and training packages.

*** HORIZON‑CL3‑2026‑01‑DRS‑03 – DEVELOPMENT OF INNOVATIVE TOOLS, PROCESSES, EQUIPMENT AND TECHNOLOGIES THROUGH RESPONSES TO DISASTERS AND EMERGENCIES FOR SEARCH AND RESCUE IN HAZARDOUS CONDITIONS

Type of action: IA
Opening 05 May 2026; Deadline 04 Nov 2026
Budget (topic, M€): 8.00
Expected EU contribution per project (M€): ~4.00
Estimated number of projects: 2
Scientific summary:
- Advance S&R capabilities (tools, processes, equipment) for hazardous environments.
- Emphasize safety, speed, and reliability in rubble, contaminated zones, confined or oxygen‑deprived spaces.
- Validate with operational practitioners and interoperable command systems.
Why microfluidics:
- Handheld bio/chem readers and air/water micro‑samplers for on‑site triage in collapsed/contaminated structures.
- Disposable micro‑assay chips for pathogen/toxin presence to protect teams and inform PPE/evacuation choices.
- Training and lightweight diagnostic kits deployable in rescue backpacks.

*** HORIZON‑CL3‑2027‑01‑FCT‑05 – EFFECTIVE AND EVIDENCE‑BASED RESPONSES TO THE INCREASED AVAILABILITY AND USE OF SYNTHETIC DRUGS AND STIMULANTS IN EUROPE

Type of action: IA
Opening 05 May 2027; Deadline 04 Nov 2027
Budget (topic, M€): 8.00
Expected EU contribution per project (M€): ~4.00
Estimated number of projects: 2
Scientific summary:
- Strengthen the evidence base for prevention, treatment, and harm‑reduction for synthetic drugs/stimulants.
- Equip police/CSOs/NGOs with tools & tech to reduce violence/offences and combat trafficking along the supply chain.
Why microfluidics:
- Rapid microfluidic drug profiling (street‑level screening of NPS analogs) with confirmatory workflows.
- On‑site toxicology (saliva, sweat) and environmental residue mapping using portable chips.

** HORIZON‑CL3‑2026‑01‑SSRI‑01 – OPEN TOPIC ON SUPPORTING DISRUPTIVE TECHNOLOGICAL INNOVATIONS FOR CIVIL SECURITY

Type of action: RIA
Opening 05 May 2026; Deadline 04 Nov 2026
Budget (topic, M€): 4.00
Expected EU contribution per project (M€): ~2.00
Estimated number of projects: 2
Scientific summary:
- Fund disruptive security tech with clear operational impact and practitioner uptake pathway.
- Emphasis on testing/validation, not just concept studies.
Why microfluidics:
- Launch/validate novel microfluidic sensors, organs‑on‑chips for hazard/toxicity screening, field diagnostics
- Builds evidence for standardization and adoption by civil protection/police/border agencies.

** HORIZON‑CL3‑2026‑01‑INFRA‑02 – SECURITY CHALLENGES OF THE GREEN TRANSITION IN URBAN UND PERI‑URBAN AREAS

Type of action: RIA
Opening 05 May 2026; Deadline 04 Nov 2026
Budget (topic, M€): 4.00
Expected EU contribution per project (M€): ~4.00
Estimated number of projects: 1
Scientific summary:
- Identify new security risks linked to green‑transition tech in urban/peri‑urban settings.
- Build tools to measure urban changes, examine incidents, enhance societal acceptance, and resilience.
Why microfluidics:
- Environmental micro‑sensing (air/water) around batteries, hydrogen, waste‑to‑energy, etc.
- On‑site analytical chips to assess leaks/contaminants; supports risk mapping and incident forensics.

** HORIZON‑CL3‑2026‑01‑DRS‑04 – OPEN TOPIC ON DRIVING INNOVATION UPTAKE OF DISASTER RISK SOLUTIONS

Type of action: IA
Opening 05 May 2026; Deadline 04 Nov 2026
Budget (topic, M€): 6.00
Expected EU contribution per project (M€): ~3.00
Estimated number of projects: 2
Scientific summary:
- Accelerate deployment of existing disaster‑risk solutions via demonstrations, capacity building, and procurement pathways.
Why microfluidics:
- Mature microfluidics devices (environmental chips, biohazard strip‑tests) for civil‑protection toolboxes; training for uptake.

** HORIZON‑CL3‑2026‑01‑INFRA‑03 – TARGETED INNOVATIVE CAPABILITIES FOR THE RESILIENCE OF CRITICAL ENTITIES TO NATURAL AND HUMAN‑INDUCED DISASTERS, INCLUDING HYBRID SCENARIOS

Type of action: IA
Opening 05 May 2026; Deadline 04 Nov 2026
Budget (topic, M€): 10.00
Expected EU contribution per project (M€): ~5.00
Estimated number of projects: 2
Scientific summary:
- Develop/validate targeted resilience capabilities for critical entities facing hybrid/climate/tech threats.
Why microfluidics:
- Continuous micro‑monitoring for water/gas/liquid feeds, bio‑fouling, or contaminants inside critical facilities.
- Rapid diagnostics to support continuity plans and contamination response.

** HORIZON‑CL3‑2027‑01‑BM‑01 – OPEN TOPIC ON RESEARCH AND INNOVATION FOR EFFECTIVE MANAGEMENT OF EU EXTERNAL BORDERS THAT PROMOTES FUNDAMENTAL RIGHTS AND EU VALUES

Type of action: RIA
Opening 05 May 2027; Deadline 04 Nov 2027
Budget (topic, M€): 8.00
Expected EU contribution per project (M€): ~4.00
Estimated number of projects: 2
Scientific summary:
- Open topic to develop/test border‑management innovations (surveillance, checks, customs/supply‑chain, maritime/aviation) with rights‑preserving design.
Why microfluidics:
- On‑site screening of suspicious liquids/powders; trace chemical micro‑assays; biohazard triage for seized materials.

** HORIZON‑CL3‑2026‑01‑DRS‑02 – MULTI‑HAZARD APPROACH AND CUMULATIVE / CASCADING IMPACTS

Type of action: IA
Opening 05 May 2026; Deadline 04 Nov 2026
Budget (topic, M€): 8.00
Expected EU contribution per project (M€): ~4.00
Estimated number of projects: 2
Scientific summary:
- Tools and models for multi‑hazard risk, cascading effects, and cross‑sector impacts; validation with authorities.
Why microfluidics:
- Environmental micro‑sensors feeding risk models (water/air quality, toxics) and supporting early warnings.

Horizon Europe Cluster 4 2026-2027 Calls ordered by microfluidic relevance

***** HORIZON‑CL4‑2026‑05‑MATERIALS‑PRODUCTION‑25 – NEW OR ENHANCED INNOVATIVE ADVANCED IAM‑ENABLED SENSING FUNCTIONALITY

Type of action: RIA
Opening: 15 Jan 2026; Deadline: 15 Apr 2026
Budget: 24.00 M€ ; Expected/project: ~8.00 M€
Estimated number of projects: 3
Scientific summary: Develop innovative advanced‑materials (IAM)‑based sensing functionalities and demonstrate them in application-relevant environments.
Microfluidics fit:
- Opto‑/electro‑chemical sensing embedded in chips for bio/chem analysis; integration paths for IAM coatings, membranes, and nanostructures.
- Microfluidics can lead demonstrators (e.g., multiplex lab‑on‑chip for contaminants, cell secretome, bioprocess monitoring).
- Provide scalable polymer microfabrication and packaging for sensor arrays; define in‑flow calibration methods and drift compensation.

***** HORIZON‑CL4‑2026‑01‑MATERIALS‑PRODUCTION‑23 – ACCELERATING THE DISCOVERY OF CHEMICALS AND ADVANCED MATERIALS THROUGH AI AND DIGITALISATION

Type of action: IA (two‑stage under blind‑evaluation pilot)
Opening: 6 Jan 2026; Deadline: 21 Apr 2026.
Budget: 60.00 M€ ; Expected/project: 20.00 M€
Estimated number of projects: 3
Scientific summary: Digital workflows (AI, self‑driving labs, FAIR/Materials Commons) to speed design‑make‑test‑learn cycles, risk assessment and SSbD uptake; projects must include demonstrators.
Microfluidics fit:
- Microfluidics can supply high‑throughput droplet/platforms and continuous‑flow microreactors feeding ML loops.
- On‑chip toxicity & SSbD screening accelerates risk assessment; integrated data capture simplifies FAIR compliance.
- Provide adapters to Materials Commons and DIGIPASS‑compatible tooling from chip instrumentation.

**** HORIZON‑CL4‑2026‑01‑MATERIALS‑PRODUCTION‑05 – CIRCULAR INNOVATIVE ADVANCED MATERIALS: FACILITATING THE TRANSITION FROM DESIGN TO MARKETS

Type of action: RIA
Call: INDUSTRY (HORIZON‑CL4‑2026‑01)
Opening: 6 Jan 2026; Deadline: 21 Apr 2026.
Budget: 40.00 M€ ; Expected/project: 5.00-6.50 M€
Estimated number of projects: 7
Scientific summary: Design‑for‑circularity (recyclable polymers/composites, magnets), scale‑up to manufacturing, digital/FAIR tools, and SSbD across value chains including medical devices. Portfolio ensures coverage across energy, mobility, and medical.
Microfluidics fit:
- Polymer formulation and processing routes for recyclable microfluidic cartridges; solvent‑free bonding, disassembly and material recovery.
- Life‑cycle testing rigs (leachables/extractables) and design rules for chip reuse/refurbishment.
- Microfluidics can bridge materials ↔ manufacturing ↔ device integration for medical diagnostics.

**** HORIZON‑CL4‑2027‑01‑MATERIALS‑PRODUCTION‑06 – CIRCULAR INNOVATIVE ADVANCED MATERIALS: FACILITATING THE TRANSITION FROM DESIGN TO MARKETS

Type of action: RIA
Opening: 22 Sep 2026; Deadline: 02 Feb 2027
Budget: 40.00 M€ ; Expected/project: 5.00-6.50 M€
Estimated number of projects: 7
Scientific summary & Microfluidics fit: Same thrust as 2026 sister topic with renewed portfolio; strong opening for recyclable polymer microfluidic consumables, circular business models, and digital product passports for chips.

**** HORIZON‑CL4‑2026‑01‑MATERIALS‑PRODUCTION‑01 – ADVANCED MANUFACTURING FOR KEY PRODUCTS (INCLUDING USE OF ADVANCED OR SECONDARY RAW MATERIALS)

Type of action: IA
Opening: 6 Jan 2026; Deadline: 21 Apr 2026.
Budget: 40.00 M€ ; Expected/project: 5.00-7.00 M€
Estimated number of projects: 6
Scientific summary: European manufacturing excellence for key components (e.g., additive/hybrid manufacturing, polymer composite manufacturing, advanced surface structuring, in‑line testing), with circularity and reduced CRM reliance. Automotive is guaranteed in the portfolio; batteries excluded.
Microfluidics fit:
- Scale polymer chip manufacturing (roll-to-roll embossing, high-throughput laser structuring, hybrid additive‑subtractive) and in-line metrology.
- Substitute CRM‑heavy parts with engineered polymers; integrate recycled feedstocks into chip bodies/fixtures.

**** HORIZON‑CL4‑2027‑01‑MATERIALS‑PRODUCTION‑02 – ADVANCED MANUFACTURING FOR KEY PRODUCTS (INCLUDING USE OF ADVANCED OR SECONDARY RAW MATERIALS)

Type of action: IA
Opening: 22 Sep 2026; Deadline: 02 Feb 2027.
Budget: 40.00 M€ ; Expected/project: 5.00-7.00 M€
Estimated number of projects: 6
Scientific summary & Microfluidics fit: Continuation opportunity for manufacturing pilots/lines of microfluidic devices, including secondary raw materials and digital QA.

**** HORIZON‑CL4‑2026‑04‑DIGITAL‑EMERGING‑01 – PILOT OF THE “SCIENCE FOR AI” PILLAR OF RAISE

Type of action: RIA
Opening: 15 Jan 2026; Deadline: 15 Apr 2026.
Budget: 17.00 M€ ; Expected/project: ~17.00 M€
Estimated number of projects: 1
Focus: EU pilot to apply AI to science at scale; strong emphasis on reproducible pipelines and compute/data integration.
Why Microfluidics: Microfluidic self‑driving experimentation is an ideal “AI for Science” demonstrator (chemistry, materials, cell systems)

*** HORIZON‑CL4‑2026‑04‑DATA‑06 – EFFICIENT AND COMPLIANT ACCESS TO AND USE OF DATA (AI, DATA & ROBOTICS PARTNERSHIP)

Type of action: IA
Opening: 15 Jan 2026; Deadline: 15 Apr 2026.
Budget: 50.00 M€ ; Expected/project: 10.00-25.00 M€
Estimated number of projects: 3
Focus: Trusted data sharing/processing, governance, and compliance tooling across sectors (under ADR/ADRA).
Microfluidics value: Secure sharing of lab/clinical chip datasets

*** HORIZON‑CL4‑2027‑04‑DIGITAL‑EMERGING‑05 – AI‑DRIVEN ROBOTICS FOR INDUSTRY: ENABLING SYSTEM INTEGRATION & ADOPTION

Type of action: IA
Opening: 17 Nov 2026; Deadline: 18 Mar 2027.
Budget: 18.00 M€ ; Expected/project: ~9.00 M€
Estimated number of projects: 2
Focus: Integration/validation of AI‑robotic solutions in real industry lines.
Microfluidics: Automating cartridge assembly, leak‑test, optical alignment; retrofit cells for plastic micro‑parts handling.

*** HORIZON‑CL4‑2026‑01‑MATERIALS‑PRODUCTION‑21 – DEVELOPMENT OF SAFE AND SUSTAINABLE ALTERNATIVES TO SUBSTANCES OF CONCERN

Type of action: IA
Opening: 6 Jan 2026; Deadline: 21 Apr 2026.
Budget: 40.00 M€ ; Expected/project: 6.00-7.50 M€
Estimated number of projects: 6
Focus: SSbD alternatives to SoCs in energy, mobility, construction, electronics, and health/medical devices; full innovation cycle incl. manufacturing integration.
Microfluidics: Low‑SoC polymer chips (e.g., PFAS‑free surfactants, safer plasticisers), cleanroom‑light processes, and biocompatibility dossiers for medical devices.

*** HORIZON‑CL4‑2027‑01‑MATERIALS‑PRODUCTION‑22 – NEW ADVANCED MATERIALS & PRODUCTION PROCESSES – REDUCING DEPENDENCIES ON CRITICAL & STRATEGIC RAW MATERIALS

Type of action: IA
Opening: 22 Sep 2026; Deadline: 02 Feb 2027.
Budget: 40.00 M€ ; Expected/project: 6.00-7.50 M€
Estimated number of projects: 6
Focus: Substitution/reduction of CRMs through new materials and process innovations; co‑development of materials+process, SSbD throughout.
Microfluidics: CRM‑light valves/connectors, magnet‑free actuation strategies, recyclable composites.

*** HORIZON‑CL4‑2027‑01‑MATERIALS‑PRODUCTION‑03 – FACTORY PROCESSES & AUTOMATION FOR DE‑ AND RE‑MANUFACTURING

Type of action: RIA
Opening: 22 Sep 2026; Deadline: 02 Feb 2027.
Budget: 40.00 M€ ; Expected/project: 5.00-6.50 M€
Estimated number of projects: 6
Focus: Inspection, AI‑assisted disassembly, model‑based systems/digital twins, on‑site repair for high‑value components.
Microfluidics: End‑of‑life strategies for microfluidic devices: sorting/cleaning of polymer stacks, gasket recovery, re‑machining, remanufacturing guidelines.

*** HORIZON‑CL4‑2026‑02‑DIGITAL‑EMERGING‑51 – AI‑IMPROVED ADVANCED MANUFACTURING & PRODUCTION PROCESSES IN FACTORIES

Type of action: RIA
Opening: 16 Dec 2025; Deadline: 17 Mar 2026 (Stage 1), 13 October 2026 (Stage 2).
Budget: 30.00 M€ ; Expected/project: 4.00-6.00 M€
Estimated number of projects: 5
Focus: ADRA/Made‑in‑Europe topics on AI for robust, efficient factory operations.
Microfluidics: Vision+AI for micro‑assembly/QC, predictive maintenance on pumps/valves, yield optimisation in chip fabrication lines.

** HORIZON‑CL4‑2026‑01‑MATERIALS‑PRODUCTION‑31 – EFFICIENT CAPTURE / PURIFICATION / UTILISATION OF CO₂ FOR THE PRODUCTION OF COMPETITIVE PRODUCTS

Type of action: RIA
Opening: 6 Jan 2026; Deadline: 21 Apr 2026.
Budget: 55.00 M€ ; Expected/project: 5.00-7.00 M€
Estimated number of projects: 10
Focus: Smart integration of CO₂ capture‑purification‑conversion with reduced energy/capex; lifecycle economics; methanol/fuels excluded.
Microfluidics angle: Intensified microreactors for CO₂ conversion routes (e.g., catalysts screening, gas‑liquid mass transfer), inline analytics, and thermal management.

** HORIZON‑CL4‑2027‑02‑MATERIALS‑PRODUCTION‑32 – EFFICIENT ENERGY INPUT FROM RENEWABLES & ENERGY MANAGEMENT IN THE PROCESS INDUSTRIES

Type of action: RIA
Opening: 22 Sep 2026; Deadline: 02 Feb 2027 (Stage 1), 02 Sep 2027 (Stage 2).
Budget: 70.00 M€ ; Expected/project: 6.00-8.00 M€
Estimated number of projects: 9
Focus: Electrification/hybrid heat, high‑T storage, energy fluctuation management, and advanced materials for heat capture/management; ≥20 % GHG reduction.
Microfluidics role: Thermal management materials/testing in micro‑process intensification units; sensors for heat/flow in distributed pilots.

**HORIZON‑CL4‑2026‑02‑DIGITAL‑EMERGING‑53 – INNOVATIVE AI METHODS & TECHNOLOGIES FOR THE PROCESS INDUSTRIES

Action: RIA • Budget: 15.00 M€ • Expected/project: 4.00-6.00 M€
16 Dec 2025; Deadline: 17 Mar 2026 (Stage 1), 13 October 2026 (Stage 2).
Estimated number of projects: 5
Focus: AI for efficiency/quality in process industries.
Microfluidics angle: Micro‑process intensification data and soft‑sensors.

Horizon Europe Cluster 5 2026-2027 Calls ordered by microfluidic relevance

***** HORIZON‑CL5‑2027‑07‑D4‑06 – THERMAL ENERGY OPTIMISATION AND WASTE HEAT RECOVERY OF HIGH ENERGY DEMAND IT ROOMS IN BUILDINGS OR SMALL EDGE DATA CENTRES

Type of action: IA
Opening 05 May 2027, Deadline 15 Sep 2027
Budget (topic, M€): 16.50. Expected EU contribution per project (M€): ~5.50. # projects: 3.
Scientific focus: Demonstrate solutions in real buildings/edge data centres to cut cooling energy use, recover/upgrade waste heat and optimise whole‑system energy flows around IT rooms; emphasis on integration, monitoring, control and replicability in EU building stock.
Why microfluidics:
- Micro‑channel cold plates & heat exchangers to increase heat flux removal and reduce pump power in high‑density racks.
- Two‑phase microfluidic cooling architectures for hotspots and chip‑level thermal management.
- Compact heat‑pumps/micro‑evaporators enabling higher‑temperature waste heat recovery for DHW/low‑temp networks.
- Real‑time flow sensing & model‑based control (µ‑sensors integrated in coolant loops) to minimise exergy losses.
- Retrofit kits for edge sites (standardised manifolds, quick‑connect microchannels) to accelerate replication across facilities.

***** HORIZON‑CL5‑2026‑05‑D2‑03 – INTEGRATED PRODUCTION AND PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT FOR NEXT‑GENERATION LITHIUM‑BASED BATTERIES FOR MOBILITY (BATT4EU & MADE IN EUROPE)

Type of action: IA
Opening 04 Jun 2026, Deadline 08 Oct 2026
Budget (topic, M€): 105.00. Expected/project: ~35.00. # projects: 3.
Scientific focus: Integrate cell manufacturing innovations with vehicle‑level product development to shorten time‑to‑industrialisation of new Li‑battery generations; tight coupling of process, quality, design, and sustainability by design across the value chain.
Why microfluidics:
- Microreactor synthesis of active materials (precursors, coatings) for narrow PSD and high batch‑to‑batch reproducibility.
- In‑line microfluidic QC (ink/slurry rheology, solvent ratio, contaminant detection) feeding process control.
- Micro‑patterned current collectors and micro‑porous separator engineering to improve ion transport and fast‑charge tolerance.
- Thermal management at module level using micro‑channel plates compatible with MCS/megawatt charging profiles.

****HORIZON‑CL5‑2027‑03‑D2‑06 – SUSTAINABLE AND COMPETITIVE CELL PRODUCTION TECHNIQUES FOR LITHIUM‑ION AND SODIUM‑ION BATTERIES (BATT4EU)

Type of action: IA
Opening 03 Dec 2026, Deadline 31 Mar 2027
Budget (topic, M€): 40.00. Expected/project: ~20.00. # projects: 2.
Scientific focus: Scale innovative cell manufacturing routes (incl. sodium‑ion), productivity and quality by design, lowering energy use and toxic solvents, and increasing EU competitiveness.
Why microfluidics:
- Solvent‑free & water‑based slurry control via micro‑mixers delivering precise dispersion/viscosity windows.
- In‑situ microfluidic metrology for coating uniformity/porosity; micro‑imprint texturing of electrodes for improved kinetics.
- Flow‑cell testbeds for rapid degradation/fast‑charge stress mapping.

**** HORIZON‑CL5‑2026‑03‑D2‑01 – PRODUCING BATTERY‑GRADE MATERIALS FOR ELECTRODES THROUGH SUSTAINABLE PROCESSING/REFINING OR BIO‑BASED MATERIALS (BATT4EU)

Type of action: RIA
Opening 05 May 2026, Deadline 15 Sep 2026
Budget (topic, M€): 30.00. Expected/project: ~7.50. # projects: 4.
Scientific focus: Develop sustainable refining/processing routes for battery‑grade electrode materials or bio‑based alternatives, targeting EU strategic autonomy, cost and eco‑impact reductions.
Why microfluidics:
- Continuous‑flow microreactors for controlled precipitation/coating/etching with improved yield and reduced solvent use.
- Lab‑on‑chip screening of leaching/solvent extraction systems; accelerated residence‑time optimisation.
- Inline spectro‑fluidic analytics (UV‑vis/Raman) for purity control.

**** HORIZON‑CL5‑2026‑03‑D2‑02 – DEVELOPMENT OF DIRECT RECYCLING PROCESSES (BATT4EU)

Type of action: RIA
Opening 18 Dec 2025, Deadline 31 Mar 2026
Budget (topic, M€): 15.00. Expected/project: ~5.00. # projects: 3.
Scientific focus: Direct recycling and reconditioning of active materials (avoiding full re‑synthesis), minimising energy/chemical footprints and preserving cathode microstructure/performance.
Why microfluidics:
- Selective particle re‑lithiation/coating in microreactors; fractionation of black mass using micro‑hydrodynamics.
- On‑chip failure/aging diagnostics to direct parts to reuse vs. regenerate vs. recycle.

**** HORIZON‑CL5‑2027‑07‑D2‑08 – DEMONSTRATION FOR LONG‑DURATION BATTERY ENERGY STORAGE SYSTEMS (BATT4EU)

Type of action: IA
Opening 05 May 2027, Deadline 15 Sep 2027
Budget (topic, M€): 20.00. Expected/project: ~10.00. # projects: 2.
Scientific focus: Full‑scale LDBES demonstrations (e.g., novel battery chemistries, systems, and controls) supporting grid/industrial use cases with high reliability and circularity.
Why microfluidics:
- Flow‑battery architectures and micro‑channel electrodes to reduce shunt currents/pressure drops.
- Membrane/SEI conditioning in micro‑cells for durability screening.
- Thermal plates & distributed sensing for performance/safety at long duration.

*** HORIZON‑CL5‑2027‑08‑D5‑18 – ENHANCED ELECTRIC OPERATION AND BATTERY DURABILITY (ZEWT)

Type of action: IA
Opening 15 Dec 2026, Deadline 14 Ap 2027
Budget (topic, M€): 20.00. Expected/project: ~10.00. # projects: 2.
Scientific focus: Demonstrate fully‑battery‑electric waterborne solutions with ≥150 nm autonomy and >5 MW peak propulsion, fast charging, optimised energy architecture, and battery lifetime/safety in maritime conditions.
Why microfluidics:
- High‑power thermal management (micro‑channel plates, phase‑change micro‑loop heat sinks).
- On‑board microfluidic BMS sensors (gas, electrolyte decomposition markers) for predictive maintenance.
- On‑chip fast‑charge degradation studies under salt‑mist/thermal cycling representative of maritime use.

*** HORIZON‑CL5‑2026‑09‑D4‑08 – FULL‑SCALE DEMONSTRATION OF HEAT UPGRADE SOLUTIONS IN INDUSTRIAL PROCESSES

Type of action: IA
Opening 05 May 2026, Deadline 15 Sep 2026
Budget (topic, M€): 19.00. Expected/project: ~9.50. # projects: 2.
Scientific focus: Industrial heat‑upgrade (e.g., high‑lift heat pumps, recuperators) demonstrated at full scale to decarbonise process heat demand and enable cross‑site waste‑heat valorisation.
Why microfluidics:
- Micro‑heat‑exchanger cores with high UA/compactness for low‑GWP working fluids.
- Micro‑evaporators/condensers improving COP and partial‑load stability.
- Embedded flow/temperature sensor networks for digital twins and control.

*** HORIZON‑CL5‑2027‑03‑D3‑31 – ADVANCEMENTS IN DIRECT AIR CAPTURE

Type of action: RIA
Opening 03 Dec 2026, Deadline 31 Mar 2027
Budget (topic, M€): 18.00. Expected/project: ~9.00. # projects: 2.
Scientific focus: New DAC materials, contactors, and process intensification to reduce energy penalty and costs; integration pathways and environmental performance.
Why microfluidics:
- Micropacked contactors & intensification (short diffusion paths, high a/V).
- Microreactor regeneration studies for novel sorbents/solvents under rapid thermal or moisture swings.
- On‑chip capture kinetics & mass‑transfer mapping to accelerate materials down‑selection.

*** HORIZON‑CL5‑2027‑07‑D3‑33 – DELIVERY OF INDUSTRIAL CCUS CLUSTERS – SOCIETAL READINESS PILOT

Type of action: IA
Opening 04 Aug 2027, Deadline 01 Dec 2027
Budget (topic, M€): 30.00. Expected/project: ~10.00. # projects: 3.
Scientific focus: Deploy cluster‑scale CCUS with societal‑readiness measures, data‑driven decision‑making, permitting, and cross‑value‑chain coordination.
Why microfluidics:
- Lab‑on‑chip porous‑media analogues to de‑risk injection/transport—capillary trapping, wettability, leakage detection.
- Microreactor capture modules for integration with industrial emitters and sensorised monitoring of impurities.

*** HORIZON‑CL5‑2026‑10‑D5‑01 – LARGE‑SCALE DEMONSTRATION OF HEAVY‑DUTY BATTERY ELECTRIC VEHICLES (HD BEV) TOWARDS LONG‑HAUL LOGISTICS

Type of action: IA
Opening 18 Dec 2025, Deadline 14-15 Apr 2026
Budget (topic, M€): 68.00. Expected/project: ~34.00. # projects: 2.
Scientific focus: Demonstrate long‑haul HD‑BEV with MCS‑compatible charging, vehicle/route energy optimisation, and fleet‑level operations.
Why microfluidics:
- Battery pack thermal plates & manifolds for ultra‑fast charge heat extraction.
- Microfluidic safety sensors (off‑gas, HF) to mitigate thermal runaway during MCS events.
- On‑board coolant conditioning modules to stabilise viscosity/conductivity at high currents.

*** HORIZON‑CL5‑2026‑09‑D3‑30 – PRE‑COMMERCIAL APPRAISAL FOR CO₂ AQUIFER STORAGE

Type of action: IA
Opening 18 Dec 2025, Deadline 31 Mar 2026
Budget (topic, M€): 25.00. Expected/project: ~5.00. # projects: 5.
Scientific focus: De‑risk saline aquifer storage through site appraisal, characterization, and monitoring – including injectivity, integrity, and long‑term containment.
Why microfluidics:
- Pore‑scale flow experiments in micro‑fabricated rock analogues to calibrate reservoir models.
- Chip‑based geochemical reactivity tests (brine-CO₂-rock) under pressure/temperature transients.

** HORIZON‑CL5‑2027‑07‑D4‑09 – DEMONSTRATION OF INDUSTRIAL EXCESS/WASTE HEAT CONVERSION TO MECHANICAL OR ELECTRICAL POWER

Type of action: IA
Opening 05 May 2027, Deadline 15 Sep 2027
Budget (topic, M€): 14.00. Expected/project: ~7.00. # projects: 2.
Scientific focus: Demonstrate waste‑heat‑to‑power (e.g., ORC/Brayton variants, thermoelectrics) integrated in industrial sites; performance, safety, and business models.
Why microfluidics:
- Micro‑evaporators/expanders with high heat‑transfer coefficients at low ΔT.
- Modular micro‑HX arrays for fouling‑prone industrial exhausts.

** HORIZON‑CL5‑2027‑07‑D3‑28 – INTEGRATED APPROACHES FOR RETROFITTING INFRASTRUCTURES WITH INNOVATIVE ENERGY STORAGE TECHNOLOGIES

Type of action: IA
Opening 04 Aug 2027, Deadline 01 Dec 2027
Budget (topic, M€): 24.00. Expected/project: ~8.00. # projects: 3.
Scientific focus: Retrofit critical infrastructures with innovative storage (electrical/thermal), validated in operations with interoperable control and safety.
Why microfluidics:
- Thermal storage modules using micro‑channel PCM encapsulation.
- Compact battery thermal loops with µ‑sensors for aging-aware dispatch.

** HORIZON‑CL5‑2027‑03‑D3‑16 – PRODUCTION TECHNOLOGIES FOR SOLAR PHOTOVOLTAICS BEYOND THE STATE‑OF‑THE‑ART (EUPI‑PV)

Type of action: IA
Opening 03 Dec 2026, Deadline 31 Mar 2027
Budget (topic, M€): 39.00. Expected/project: ~13.00. # projects: 3.
Scientific focus: Advance EU PV production (e.g., tandem, high‑efficiency cells/modules) with scalable equipment and reduced critical materials.
Why microfluidics:
- Microfluidic deposition/ink delivery for perovskite/transport layers.
- Flow‑chemistry synthesis of nano‑inks and encapsulants with real-time QA.

** HORIZON‑CL5‑2026‑03‑D3‑14 – INDUSTRIAL PROCESSES & EQUIPMENT FOR INNOVATIVE, RELIABLE & SCALABLE TANDEM TECHNOLOGIES (EUPI‑PV)

Type of action: IA
Opening 18 Dec 2025, Deadline 31 Mar 2026
Budget (topic, M€): 30.00. Expected/project: ~10.00. # projects: 3.
Scientific focus: Manufacturing routes & tools for tandem PV with reliability and scale.
Why microfluidics: Micro‑metre‑scale coating/annealing control and micro‑patterned wettability to improve film uniformity and yield.

** HORIZON‑CL5‑2026‑09‑D3‑15 – IMPROVED SYSTEM DESIGN FOR INNOVATIVE PV APPLICATIONS (EUPI‑PV)

Type of action: IA
Opening 04 Aug 2026, Deadline 01 Dec 2026
Budget (topic, M€): 30.00. Expected/project: ~7.50. # projects: 4.
Scientific focus: Innovative PV system integration (architectural/industrial), reliability, circularity.
Why microfluidics: Encapsulant/adhesive flow processing and edge‑seal micro‑barriers against moisture ingress.

Horizon Europe Cluster 6 2026-2027 Calls ordered by microfluidic relevance

***** HORIZON-CL6-2027-02-FARM2FORK-07 – TOWARDS COMMERCIALIZATION OF FOOD SYSTEMS MICROBIOME SOLUTIONS

Type of action: IA
Opening 20 Apr 2027; Deadline 22-23 Sep 2027
Budget (M€): 17.50; Expected EU contribution/project (M€): 8.75; # projects: 2
Scientific focus: Push promising microbiome‑based solutions along the last translational mile: pilot manufacturing, validation in operational environments, regulatory and safety dossiers, consumer/market readiness, and integration in food value chains. Prioritizes demonstrators that reduce environmental footprint and improve resilience/health aspects of food systems.
Why microfluidics matters:
- High‑throughput screening and optimization of microbial consortia in droplet microfluidics to accelerate strain/consortium selection and formulation robustness.
- Miniaturized bioprocess development (parallelized micro‑bioreactors) to de‑risk scale‑up and map design space (pH, oxygen, feed strategies) under industry‑relevant conditions.
- On‑chip analytics (metabolites, viscosity, rheology, live/dead, biofilm propensity) to compress iteration times from weeks to days.
- Regulatory‑aligned QC workflows (sterility, contamination, batch consistency) using lab‑on‑chip methods that can port to GMP environments.
- Encapsulation/micro‑delivery formats (e.g., microgels) to stabilize live microbes or post‑biotics in real matrices.

***** HORIZON-CL6-2026-02-FARM2FORK-11 – INTEGRATING A HOLISTIC PERSPECTIVE IN MICROBIOME RESEARCH FOR RESILIENT, COMPETITIVE AND SUSTAINABLE FOOD SYSTEMS

Type of action: RIA
Opening 14 Jan 2026; Deadline 14 April 2026
Budget (M€): 13.50; Expected/project: 6.00-7.00; # projects: 2
Scientific focus: Advance integrative microbiome science across the food system (soil-plant-animal-human interfaces), bringing together multi-omics, longitudinal field studies, and system-level modelling to derive actionable interventions for resilience, competitiveness, and sustainability. Emphasis on harmonized methods, data interoperability, and translation across sectors.
Why microfluidics matters:
- Single‑cell & droplet-based culturomics to access uncultured taxa and quantify interaction networks.
- Lab‑on‑chip perturbation platforms to test diet, stressors, or agrochemical exposures on complex communities.
- Ultra‑low‑volume library prep and on‑chip sample handling reduce bias/costs for metagenomics/metabolomics.
- Standardization: Microfluidics can contribute to interoperable on-chip SOPs and reference materials for cross-study comparability.

**** HORIZON-CL6-2026-01-BIODIV-02 – DEVELOPING METHODS TO ASSESS THE PRESENCE, FUNCTIONS, AND SENSITIVITY OF GROUNDWATER ECOSYSTEMS

Type of action: RIA
Opening 17 Apr 2026; Deadline 17 Sep 2026
Budget (M€): 10.00; Expected/project: ~5.00; # projects: 2
Scientific focus: Develop robust methodologies to detect and characterize groundwater biota and functions, link ecological status to pressures, and build risk indicators and sensitivity thresholds to inform policy. Includes method harmonisation and integration in monitoring frameworks.
Why microfluidics matters:
- In‑situ and portable chips for eDNA/eRNA capture, pre‑concentration and qPCR/CRISPR‑based detection from low‑biomass samples.
- On‑chip micro‑ecosystem assays to probe functional responses (e.g., redox cycling, nutrient turnover) under controlled gradients mimicking aquifer conditions.
- Droplet & digital assays for sensitive quantification of rare taxa and AMR genes.

**** HORIZON-CL6-2026-01-ZEROPOLLUTION-01-TWO-STAGE – DECONTAMINATE AND BIOREMEDIATE AQUATIC POLLUTION

Type of action: RIA
Opening 12 Feb 2026; Deadlines 16 Ap 2026 (Stage 1), 23 Sep 2026 (Stage 2).
Budget (M€): 23.00; Expected/project: 7.00-8.00; # projects: 3
Scientific focus: Deliver effective solutions – especially life‑science/biotech‑based – to bioremediate and decontaminate marine, freshwater, and groundwater pollution, focusing on PFAS, antimicrobials, and microplastics; integrate effect‑based and high‑resolution monitoring and demonstrate pollutant pathways to guide management actions.
Why microfluidics matters:
- High‑throughput screening of strains/enzymes/sorbents against PFAS & CECs in droplet reactors.
- Chip‑integrated effect‑based assays (cell‑on‑chip, organ‑on‑chip) to quantify toxicity reduction.
- Microfluidic fractionation of micro‑/nanoplastics and on‑chip sensors for in‑line monitoring during pilots.

**** HORIZON-CL6-2026-01-CIRCBIO-07 – ADVANCING THE EUROPEAN BIO‑BASED INNOVATION ENABLED BY BIOTECHNOLOGY AND BIOMANUFACTURING CONCEPTS

Type of action: RIA
Opening 17 Apr 2026; Deadline 17 Sep 2026
Budget (M€): 12.00; Expected/project: 4.00; # projects: 3
Scientific focus: Develop next‑gen biomanufacturing concepts (strain engineering, continuous bioprocesses, modular units), with attention to productivity, robustness, standardization, and sustainability metrics in bio‑based value chains.
Why microfluidics matters:
- µ‑bioreactor arrays for design‑build‑test‑learn at minimal volumes;
- On‑chip PAT (optical/impedance/chemistry) for real‑time control;
- Scaling laws from chip‑to‑pilot using microfluidics ’s multiphase/segmented‑flow expertise.

**** HORIZON-CL6-2027-02-FARM2FORK-03 – MICROBIOME FOR LIVESTOCK SUSTAINABILITY AND HEALTH WITHIN A ONE HEALTH APPROACH

Type of action: RIA
Opening 20 Apr 2027; Deadline 22-23 Sep 2027
Budget (M€): 13.00; Expected/project (M€): 6.50; # projects: 2
Scientific focus: Integrate host–microbiome knowledge for livestock health, productivity, and reduced emissions/AMR within a One Health frame; combine longitudinal cohorts, multi‑omics, and intervention studies.
Why microfluidics matters:
- Gastro‑intestinal organ‑on‑chip to evaluate feed additives/probiotics under realistic shear, pH and mucus conditions.
- Single‑cell analytics to map microbial responders and resistance gene mobility.
- Rapid on‑farm chips for pathogen/AMR surveillance (sample‑to‑answer).

**** HORIZON-CL6-2026-02-FARM2FORK-06 – ADVANCED INNOVATIVE SOLUTIONS FOR IMPROVED COMPETITIVENESS AND SUSTAINABILITY IN CONTROLLED ENVIRONMENT AGRICULTURE (CEA)

Type of action: IA
Opening 14 Jan 2026; Deadline 14 April 2026
Budget (M€): 12.00; Expected/project: 6.00; # projects: 2
Scientific focus: Demonstrate advanced CEA (greenhouses, vertical farming) integrating sensing, automation, decision support, and circular resource use to raise efficiency and cut inputs/emissions. Emphasizes interoperability and robust business cases.
Why microfluidics matters:
- Microfluidic nutrient dosing & analysis loops for hydroponics/aeroponics;
- Lab‑on‑chip plant phenotyping (phytohormones, nutrient status, pathogens) for closed‑loop control;
- µ‑reactors for on‑site biostimulant production/conditioning.

*** HORIZON-CL6-2027-01-BIODIV-06 – HEALTH OF ECOSYSTEMS AND WILD SPECIES, PREDICTIONS AND IMPACTS ON HUMAN HEALTH

Type of action: RIA
Opening 20 Apr 2027; Deadline 22-23 Sep 2027
Budget (M€): 14.00; Expected/project: 7.00; # projects: 2
Scientific focus: Link ecosystem health indicators and stressors to human health via One Health surveillance, modelling and early‑warning, integrating biodiversity, pathogen dynamics and exposure pathways.
Why microfluidics matters: Fieldable microfluidic assays (eDNA/eRNA, vector/pathogen chips), point‑of‑use toxin/biomarker sensors, and organ‑on‑chip models for cross‑species risk assessment.

*** HORIZON-CL6-2026-02-FARM2FORK-02 – TACKLING PESTICIDE RESISTANCE: EARLY DETECTION, MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES, AND FORESIGHT

Type of action: RIA
Opening 14 Jan 2026; Deadline 14 April 2026
Budget (M€): 12.00; Expected/project: 6.00; # projects: 2
Scientific focus: Build early‑warning and surveillance for resistance, develop integrated management strategies, modelling, and foresight to prevent resistance spread.
Why microfluidics matters: On‑chip genotyping of resistance markers, rapid phenotyping of sensitivity in micro‑droplets, and field‑portable sample‑to‑answer for advisory systems.

*** HORIZON-CL6-2026-01-ZEROPOLLUTION-03 – DEVELOPING MANAGED AQUIFER RECHARGE TECHNIQUES (MAR) IN A RURAL CONTEXT

Type of action: RIA
Opening 17 Apr 2026; Deadline 17 Sep 2026
Budget (M€): 12.00; Expected/project: 6.00; # projects: 2
Scientific focus: Develop and demonstrate MAR solutions tailored to rural settings, aligned with CIS guidance, addressing hydrogeology, water quality, design/operation, monitoring, and governance.
Why microfluidics matters:
- Porous‑media chips to study clogging, redox fronts, and biofilm dynamics under MAR conditions;
- In‑situ micro‑sensors for nutrients, metals, and microbial indicators;
- On‑chip fate/transport assays for PFAS/CEC attenuation.

*** HORIZON-CL6-2027-01-CIRCBIO-08 – BIOTECHNOLOGY APPLICATION FOR CCU

Type of action: RIA
Opening 20 Apr 2027; Deadline 22-23 Sep 2027
Budget (M€): 12.00; Expected/project: ~6.00; # projects: 2
Scientific focus: Develop biotechnological CO₂/CO valorization routes (microbial, enzymatic) with improved yields, productivity, and integrability into industrial ecosystems, including sustainability and techno-economic assessments.
Why microfluidics matters: Gas-liquid microreactors for mass‑transfer-limited CCU, screening of acetogens/methanotrophs in droplets, and on-chip TEA/LCA data streams via PAT.

** HORIZON-CL6-2026-02-FARM2FORK-01 – DEVELOPING INNOVATIVE PHYTOSANITARY TREATMENTS FOR REGULATED PLANT PESTS

Type of action: IA
Opening 14 Jan 2026; Deadline 14 April 2026
Budget (M€): 12.00; Expected/project: 6.00; # projects: 2
Scientific focus: Pilot novel phytosanitary treatments (efficacy, residue, safety), develop standardized protocols and demonstration in real supply chains, including regulatory interfaces.
Why microfluidics matters: On‑chip exposure chambers for pest/pathogen life‑stages, dose-response mapping at scale, and micro‑encapsulation strategies for targeted delivery/reduced residues.

** HORIZON-CL6-2027-02-FARM2FORK-08 – AI‑POWERED FOODOME CHARACTERIZATION

Type of action: IA
Opening 20 Apr 2027; Deadline 22-23 Sep 2027
Budget (M€): 8.00; # projects: 1
Scientific focus: Build AI‑ready pipelines for foodome (chemical/nutritional/hazard profiles) across real matrices; integrate high‑throughput measurement, data fusion, and validation in industry settings.
Why microfluidics matters: Front-end sample prep on chip (cleanup, extraction, derivatization), µ-scale separations feeding MS/NMR, and inline quality sensors for factory deployment.

** HORIZON-CL6-2026-02-FARM2FORK-04 – ACCELERATING THE DEVELOPMENT OF BREEDING TOOLS FOR PERENNIAL CROPS, SPECIFICALLY FRUIT AND NUT TREES

Type of action: RIA
Opening 14 Jan 2026; Deadline 14 April 2026
Budget (M€): 12.00; Expected/project: 6.00; # projects: 2
Scientific focus: Develop and integrate breeding tools (genotyping, phenotyping, speed breeding) for perennials; address climate resilience, pests, and quality traits with interoperable data and field validation.
Why microfluidics matters: Single‑pollen/seed assays on chip, µ‑fluidic phenotyping (hormone/volatile flux), and ultra-low input genomics to accelerate selection cycles.

** HORIZON-CL6-2026-02-FARM2FORK-13 – BOOSTING PLANT HEALTH AND REDUCING LOSSES ON FARM AND DURING STORAGE FOR SUSTAINABLE GROWTH IN AFRICA (FNSSA)

Type of action: IA
Opening 14 Jan 2026; Deadline 14 April 2026
Budget (M€): 12.00; Expected/project: 6.00; # projects: 2
Scientific focus: Demonstrate practical interventions that reduce field and storage losses in African contexts (plant health, diagnostics, storage tech, IPM), with capacity‑building and local value‑chain integration.
Why microfluidics matters: Portable microfluidic diagnostics for pests/pathogens/mycotoxins, low‑cost on‑chip sensors for storage conditions (humidity, volatiles), and micro‑encapsulated treatments.

** HORIZON-CL6-2027-01-ZEROPOLLUTION-03 – IMPROVE THE CAPACITY TO MONITOR AND REDUCE AIR POLLUTION FROM AGRICULTURE

Type of action: RIA
Opening 20 Apr 2027; Deadline 22-23 Sep 2027
Budget (M€): 12.00; Expected/project: 6.00; # projects: 2
Scientific focus: Develop and validate monitoring/mitigation strategies for agri‑air pollution (e.g., NH₃, PM, VOCs), linking measurement, modelling, and interventions.
Why microfluidics matters: µ‑gas sensors & micro‑preconcentrators for NH₃/VOCs, aerosol‑on‑chip characterization, and sensor fusion with data models.

** HORIZON-CL6-2027-02-FARM2FORK-01 – INCREASING THE RESILIENCE OF AGRICULTURE IN WATER‑ AND NUTRIENT‑SCARCE ENVIRONMENTS THROUGH DIGITAL INNOVATIONS

Type of action: RIA
Opening 20 Apr 2027; Deadline 22-23 Sep 2027
Budget (M€): 12.00; Expected/project: 6.00; # projects: 2
Scientific focus: Deploy digital sensing/decision tools to manage scarce water/nutrients; integrate agronomy, remote sensing, and farm‑level automation.
Why microfluidics matters: Soil‑pore‑scale chips to study nutrient transport, sap‑flow micro‑sensors, and on-chip nutrient monitoring for precision fertigation.

** HORIZON-CL6-2027-03-GOVERNANCE-04 – ADVANCING OCEAN OBSERVATION: ENHANCING TECHNOLOGIES AND OBSERVING SYSTEMS DESIGN FOR A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE

Type of action: RIA
Opening 04 Feb 2027; Deadline 11 May 2027
Budget (M€): 15.00; Expected/project: 5.00; # projects: 3
Scientific focus: Co‑design and validate new ocean observing technologies and system architectures, improving coverage, interoperability, and sustainability of observing networks.
Why microfluidics matters: Lab‑on‑chip nutrient & pH sensors for autonomous platforms, biofouling‑resistant micro‑analysers, and compact micro‑samplers.

** HORIZON-CL6-2027-01-BIODIV-01 – INTEGRATING REMOTE SENSING AND IN‑SITU OBSERVATIONS OF BIODIVERSITY, TOWARDS A FULLY INTEROPERABLE OBSERVATION AND DATA FRAMEWORK

Type of action: RIA
Opening 20 Apr 2027; Deadline 22-23 Sep 2027
Budget (M€): 10.00; Expected/project: 5.00; # projects: 2
Scientific focus: Build interoperable frameworks that connect in‑situ biodiversity observations with RS products, enabling indicators and policy‑relevant monitoring.
Why microfluidics matters: microfluidics can supply standardized on‑site sampling cartridges (eDNA/eRNA/chemistry) that dovetail with RS products and data pipelines.

** HORIZON-CL6-2027-01-BIODIV-03 – TECHNICAL INNOVATION TO PROTECT ECOSYSTEMS AND TO SCALE UP THEIR RESTORATION

Type of action: IA
Opening 20 Apr 2027; Deadline 22-23 Sep 2027
Budget (M€): 14.00; Expected/project: 7.00; # projects: 2
Scientific focus: Demonstrate restoration technologies at scale (monitoring, adaptive management, supply‑chain tools), with robust ecological and socio‑economic KPIs.
Why microfluidics matters: In‑field micro‑assays for soil/water health and portable biosensors to steer restoration actions in near‑real time.

** HORIZON-CL6-2026-02-CLIMATE-02 – TOWARDS THE WATER INFRASTRUCTURES OF THE FUTURE

Type of action: RIA
Opening 14 Jan 2026; Deadline 14 April 2026
Budget (M€): 10.00; Expected/project: 5.00; # projects: 2
Scientific focus: Design and validate resilient water infrastructures, integrating sensor networks, digital twins, and nature‑based options for droughts/floods/quality.
Why microfluidics matters: Networkable micro‑analysers for contaminants/nutrients, and lab-on-chip early‑warning modules for plant operators.

** HORIZON-CL6-2027-02-CLIMATE-03 – CARBON FARMING INNOVATION AND SCALE‑UP

Type of action: IA
Opening 20 Apr 2027; Deadline 22-23 Sep 2027
Budget (M€): 12.00; Expected/project: 6.00; # projects: 2
Scientific focus: Pilot and scale carbon‑farming practices with robust MRV, permanence, and economics.
Why microfluidics matters: Soil‑on‑chip microcosms to quantify carbon stabilization processes and in‑situ microsensors for soil gases and dissolved organics.

** HORIZON-CL6-2027-02-CLIMATE-01-TWO-STAGE – OPEN TOPIC: INNOVATIVE SOLUTION FOR THE WATER RESILIENCE STRATEGY

Type of action: IA
Opening 20 Apr 2027; Deadline 22-23 Sep 2027
Budget (M€): 10.00; Expected/project: 5.00; # projects: 2
Scientific focus: Open innovation for EU Water Resilience Strategy-deployable tech with measurable resilience gains.
Why microfluidics matters: Compact treatment/monitoring modules (e.g., PFAS pre‑concentration + sensor), micro‑scale process intensification for distributed water systems.

** HORIZON-CL6-2027-01-ZEROPOLLUTION-01 – REPLACING HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCES IN BIOCIDAL PRODUCTS

Type of action: RIA
Opening 20 Apr 2027; Deadline 22-23 Sep 2027
Budget (M€): 12.00; Expected/project: 4.00; # projects: 3
Scientific focus: Develop safer, effective alternatives to hazardous actives in biocides; include mode‑of‑action evidence and risk/benefit assessments.
Why microfluidics matters: High‑content micro‑bioassays for efficacy/cytotoxicity, time‑resolved on‑chip kinetics, and micro‑encapsulation to tune delivery while reducing exposure.

EIC Work Programme 2026 Calls ordered by microfluidic relevance

***** II.2.2 – HORIZON‑EIC‑2026‑PATHFINDERCHALLENGES‑01 – BIOTECHNOLOGY FOR HEALTHY AGEING

Type of action: Research and Innovation Action (RIA; lump sum).
Call: EIC Pathfinder Challenges 2026
Opening 28/07/2025, deadline 28/10/2026
Budget (M€): 96 M€ across all three Challenges; approximately equal shares.
Expected EU contribution per project: up to 4.00.

Scientific focus: The Challenge targets breakthroughs that keep people healthier for longer by preventing/delaying disease and functional decline and by enabling earlier, more precise interventions. It explicitly encourages new approach methodologies (NAMs) and microphysiological models to replace or reduce animal use and to better represent human biology across the lifespan. The text cites organoids and organ‑on‑chip systems as NAMs examples and stresses longitudinal, mechanism‑based readouts to capture ageing trajectories and heterogeneity. Expected outcomes include validated human‑relevant models and data that translate into more predictive diagnostics/therapies and public‑health impact.

Why a microfluidic partner is valuable.

Microphysiological systems: microfluidic SMEs/academic labs can design and fabricate organ‑on‑chip/ageing‑on‑chip platforms to model immunosenescence, inflammageing, vascular stiffening, neurodegeneration, and multi‑organ crosstalk under controlled gradients and mechanical cues.
Human‑relevant NAMs: integrate primary/tissue‑engineered cells, perfusion, dynamic shear and barrier functions to produce reproducible, human‑specific endpoints aligned with Challenge aims.
Assay throughput & analytics: on-chip multiplexing, single-cell sampling, secretome capture, and real-time sensors reduce cost and time, improving data richness for aging biomarkers.
Standards & translation: microfluidics entities can contribute to NAMs validation (robustness, inter-lab reproducibility), and regulatory-grade data packages, the Challenge expects.

***** IV.2 – HORIZON‑EIC‑2026‑AIC‑01 – TRANSLATING DISRUPTIVE NEW APPROACH METHODOLOGIES (NAMS) INTO PRACTICE

Type of action: RIA (lump sum)
Call: EIC Advanced Innovation Challenges – pilot, Stage 1 in 2026; Stage 2 planned in 2027
Opening 15/11/2025, deadlines 18/03/2026 (Stage 1), 18/06/2027 (Stage 2).
Budget (M€): 6 M€ in 2026 across both AIC topics; 25 M€ in 2027 across Stage 2.
Expected budget/project: Stage 1 ≤ 0.30; Stage 2 ≤ 2.50.

Scientific focus: The pilot introduces stage-gated, ARPA-style funding to drive demand-driven deep-tech into real-world uptake. Projects co-design use cases with users and regulators/regulators and de-risk translation through feasibility studies (Stage 1) and user testing at scale (Stage 2). NAMs translation squarely targets human-relevant models (including organ-on-chip and other microphysiological systems), validation against reference methods, and pathways to adoption in industry/regulation.

Why a microfluidic partner is valuable.

Bridge to adoption: microfluidic organisations provide validated organ‑on‑chip platforms with SOPs, QC, and inter‑lab transferability – essential for regulator/industry uptake.
User-centred prototyping: experience integrating chips into pharma/biotech workflows (automation, readouts, data standards) aligns with the Challenge’s demand-side emphasis.
Portfolio synergies: rapid iteration across materials, channel architectures, sensors, and multi‑organ coupling under Programme Manager guidance.
Regulatory trajectory: alignment with NAMs acceptance frameworks (performance, reproducibility, relevance) accelerates “practice” translation.

***** II.1 – HORIZON‑EIC‑2026‑PATHFINDEROPEN‑01

Type of action: RIA (lump sum; funding rate 100%).
Call: EIC Pathfinder Open 2026.
Opening 05/02/2026, deadline 06/05/2026
Budget (M€): 166 M€.
Expected budget/ project: up to 4.00.

Scientific focus: Open, high‑risk/exploratory research to establish proof‑of‑principle for breakthrough technologies (start TRL≈1-2 → TRL 3-4). Interdisciplinary consortia are expected; portfolio management and BAS/Booster instruments support follow-on (Transition/Accelerator).

Why a microfluidic partner is valuable.

Microfluidics enables novel modalities (organs‑on‑a chip, single-cell processing, lab-on-chip diagnostics, microreactors) that align with Pathfinder’s “deep‑tech” ambition.
Rapid iteration in chip design/fabrication (polymer/advanced materials; soft lithography; hybrid integration) supports radical concepts and proof‑of‑principle at low scale/time cost.
Clear exit routes via EIC Transition and Accelerator suit microfluidic inventions that need translation and scale-up.

**** III – HORIZON‑EIC‑2026‑TRANSITIONOPEN‑01‑01

Type of action: RIA (lump sum; 100% funding).
Call: EIC Transition 2026 (Open).
deadlines (2026): 07/01; 04/03; 06/05; 08/07; 02/09; 03/11.
Opening 22/04/2025, deadline 16/09/2026
Budget (M€): 100 M€.
Expected budget/project: 0.5-2.5

Scientific focus: Translates eligible base‑project results (EIC Pathfinder, ERC PoC, Pillar II RIAs, etc.) from proof‑of‑concept (TRL 3-4) to validated tech in relevant environments (TRL 5-6), and develops business/market readiness. Single entities (SMEs/RPOs) or small consortia (2-5).

Why a microfluidics partner is valuable.

Many microfluidic outputs from Pathfinder/ERC PoC require application validation (clinical, bioprocess, environmental), industrial design, and regulatory readiness. Transition funds will precisely cover these steps.
Microfluidics entities can lead to design for manufacturing (injection moulding, bonding, QC), automation, biocompatibility, and standards to achieve TRL 5-6.
Consortia can combine chip makers, assay owners, and end‑users to package IP, access users, and prepare Fast Track to Accelerator.

**** V.2.3 – BIOTECH FOR REGENERATING AGRICULTURAL SOILS

Type of action: EIC Accelerator grant + equity (blended) / grant‑only / equity‑only. Grant ≤ 2.5 M€; investment 1-10 M€.
Call: EIC Accelerator Challenges 2026.
Deadlines (2026): 07/01; 04/03; 06/05; 08/07; 02/09; 03/11.
Budget (M€): Challenges total 220 M€ across five areas.
Expected budget/project: grant ≤ 2.5; investment 1-10.

Scientific focus: Targets deep‑tech solutions that restore soil health and resilience across food/feed/biomass systems, reversing biodiversity loss and pollution while boosting EU competitiveness. Expected outcomes: Scalable biotech and other deep‑tech innovations delivering measurable soil-function gains and sustainable yields.

Why a microfluidic partner is valuable.

Soil‑on‑chip/ecosystem‑on‑chip for ex‑situ screening of microbial consortia, bio‑stimulants, and root-microbiome interactions under controlled gradients (moisture, nutrients, pollutants).
High‑throughput screening of engineered microbes/enzymes for carbon sequestration, bio‑remediation, or nutrient cycling; micro‑bioreactors for adaptive evolution.
Field‑deployable sensors (lab‑on‑a-chip for emerging pollutants, pathogens, or metabolite profiling) to monitor intervention efficacy.
A Microfluidic SME could be a co-applicant (if ready for TRL 6-8) or a technology supplier for a soil-biotech lead.

** V.2.5 – DEEP TECH FOR CLIMATE ADAPTATION

Type of action: EIC Accelerator
Call: EIC Accelerator Challenges 2026
Deadlines (2026): 07/01; 04/03; 06/05; 08/07; 02/09; 03/11.
Budget (M€): 220 M€ across five Challenges.
Expected budget/ project: grant ≤ 2.5; investment 1-10.

Scientific focus: Backs startups/SMEs scaling adaptation solutions: urban heat mitigation, climate-smart agriculture (including microbial/biological approaches), water scarcity (reuse/filtration sensitive to emerging pollutants), and flood/coastal protection; links innovators to regions/cities via BAS/innovation procurement.

Why a microfluidic partner is valuable.

Water‑quality lab‑on‑chip for rapid detection of PFAS, microplastics, pathogens, and emerging pollutants in reuse systems.
On‑farm microfluidic analytics for soil moisture, salinity, and nutrient flux; micro‑bioreactors for beneficial microbe formulations.
Biosensing networks: low-power microfluidic cartridges integrated with IoT to inform adaptive management; complements adaptation priorities.