With a budget of €95.5 billion for 2021-2027, Horizon Europe has been described by former European Commissioner Carlos Moedas as “the most ambitious research and innovation programme ever.” Designed to strengthen the bloc’s global competitiveness, the flagship funding initiative supports cutting-edge scientific, technological and industrial projects.

Moedas, who now serves as mayor of Lisbon, explained well what’s at stake: “Investing in research and innovation is investing in Europe’s future, in knowledge and new solutions.” The driving ambition of Horizon Europe is to position Europe as a leader in science, technology and innovation, while addressing major global challenges such as climate change, health and digital transformation. And in France, Bpifrance has a key role to play in making that a reality.

Three complementary pillars

The programme, which is open to all types of organizations, is structured around three main pillars. The Excellent Science pillar supports frontier research through the European Research Council, exchanges for researchers via Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions and world-class infrastructure investments.

The Global Challenges and European Industrial Competitiveness pillar funds collaborative projects addressing societal issues (health, climate, digital, mobility etc) through thematic clusters and EU missions.

Finally, the Innovative Europe pillar promotes high-risk, high-impact innovation through the European Innovation Council, innovation ecosystems and the European Institute of Innovation and Technology. In addition, the Widening Participation and Strengthening the European Research Area (ERA) component aims to reduce disparities among EU Member States, and foster a more integrated and inclusive European research ecosystem.

National Contact Point

Within this framework, Horizon Europe’s pillar 2 plays a key role in supporting industrial research and innovation. To strengthen France’s participation, the French government has entrusted Bpifrance with part of the National Contact Point (NCP) mission for five strategic themes (industry, space, digital, climate, energy and mobility).

This mission marks a significant step in strengthening support for French innovators seeking access to European funding. Bpifrance acts as a bridge between national and European schemes, helping create a coherent and efficient funding continuum for companies, research centers and project leaders.

Christian Dubarry, Director European Affairs at Bpifrance, explains: “Today, French players capture around 11% of Horizon Europe funds, while France contributes 17% to the EU budget. The gap is too wide. The role of NCPs is to help project leaders submit more projects — and better ones.”

As an NCP, Bpifrance informs, advises, trains and supports French research and innovation communities, helping them navigate complex European funding schemes. Its team of 42 experts provides sector-specific guidance, identifies relevant opportunities, and works closely with the European Commission and its executive agencies, as well as other NCP networks across Europe.

In practical terms, Bpifrance offers a wide range of services to applicants, including information days, thematic workshops and pitch sessions, as well as facilitating partner search and consortium building. “We don’t just read calls for proposals,” says Catherine Borg-Capra, Director Innovation and Industrial Sectors at Bpifrance. “We decode expectations, identify key success factors and point out pitfalls.”

The impact of this mission is measured through two main indicators: increasing the number of French applications and improving their quality. “Ultimately, it is about securing more funding for France,” notes Christian Dubarry. “Today, it is around €500 million per year. By 2027, it should be higher.”

For potential applicants, the message from Bpifrance is clear. “Don’t wait for the perfect call for proposal,” advises Catherine Borg-Capra. “Come to workshops, present your idea, confront it with others. We’ll help you find the right path.” Christian Dubarry concurs: “Don’t go it alone. With the right support, applying to European funding is demanding — but achievable.”

Access Europe – Santé IDF: A Gateway To Horizon Europe For Health Innovators

Created and launched by Bpifrance in partnership with Enterprise Europe Network, Access Europe – Santé IDF is a nine-month, fully funded support programme designed to help French health startups and SMEs access European and international funding, including Horizon Europe, EU4Health and EIC schemes.

Starting in December 2025, the programme targets biotech, medtech, digital health and AI-driven companies based in the Île-de-France region that are developing innovative R&D projects with strong international ambitions. Selected participants benefit from a tailored mix of expert-led training, individual coaching and high-level networking.

The programme includes nine learning modules covering key success factors for European projects: consortium building, budgeting, proposal writing, investor pitching and due diligence preparation. Participants also receive hands-on guidance on EU tools and eligibility and selection criteria, as well as such regulatory considerations as GDPR, ethics, data sovereignty.

Delivered through a hybrid format combining online sessions, workshops led by industry experts and one-to-one mentoring, Access Europe – Santé IDF supports companies throughout the entire funding journey — from partner and investor search to proposal submission.

Valued at €30,000 per company, the programme is offered free of charge thanks to Bpifrance and European Commission co-funding. It represents a unique strategic opportunity for health innovators to strengthen their competitiveness and accelerate their expansion across Europe.