ABGi operates across the globe, and as such supports its clients in optimising their funding strategies on a local, national, and international level. Today, finding national, EU and international funding opportunities aligned with global innovation trends, is key to developing breakthrough technologies.

To bridge the funding gap for deep-tech startups scaling beyond early stages, and to support development in key industry sectors, this paper provides an overview of, and insights into, global innovation funding opportunities.

1  |  Global innovation funding trends

Cross-border collaborations with sustainability objectives are highly encouraged by many funding sources. The global innovation funding landscape in 2025 is defined by a strategic alignment with deep tech, climate resilience, and AI-driven solutions.

The EU channels €95.5 billion through Horizon Europe (2021–2027), prioritising green and digital transitions. Key instruments like the EIC Accelerator (€634M in 2025) target deep tech, while cohesion funds (€392B) address regional disparities. However, fragmentation remains: only 10% of R&D spending is EU-level, compared to the US’s federally dominated 0.8% of GDP. Indeed, diverging models exist, with the EU being multi-layered (EU/national/regional) with emphasis on cohesion and mission-oriented projects (e.g., Just Transition Fund) whereas international programs lean toward federal/national frameworks (US, Canada) or public-private partnerships (UK, Brazil).

Acknowledging this landscape, Mario Draghi’s 2024 report urges doubling FP10’s (successor to Horizon Europe) budget to €200B (2028–2035) and aligning national policies around AI, quantum, and biotech under a proposed Competitiveness Fund. This will allow to mirror the US’s focus but with added emphasis on social and climate goals.

In short, the EU emphasises cohesion and mission-driven funding, while other continents prioritise scalability, and emerging markets leverage local solutions. AI and climate tech are universal, but execution diverges by region, and regulatory complexity and talent shortages remain barriers.

2  |  Overview of EU funding programs with non-EU eligibility

While many different programs exist, the table below summarises the key (European) programs for which both EU and non-EU countries are eligible. (Note: Non-EU eligibility often depends on bilateral agreements or geopolitical alignment. For example, the UK retains Horizon Europe access post-Brexit, while Canada participates via association.)

Horizon Europe’s 2025-2027 strategic plan prioritises green and digital transitions through collaborative projects amongst partners from the quadruple helix. It also focuses on strengthening Europe’s open strategic autonomy, with new partnerships in solar photovoltaics, virtual worlds, and resilient cultural heritage.[1]

This EU’s flagship R&D program finances collaborative projects (more than 3 independent legal entities from >3 different countries) up to 100 % (for research and innovation actions, in Pillar 2) and usually around 70% for individual projects. Both EU Member States and HE Associated countries (e.g. UK, Canada, Norway) are eligible for this program, with bilateral agreements allowing for third countries’ participation (e.g. South Korea). The projects are often mission-oriented (e.g. cancer research, soil health, etc.) and open science policies are mandatory.

In Pillar 1, the Marie Sklodowska Curie Actions promote education, mobility and technical and transversal training. The MSCA-COFUND co-funds regional/national doctoral/post-doctoral programs (co-funding 50% of researcher costs), with the host institution funding the remaining costs. EU and HE Associated countries’ institutions managing research programs are eligible, but researchers applying to the funded project must comply with specific mobility rules (e.g. no residency >12 months in host country prior).

In Pillar 3, the EU allocates €1.4 billion through its European Innovation Council (EIC) to scale breakthrough technologies like generative AI medical tools, autonomous construction robots, and climate-resilient crops [2]. The newly introduced STEP Scale-Up scheme aims to triple private co-investments in digital, clean tech, and biotech sectors, targeting €900 million by 2027[3]. These programs focus on SMEs, a criterion which is critical to the Eureka programme as well. This program is flexible in design, but uses common criteria and platforms, with the majority of funding being designed to support SMEs, but support for other entities is possible in certain cases. A typical project has a civilian purpose, consists of collaboration between organisations based in >2 Eureka countries (>40 countries involved in the program, including UK, Canada, Brazil), focuses on the R&D of a new product, process or service, and is market oriented.

Similar to the MSCA-COFUND, the Erasmus+ programme promotes education, youth mobility, and vocational training across >30 countries, supporting consortia of more than 3 organizations from different countries. The grants cover up to 80% of project costs but are capped at 1M euros for strategic partnerships. Both EU Member States and Associated countries (e.g. Iceland, Türkiye) are eligible, while third countries (e.g. from Africa, Asia) might apply via specific partnerships.

Focusing on sustainability, the LIFE Programme is dedicated solely to environmental, climate, and energy objectives, supporting projects that promote sustainability, biodiversity, and clean energy transitions. It funds innovative demonstrations, policy implementation, and large-scale deployments, including nature conservation, circular economy, and climate adaptation projects. The co-funding rate typically ranges from 55% to 95%, depending on project type, with higher rates for integrated or priority projects. Eligible entities include public and private organizations registered in EU MS or associated countries (e.g. Iceland, Moldova, and Ukraine), non-EU entities (e.g. UN agencies) might participate through dedicated partnerships.

Another action fund for sustainable development is the NDICI-Global Europe. The total available budget (79.5 billion euros) allows NGOs, SMEs, and public bodies to contribute to sustainable development, poverty eradication, and geopolitical stability in Africa, Asia, and Latin America. Funding rates range from 51% to 95% of project costs, depending on the program (e.g., human rights initiatives cap at 95%).  Climate and ODA commitments (30% climate spending, 93% ODA compliance) are key priorities.

To reduce regional disparities via R&I infrastructure, the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) co-finances EU members and cross-border projects with non-EU neighbours (e.g. Western Balkans). The funding rate varies by region, between 50-85% EU co-financing.

[1] https://research-and-innovation.ec.europa.eu/funding/funding-opportunities/funding-programmes-and-open-calls/horizon-europe/strategic-plan_en and https://abgi-france.com/plan-strategique-2025-2027-horizon-europe/

[2] https://eic.ec.europa.eu/eic-2025-work-programme_en

[3] https://eic.ec.europa.eu/eic-funding-opportunities/step-scale_en

3  |  Funding key sectors and emerging tech within/outside Europe

Within Europe, France and Germany are driving AI and quantum innovation, with France’s €109B AI push (Mistral AI) and Germany’s €400M “Current AI” initiative accelerating industrial applications. The UK focuses on bridging its $375B growth-stage funding gap through programs like Innovate UK’s Smart Grants (Note: this programme is currently paused) and the Innovation Loans Future Economy (£2M for late-stage commercialization). In addition, UK’s Knowledge Transfer Partnerships(£9M) link academia with SMEs to commercialise R&D. Poland is emerging as a hub for cross-border R&D via Eureka’s Eurostars, while Ireland leverages its tech ecosystem to attract AI startups. Regulatory streamlining, such as the EU’s new Regulatory Innovation Office, is reducing barriers for emerging tech, though talent shortages persist.

Beyond Europe, Canada channels $1.2 billion into its Net Zero Innovation program, prioritizing hydrogen energy and carbon capture, while Brazil directs funds toward its Climate Finance Lab, supporting sustainable agriculture and Amazon-based bioeconomy projects. The US dominates AI investment ($245B since 2015), with investors prioritizing startups that blend profitability with ESG metrics, such as OpenAI’s $6.6B funding round.

4  | Main challenges for Non-EU countries and key to success

Non-EU countries encounter several recurring challenges when seeking EU grant funding, stemming from both structural and procedural factors: hurdles related to eligibility, partnership formation, financial rules, administrative complexity, language, proposal quality, and shifting policy landscapes. Overcoming these challenges requires careful preparation, strong EU partnerships, and a deep understanding of both the program’s requirements and the broader European policy context. By building robust partnerships, investing in internal support, aligning with EU priorities, and maintaining administrative excellence, non-EU countries can enhance both the quality and the success rate of their EU grant applications.

Key-tools and networks to use include, but are not limited to, the ones presented below:

5  |  Future outlook And Open Calls

In summary, the future of innovation funding is collaborative, mission-driven, and globally interconnected. By aligning with strategic priorities and leveraging emerging networks, pioneers can secure their place at the forefront of breakthrough technologies.

The global innovation funding landscape is entering a transformative phase, driven by geopolitical shifts and accelerating technological competition. The EU’s Competitiveness Fund (post-2028) signals a long-term commitment to AI, quantum, space, biotech, and new energies.

Furthermore, EIC’s STEP Scale-UP and Horizon Europe’s focus on widening countries represent the EU’s aim to democratise access to deep-tech funding. Meanwhile, emerging economies (like Brazil) are prioritizing climate tech and digital inclusion, while other countries expand bilateral programs to bridge global R&D gaps through cross-border alliances (e.g., Global Entrepreneurship Challenge 2025). EU and international funding programmes are focussing more and more on sustainability through calls for projects prioritizing green innovation. The cornerstones for cross-border R&D and deep-tech funding continues through the EIC Pathfinder and Eureka Eurostars programmes, while EU resilience is strengthened through the European Defence Fund that targets dual-use space tech, aligning civil and military innovation.

These are just a few examples; the EU’s Funding & Tenders Portal will give you all open calls on the different EU topics. National Contact Points further leverage free advisory services for consortium building and proposal refinement. ABGi’s Funding Map summarises relevant calls for projects on both local and international level and our team of expert consultants is at your disposal for any further support you might need.