EU awards €20 million to 134 science projects with real applications

The European Research Council (ERC) has announced the results of the latest round of its 2024 proof-of-concept competition. A total of 134 projects will receive grants, each worth €150,000. The proof-of-concept grant enables ERC-funded researchers to test the practical feasibility of scientific concepts, explore commercial opportunities or prepare patent applications, helping them to bridge the gap between their scientific findings and the early stages of commercialisation.

Among the winners of the 2024 competition are projects aimed at creating efficient and autonomous navigation systems for satellites, fighting food fraud, repurposing existing drugs to fight cancer, and improving treatments for many life-threatening conditions. The number of grants awarded under the 2024 work programme has reached 245, for a total amount of €36.75 million. The programme is part of the EU’s research and innovation programme, Horizon Europe.

Ekaterina Zaharieva, European Commissioner for Emerging Enterprises, Research and Innovation, said: “Europe’s position on the global stage depends on promoting scientific excellence and creating a thriving community of researchers, innovators and industrial leaders. ERC proof-of-concept grants play an important role in these efforts. They enable promising research results to evolve into tangible innovations that drive industrial progress and benefit society. Congratulations to all the grant winners!”

This year’s grantees demonstrate the remarkable geographical diversity of European innovation. The 134 new grantees work in 20 different countries across Europe. The largest number of grants will be awarded in Germany, Italy and the Netherlands (15 each), followed by Spain and the UK (14 each), Israel (12), Belgium (11), France (10), Denmark (6), Austria (5), Sweden (4), Ireland (3), Finland and Norway (2 each), Croatia, Czech Republic, Cyprus, Poland, Portugal and Turkey (1 each).

More information European Commission.