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Promoting strong research partnerships throughout Europe
Bioeconomy | Sustainable Food Systems | Biodiversity
Permanent Representation of Estonia to the EU, Rue Guimard 11/13, 1040 Brussels, Belgium
25 March 2026
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9:00–16:30
The event will focus on bioeconomy, health, sustainable food systems, and biodiversity in the context of Horizon Europe – Cluster 6.
Our event targets R&I stakeholders seeking to build consortia for upcoming Horizon Europe calls, in line with current and emerging EU priorities. It will bring together policy context and practical insights with pitching sessions and bilateral meetings, offering a practical platform for initiating project cooperation within HE Cluster 6 calls.
Objectives:
The event is designed for research and innovation actors actively preparing or supporting Horizon Europe Cluster 6 proposals, including in particular:
A key element of the event will be a practical matchmaking session dedicated to the development of future project consortia. Participants will be divided into thematic groups aligned with three destinations of Horizon Europe Cluster 6:
The exact Horizon Europe cluster 6 calls this event will focus on are the following
Destination - Circular economy and bioeconomy sectors
Destination - Fair, healthy and environment-friendly food systems from primary production to consumption
Destination - Biodiversity and ecosystem services
Beyond the core matchmaking activities, the programme offers a structured mix of policy insight, strategic foresight and hands-on experience designed to support high-quality consortium building.
Dedicated sessions will unpack the policy landscape shaping Horizon Europe Cluster 6 topics for 2026–2027, as well as provide forward-looking reflections on FP10 priorities and expected directions.
The CROSSPATHS consortium will discuss concrete lessons learnt, good practices and common pitfalls from their Horizon Europe experience, offering actionable guidance for future applicants. Networking opportunities are fully integrated into the programme to facilitate informal exchanges and strengthen emerging partnerships. Together, these elements ensure a balanced programme that links policy awareness, proposal readiness and partner finding within a single day
Our matchmaking session will be a space for building future project consortia. Participants will be divided into three thematic groups (one per cluster destination), enabling targeted exchange of ideas and experiences.
During the pitching session, participants will briefly present their project ideas, competencies, and partnership needs to the whole audience.
The participants will be able to join bilateral meetings to discuss collaboration opportunities, specific roles within consortia, and next steps for cooperation.
We will provide a session dedicated to the European policy context, during which priorities shaping future Cluster 6 topics under Horizon Europe 2026–2027 will be discussed. Participants will also learn about directions for preparations for the Framework Programme 10, presented by representatives of the European Commission, including possible evolutions of research and innovation priorities compared to the current Horizon Europe programme.
9:00 - 9:30 Welcome coffee
Start the day by connecting with fellow participants over coffee and set the stage for a productive matchmaking event.
9.30 - 9.45 Opening remarks by the co-organizers
Hear words of welcome from the organizers and learn about the goals and expectations for the day. Short presentation: PolSCA, ETAG
9.45 - 10.00 Project presentation: CROSSPATHS
Introduction to the CROSSPATHS project, including objectives, main activities, expected outcomes and collaboration opportunities relevant for Cluster 6 stakeholders.
10.00 - 10.30 Policy landscape shaping Cluster 6 topics
Gain insights into the European policy priorities driving the upcoming Cluster 6 work programmes in frame of the Horizon Europe Work Programme 2026-2027.
10.30 - 11.00 Session: FP10 - Priorities and Expected Directions
Learn more on the current state of preparations for FP10, strategic orientations and potential evolution compared to Horizon Europe
11.00 - 11.30 Networking coffee break
11.30 - 12.15 Successful Grant Applications: Lessons Learned and Good Practices
Practical guidance and insider advice from CROSSPATHS Consortium to help you succeed in Horizon Europe calls. (Panel Discussion)
12.15 - 13.15 Pitching sessions
Participants showcase their project ideas, expertise, and collaboration offers in short, dynamic pitches.
13.15 - 14.15 Networking lunch break
14.15 - 16.15 Matchmaking session
Engage in matchmaking meetings to explore concrete opportunities for collaboration among event participants, achieved through pre-arranged one-to-one sessions and/or discussions in smaller groups using a World Café format
16.15 - 16.30 Summary and closing of the day
Interested participants are invited to register for the event via their respective Brussels-based research and innovation liaison offices, cooperating in the organisation of the matchmaking as organisers or partners. Registration is managed through national liaison structures, including in particular Estonia (via ETAG) and Poland (via PolSCA) as co-organisers of the event, as well as other partner offices.
Czechia is organising its own call.
Potential participants are encouraged to contact their relevant liaison office for information on registration procedures, participation criteria and practical arrangements.
Following this initial expression of interest, invited participants will be asked to create their profiles in the b2match online matchmaking system. The platform will be used to present project ideas, expertise and collaboration offers, and will enable the scheduling of one-to-one bilateral meetings, forming the basis of the dedicated matchmaking sessions taking place during the on-site event in Brussels on 25 March 2026.
The NCP_WIDERA.NET project offers travel grants of up to 1,000 EUR to support applicants from Widening countries in attending on-site Pillar II clusters, European Partnerships, and Missions brokerage events. The grant covers travel and accommodation costs. More information and how to apply:
Financial supportThe event is organized by the CROSSPATHS project consortium and institutions actively operating at the interface of science and European policy.
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CROSSPATHS is a project implemented by institutions from Poland, Portugal, and Estonia, with the support of French and Dutch partners. The project is focused on food, health, and the bioeconomy. Its aim is to unlock the potential of European Regional and Development Funds (ERDF) investments and bring them out of isolation by facilitating access to Horizon Europe programmes, developing staff competencies, and internationalising research activities.
The CROSSPATHS consortium seeks to make better use of modern research infrastructure and integrate it into European scientific networks, thereby contributing to the creation of strong international project partnerships.
The project builds a bridge between regional investments and EU-level research opportunities, strengthening capacities to apply for European funding and to jointly address key challenges in the agri-food sector.
The event strongly emphasizes the role of widening countries as experienced and reliable partners in European research and innovation projects. It demonstrates that institutions from Poland, Portugal, and Estonia not only participate effectively in Horizon Europe projects, but also initiate, coordinate, and co-create international consortia.
This project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon Europe research and innovation programme under grant agreement number 101160325.
This website reflects only the author's view and the Commission is not responsible for any use that may be made of the information it contains.
