This call is now closed.
The EIT Culture & Creativity is launching a call for proposals to establish eight Strategic Topic Groups (STGs). These groups will function as think-do tanks and innovation sandboxes, harnessing cross-sector expertise to address urgent societal challenges and to generate strategic insights for the Partnership’s next Strategic Agenda and the forthcoming Horizon Europe Framework Programme 10 (FP 10).
The initiative is exclusively open to 2025 Core and Cooperation Partners of EIT Culture & Creativity, and it relies on the unique value and knowledge embedded within the existing Partnership ecosystem.
Milestones
Call opening
12 September 2025
Info session
18 September 2025, register here
Call closure
13 October 2025
Eligibility & admissibility
1 November 2025
Programme duration
9 months
Results to applicants
31 October 2025
Funding is disbursed in two instalments: an initial pre-financing payment of up to 30% upon signing of the Financial Support Agreement, and a final payment of up to 70% after validation of deliverables and cost eligibility, contingent upon valid Partnership membership throughout 2026. While co-funding is not mandatory, it will be viewed favourably, provided it does not originate from other EU programmes to avoid double funding.
Who can apply?
Lead organisations must hold valid Core or Cooperation Partner status for 2025 and must have paid their membership fees by the time of application. Each consortium must comprise at least two partners with valid membership and demonstrate integration of the Extended Knowledge Triangle—encompassing education, research, business, cultural institutions, and public and civil-society stakeholders.
How to apply?
- Read the full call guidelines and check eligibility
- Express your interest in participating in the Call here (the password will be provided to you if your membership status is valid).
- Submit your application via the EIT Culture & Creativity platform, here.
To be considered eligible, proposals must be submitted in English via the designated online platform no later than the deadline and must include all required documentation, such as the completed application form, curriculum vitae of key experts, and a detailed budget plan in Excel format. Applicants must also have a valid Participant Identification Code (PIC) through the EU Funding & Tenders Portal.
Applicants must select one of the following Strategic Topic Groups:
- Architecture,
- Audiovisual,
- Cultural Heritage,
- Digital Futures,
- Fashion,
- Gaming,
- New European Bauhaus & Design, or
- New European Bauhaus & Resilience.
Each STG proposal must articulate a clear vision for knowledge activation & experimentation, policy & strategy development, and non-EIT funding mobilisation.
A minimum of three work packages are required:
(1) Coordination Actions to manage internal communications and linkages with EIT Culture & Creativity staff;
(2) Stakeholder Engagement to co-design activities within the Partnership and across STGs; and
(3) Policy Development and Strategic Positioning, including co-creation of a position paper and definition of impact metrics.
Deliverables are due in two stages:
- By the end of Month 7, each STG must provide evidence of at least three collaborative workshops (one of which must involve a co-design session with another STG) and an “Insight & Strategy” report that synthesises actionable findings across the three core missions.
- By Month 9, a co-written “Position Paper & Insights” report must outline policy recommendations and propose metrics for tracking topic-related impacts.
Final reporting is expected to take place in August and September 2026.
For the admissibility, eligibility, evaluation and portfolio selection criteria please see the call guidelines.
Please note that in order to start filling in the project proposal you are requested to submit your interest here, this verification step aims to verify your eligibility to participate to this Call. Please note that an answer will be provided to you within 24 hours.
The following list of documents need to be submitted
- Application form, available on the Monday platform
- Detailled budget template available here
Key documents for your application
PARTNERSHIP CALL
Call guidelines
PARTNERSHIP CALL
Budget template
PARTNERSHIP CALL
Info session presentation
PARTNERSHIP CALL
Info session recording
PARTNERSHIP CALL
Eligibility of expenditure
PARTNERSHIP CALL
FAQ
Useful links to prepare your application:
EIT Culture & Creativity Strategic Agenda 2024-2027
External link
List of participating countries in Horizon Europe
External link
Horizon Europe Model Grant Agreement (HE MGA)
External link
EU Financial Regulation (Article 61)
External link
Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union
External link
Ethics: Self-assessment
External link
Webinar 1
The information session will be held online on Thursday 18th at 1pm CET, please register here to be invited to the session.
Contact
In addition to the information sessions, applicants may submit their inquiries via the official EIT Culture & Creativity Contact Form:
This form should be used for all questions related to call content, technical aspects, thematic focus, administrative, financial, or procedural matters.
The relevant team will review and respond accordingly to provide clear and aligned guidance throughout the application process.