realty investment

EU Grants & Funding – Unlock Non-Dilutive Capital for Innovation and Growth

Billions of euros in EU funding go unclaimed every year. Companies miss out because they don’t know the opportunities exist—or how to access them. We help innovative businesses secure European grants, R&D tax credits and state aid, providing capital that fuels growth without diluting equity.

Funding That Fuels Growth—Without Giving Up Equity

Expanding internationally and driving innovation requires capital. But equity financing isn’t your only option—and often isn’t the best one. The EU and its member states offer billions in grants, tax incentives and state aid programs designed to support research, innovation and international growth. The challenge is accessing them. Complex applications, shifting priorities and intense competition deter most companies. Our EU Grants & Funding practice levels the playing field. With former evaluators on our team, we know what funding committees look for—and we help you deliver it.

Comprehensive Funding Solutions

Horizon Europe – The EU’s Flagship R&D Program

Horizon Europe is the EU’s key funding program for research and innovation, with a budget of €95.5 billion for 2021-2027. It supports projects across all stages, from early research to market deployment.

What we cover for Horizon Europe:

Grant types:

  • RIA (Research and Innovation Actions): For projects developing new knowledge or technology (up to 100% funding)
  • IA (Innovation Actions): For projects close to market, including prototyping and testing (up to 70% funding)
  • CSA (Coordination and Support Actions): For networking, dissemination and standard-setting (100% funding)
  • ERC (European Research Council): For frontier research by individual teams
  • EIC (European Innovation Council): For breakthrough innovations with scale-up potential (grants and equity)

What we do:

  • Opportunity scoping: Finding the right call for your project
  • Consortium building: Identifying and securing partners
  • Proposal writing: Full technical and administrative proposal development
  • Budget preparation: Eligible costs, indirect costs, subcontracting
  • Ethics and security review: Compliance with EU requirements
  • Negotiation support: Grant agreement preparation

Typical funding: €100k – €15M per project

R&D Tax Credits – Recover Up to 50% of Innovation Costs

Most European countries offer generous tax incentives for research and development. Unlike grants, these are not competitive—if your activity qualifies, you can claim. We help you identify qualifying activities, prepare claims and maximize recovery.

What we cover for R&D tax credits:

Key jurisdictions and regimes:
CountryRegimeBenefit
UKR&D Tax Relief (SME and RDEC)Up to 33% of eligible costs
ItalyCredito d’imposta R&SUp to 50% of eligible costs (€20M cap)
FranceCrédit d’Impôt Recherche (CIR)Up to 30% of eligible R&D expenses
GermanyForschungszulage25% of eligible R&D costs (€2M cap)
SpainDeducción por I+D+iUp to 42% corporate tax deduction
NetherlandsWBSOReduced payroll tax for R&D staff
BelgiumInnovation Income Deduction85% deduction of qualifying IP income

What we cover:

  • Eligibility assessment: Which activities and costs qualify
  • Technical narratives: Describing projects to satisfy tax authorities
  • Cost quantification: Direct and indirect costs, staffing, subcontracting
  • Claim preparation and submission
  • Defense and audit support

European Regional Development Fund (ERDF)

The ERDF invests in regional development, supporting innovation, SME competitiveness, low-carbon economy and digital transformation. Funding is managed by regional authorities, each with its own priorities and calls.

What we cover for ERDF:

  • Regional opportunity mapping: Identifying relevant calls in your target regions
  • SME instrument support: For innovative SMEs seeking growth funding
  • Investment readiness: Preparing business plans and financial projections
  • Application support: Full proposal development
  • Project management: Implementation and reporting

Typical funding: €50k – €5M

Recovery and Resilience Facility – Post-Pandemic Transformation Funding

The RRF is the centerpiece of NextGenerationEU, with €723.8 billion in loans and grants to support reforms and investments in EU member states. Each country has its own National Recovery and Resilience Plan (NRRP) with specific calls and priorities.

What we cover for RRF:

  • National plan analysis: Identifying relevant investment areas
  • Call monitoring: Tracking opportunities in your sector
  • Application support: Proposal preparation and submission
  • Consortium building: Partner identification
  • Compliance and reporting: Meeting RRF requirements

Priority areas:

  • Green transition
  • Digital transformation
  • Healthcare resilience
  • Social and territorial cohesion
  • Education and skills

IPCEI – Large-Scale Strategic Projects

IPCEIs are large, strategic projects that involve multiple member states and address market failures or societal challenges. They allow for higher levels of state aid and are reserved for truly transformative initiatives.

What we cover for IPCEI:

  • Strategic alignment: Positioning your project within IPCEI priorities
  • Cross-border coordination: Working with multiple member states
  • State aid notification: Navigating complex approval processes
  • Consortium development: Building cross-border partnerships
  • Project management: Implementation and reporting

Current IPCEI priority areas:

  • Microelectronics and connectivity
  • Hydrogen
  • Batteries
  • Cloud infrastructure
  • Health

Innovation Vouchers – Quick Access to Expertise

Many regions offer innovation vouchers—small grants (typically €5k-€20k) that SMEs can use to access external expertise for innovation projects. These are fast, simple and an excellent entry point to public funding.

What we cover for innovation vouchers:

  • Eligibility check: Is your company eligible?
  • Application support: Simple, fast applications
  • Project definition: Scoping the work to be funded
  • Provider identification: Finding the right expert
  • Claim and reporting: Ensuring compliance

How We Secure Your Funding

1. Opportunity Assessment

We analyze your project, your company, and your goals to identify the most promising funding opportunities—European, national, and regional.

2. Eligibility Check

We verify the eligibility requirements: company size, sector, project type, eligible costs.

3. Proposal Development

We develop a comprehensive proposal: technical description, work plan, budget, impact, and dissemination.

4. Consortium Building

We identify and engage complementary partners for collaborative projects (Horizon Europe, IPCEI).

5. Submission & Follow-Up

We manage the submission, respond to requests for clarification, and support the final negotiation.

6. Project Management & Reporting

After approval, we support you with administrative management, technical and financial reporting, and audits.

Direct & Action-Oriented

Professional & Efficient

Taking the first step toward a secure financial future can be the most daunting. This quick form is designed to make that step simple. By sharing a few details, you’ll initiate a confidential, no-obligation conversation with a dedicated Lincoln Wealth specialist. We’ll listen to your aspirations, answer your pressing questions, and help you map out a clear, confident path forward. There is no pressure, only a commitment to providing you with the clarity you deserve.

Quick Contact
bloomberg
financialTime
harvad business
returns
the economist