As the September 2025 Horizon Europe deadlines approach, now is the time to start preparing your proposals. With funding opportunities becoming more competitive, early preparation is key. Here are our top three tips to ensure your submission is as strong as possible.
1. Stay Updated on Draft Work Programmes
Currently, only Draft Work Programmes are available, meaning official deadlines and call details are still subject to change. Keeping up to date with the latest versions is crucial, as there have been discussions about some September deadlines shifting to a two-stage proposal process.
What to do? Regularly check for updates from the European Commission, your National Contact Point (NCP), and relevant contacts. If two-stage proposals are introduced, this will impact your planning and timeline, so start mapping out your proposal strategy now.
Tip from Michael Papapetrou (Executive Director, ERINN Innovation): “We’ve seen last-minute changes before. If you’re working on a proposal now, don’t assume the draft details are final — stay flexible and informed.”
2. Factor in Summer Holidays When Planning
Writing a Horizon Europe proposal is a significant undertaking, often taking around six person-months to complete. With key deadlines in September, July and August can be challenging months for collaboration due to summer holidays. Scheduling meetings, securing input from partners, and refining key proposal sections can be delayed if not planned early.
What to do? Lock in key writing and collaboration sessions before July. Set clear internal deadlines, and don’t rely on August as an intensive working month. If needed, schedule a proposal-writing sprint in June to ensure all partners are aligned before summer breaks.
Advice from Rochelle Caruso (Project Manager, ERINN Innovation): “Every year, we see teams underestimate how slow things move in the summer. Start early, and plan with these delays in mind.”
3. Build Your Consortium Now
Many Horizon Europe consortiums are already forming, and securing strong partners early gives you a strategic advantage. A well-balanced team with the right expertise, geographic coverage, and stakeholder representation is crucial for a winning proposal.
What to do? If you’re leading a proposal, start securing your core team now. Engage with potential partners, attend networking events, and leverage existing collaborations. If you’re looking to join a consortium, get in touch with coordinators and express interest early — many teams are finalising their partners by spring.
Tip from Pamela Cardillo (Project Manager, ERINN Innovation): “Networking is key. The best teams come together months before the deadline, not weeks. If you’re still searching for partners, start now.”
Final Thoughts
September may seem far away, but a successful Horizon Europe proposal requires long-term planning. Stay informed, plan around holidays, and build your consortium early to give yourself the best chance of securing funding. Need help navigating the process? ERINN Innovation can support you with expert guidance, training, and proposal development strategies.
Let’s get started – September will be here before you know it!
Have you read our Top 5 Tips for Writing a Winning Horizon Europe Bid? Let’s start building your path to success!
