The European program MAT4EU supports manufacturing SMEs in developing innovative solutions with advanced materials. Open Call 1 closes July 6, 2026 at 5:00 PM with ranking evaluation. Non-repayable grant covers 75% of eligible expenses. Maximum is 60,000 euros for research and development projects or 33,750 euros for testing and validation services. Program co-financed by European Union under Single Market Programme (SMP).
Beneficiaries and eligible sectors
Micro, small and medium manufacturing enterprises engaged in advanced materials processing can participate. Materials must be metal, ceramic, composites or polymers. Companies must operate in at least one of following sectors: aerospace and defense, agri-food including packaging, renewable energy, construction, healthcare, mobility.
Two project strands: R&D and testing
Companies can apply to one of two strands. Strand 1 – Product innovation supports research and development activities. Focus on creating new materials or components that enhance resilience of European value chains. Maximum grant 60,000 euros with minimum project 80,000 euros.
Strand 2 – Testing and validation services in addition to financial grant offers access to Open Innovation Testbeds (OITB). These specialized centers provide technical support for characterization, modeling and safety verification of new materials. Facilitate transition from prototype to industrial production. Maximum grant 33,750 euros with minimum project 45,000 euros.
Themes and eligible expenses
Within two strands companies must select one theme. Options are circular and advanced sustainable materials, safe and sustainable materials design and processing, high-performance functional materials, digitalization of materials development and processing, industrial scalability and validation.
Eligible are personnel costs directly involved in project. Also included are services provided by foreign professionals. Other admitted costs concern minor purchases like consumables, equipment rental, training expenses. Travel expenses admitted up to maximum 5,000 euros only if linked to approved internationalization activities like participation in international events.
Co-financing and additional services
Each company must provide project co-financing equal to 25% of total costs. In addition to grant, services provided for SMEs include mentoring throughout program, training and skills development, internationalization support, networking opportunities and ecosystem integration.
Each company can submit one application only on Strand 1 or Strand 2. Can involve other companies, universities or research centers as suppliers. Beneficiaries must participate in at least 2 webinars and 1 practical training session during project. Projects have maximum duration 12 months from September 1, 2026 to August 31, 2027.
Evaluation criteria and disbursement
Projects must be submitted in English. Will be evaluated on ability to improve resource efficiency and reduce dependence on critical raw materials. Also count optimization and scalability of industrial processes for safe and sustainable materials design and processing. Positively evaluated are improved material selection and management with artificial intelligence tools and exploration of smart materials potential with sensors and real-time monitoring.
After grant approval company signs contract with MAT4EU establishing rights and obligations. Grant disbursed in maximum 2 installments. Advance equal to 40% disbursed within 10 days of contract signing. Balance equal to 60% disbursed after approval of final report to be submitted by September 10, 2026. Expenses can be incurred after application submission. Retroactivity not allowed.
Eligible are entities located in European Union countries or other countries participating in EU Single Market Programme/COSME Instrument. Required documentation includes legal representative identity document, chamber of commerce certificate not older than 3 months, last 4 closed and filed financial statements, project description, business plan and screenshot of self-check simulator form.
Studio RCG is available to assess eligibility and support manufacturing SMEs in submitting applications by July 6, 2026. For more details consult the complete technical sheet of MAT4EU program.