India Moves Closer to Europe’s €93.5 Billion Research Funding Programme

India is moving towards deeper participation in Europe’s research and innovation ecosystem after concluding negotiations on its association with Horizon Europe, the European Union’s flagship research funding programme. The development could create new opportunities for Indian universities, research institutions, technology companies and start-ups to participate in large-scale international research projects.

Horizon Europe has a total budget of €93.5 billion for the 2021–2027 programme period. India’s proposed association is expected to provide access to collaborative funding opportunities under Pillar II, which focuses on global challenges and European industrial competitiveness.

The negotiations were concluded on November 6, 2026, marking an important development in India-EU scientific and technological cooperation. The association is envisaged for January 2027, although the formal agreement must still be signed and the necessary procedures completed by both sides.

The arrangement is significant because it could move India beyond conventional research partnerships towards a more structured framework in which Indian organisations can participate in eligible European-funded collaborative projects.

What Is Horizon Europe?

Horizon Europe is the European Union’s principal research and innovation funding programme. It supports scientific research, technological development and international collaboration to address economic, industrial, environmental and social challenges.

The programme operates through different pillars covering scientific excellence, global challenges, industrial competitiveness and innovation.

India’s proposed association concerns Pillar II, which supports multinational research and innovation projects involving universities, research organisations, businesses and other eligible institutions.

Its research priorities include:

• Healthcare and medical technologies
• Artificial intelligence and digital technologies
• Advanced manufacturing and industrial development
• Space research and applications
• Climate change and environmental solutions
• Clean energy and sustainable mobility
• Food systems and the bioeconomy

These areas closely align with India’s ambitions to strengthen domestic research capabilities, develop advanced technologies and expand its participation in global innovation networks.

The programme’s overall €93.5 billion budget should not be interpreted as funding allocated exclusively to India. Individual projects will remain subject to programme rules, eligibility requirements and competitive selection.

What Changes for Indian Universities and Businesses?

The proposed association could significantly improve the funding and collaboration opportunities available to Indian research organisations.

Under the existing arrangements, Indian organisations can already participate in certain Horizon Europe projects. However, they generally need to arrange their own financing through domestic funding sources or other eligible arrangements.

Association is expected to provide a more direct route to funding for eligible Indian participants in the programme areas covered by the agreement.

Indian institutions will be able to participate in collaborative research projects alongside European partners, subject to the applicable conditions. They may also take leadership roles in eligible projects and coordinate international research activities.

For universities, this could improve access to advanced research infrastructure, international scientific networks and collaborative funding opportunities.

For businesses, particularly technology companies and deep-tech start-ups, the arrangement could provide opportunities to work with European research institutions, develop new products and participate in international technology development.

This could be particularly relevant for companies working in artificial intelligence, healthcare technology, semiconductors, clean energy, advanced materials and industrial automation.

Technology Cooperation Could Strengthen Industrial Competitiveness

The economic importance of the agreement extends beyond academic research.

Research partnerships can help convert scientific knowledge into commercial products, manufacturing processes and industrial applications.

For example, collaboration in advanced materials could support India’s battery and electronics industries. Joint research in clean energy could contribute to improved storage technologies and renewable power systems.

Similarly, cooperation in artificial intelligence, digital technologies and industrial automation could support productivity improvements across manufacturing and services.

For Indian companies, access to internationa