The Hop-On Facility enables one additional beneficiary from a Widening country to join an already funded Horizon Europe project under Pillar II or the EIC Pathfinder, strengthening the participation of institutions from countries with lower R&I performance.

The new partner must bring clear research and innovation added value to the existing project and contribute to a distinct task, work package or other clearly identifiable activity. The proposal should explain the new beneficiary’s expertise, role and complementarity with the existing consortium.

The call has an indicative budget of €30 million and is implemented as a Research and Innovation Action (RIA).

The deadline for applications is 24 September 2026.

The scheme is particularly relevant for organisations from Widening countries that want to enter an existing Horizon Europe consortium and gain access to established European research networks, expertise and project activities.