The HORIZON-WIDERA-2027-04-WIDENING-01 – Excellence Hubs call aims to strengthen regional research and innovation ecosystems in Widening countries by fostering long-term cooperation between universities and research organisations, businesses, public authorities and societal actors. Projects should bring together at least two R&I ecosystems from two different Widening countries and develop joint strategies and action plans that connect research and innovation with regional development, investment, entrepreneurship and market uptake.

The call has a total indicative budget of €100 million, with an expected EU contribution of €1.5-4.5 million per project. Projects can run for up to five years, with an EU funding rate of 70% of eligible costs. The call opened on 2 September 2026, and the deadline for applications is 4 March 2027.