UNITA Starting Tech Transfer Grants – Call for Applications

The UNITA Starting Tech Transfer Grants call is open until June 6th 2025, and is part of the alliance's activities on Interterritorial Interfaces for Innovation.
The intiitative aligns with UNITA’s mission to harmonize best practices in technology transfer, strengthen regional innovation ecosystems, and stimulate the creation of shared research-to-market pathways among partner institutions.
The Starting Tech Transfer Grants aim to fund early-stage proof-of-concept initiatives (Technology Readiness Levels 2–3), developed collaboratively by teams composed of at least two UNITA partner universities.
Teams should primarily consist of researchers and PhD candidates, with the possibility to include administrative innovation staff and master's students.
Proposals must be aligned with Regional Smart Specialization Strategies (S3/S4), with preference given to projects that address the thematic areas of the UNITA Research & Innovation Hubs:
- Green Energy
- Circular Economy and Environment
- Cultural Heritage
- Digital Transitions
- Global Health
- Inclusive Societies
Projects must also demonstrate a clear potential for internationalization and a sustainable long-term market impact.
Key facts and deadlines:
- Total budget available: €130,200
- Number of grants available: 18
- Maximum funding per project: €7,233.33
- Implementation period: Between July 2025 and March 2026 (maximum duration: 9 months)
- Application deadline: Friday, June 6th, 2025