Horizon Europe Missions: Innovation with Impact

With an investment of nearly €6 billion under the Horizon Europe program, the current Missions have been designed to mobilize researchers, businesses, policymakers, and citizens. The goal is to create concrete and measurable solutions to some of society’s most pressing problems by 2030.
EU Missions

What are the Horizon Europe Missions?

The Missions are ambitious, cross-cutting initiatives that combine different fields of science and technology to generate real impact. They function as result-oriented instruments, with clear targets to be achieved by 2030.

The five defined Missions are:

  • Soil – Ensuring healthy soils for sustainable food production and biodiversity preservation.
  • Climate – Supporting regions and communities in transitioning towards greater climate resilience.
  • Cancer – Improving cancer prevention, diagnosis, and treatment while enhancing patients’ quality of life.
  • Oceans – Restoring and preserving healthy aquatic ecosystems.
  • Climate-Neutral and Smart Cities – Helping 100 European cities achieve carbon neutrality by 2030.
The Importance of the Missions

The Horizon Europe Missions represent an innovation investment model that seeks to bring science closer to society by fostering greater engagement from local, regional, and national stakeholders. These initiatives have a direct impact on citizens’ lives by addressing urgent challenges and requiring interdisciplinary and cross-sector collaboration.

The Missions align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and aim to drive transformative results in the economy, environment, and quality of life.

INOVA+ Secures Over €22 Million for 45 Portuguese Entities in Mission Projects

INOVA+ is the third most active company in Europe in specific Mission projects under the European Union’s framework. Currently, we have 10 approved projects, representing a total investment of over €112 million, involving 315 organizations in their respective consortia.

These 10 projects include 45 Portuguese entities across consortia, including universities, R&D centers, intermunicipal communities, regional coordination and development commissions, central administration bodies, SMEs, and associations. As a result, we secured over €22 million in funding for Portugal, reinforcing the country’s impact within the European Union’s Missions.

INOVA+ has thus assumed a leadership position in Horizon Europe Missions, ranking among the top 3 private entities, alongside Climate-KIC Holding B.V. (Netherlands) and LGI Sustainable Innovation (France), each with 12 projects.

10 Projects Across Climate, Ocean, and Soil Missions

INOVA+ participates in 10 projects across the Climate, Ocean, and Soil Missions, acting as the coordinating entity in two of them.

  • RESIST: Implementing new climate adaptation pathways in four European regions;
  • DesirMED: Strengthening knowledge and capacity in Mediterranean regions to lead their climate adaptation efforts;
  • Mount Resilience: Supporting Europe’s mountainous regions in enhancing their climate adaptation capacity;
  • AAAGORA: Demonstrating technological, social, logistical, and economic solutions to reduce pressure on coastal areas;
  • AlgaeProBANOS: Supporting pilot initiatives for companies, SMEs, and startups in developing algae-based products;
  • DANSER: Promoting sustainable sediment balance and water/groundwater quality management in the Danube River Basin;
  • DaWetRest: Developing concrete solutions for the Danube Basin to address climate challenges affecting inland and coastal wetland ecosystems;
  • ProBleu: Promoting ocean and water literacy in school communities by expanding and supporting the European Blue Schools Network;
  • Living SoiLL: Ensuring healthy soils for future generations by establishing five Living Labs;
  • SoilTribes: Promoting soil literacy and enhancing soil value through creative approaches.

How to Participate in Mission Projects?

The Horizon Europe Missions represent a significant shift in how the European Union funds and structures research and innovation. With a focus on social and environmental impact, these initiatives provide a unique opportunity to shape a more sustainable and resilient future. Active participation from various sectors is essential to the success of these Missions and to building a more innovative and competitive Europe.

Research and Innovation System entities, businesses, and public entities can participate in the Missions through funding calls launched by the European Commission. Each Mission has an implementation plan and a call agenda for innovative projects that contribute to their objectives.

With extensive experience in these projects, INOVA+ is the right partner to support applications within the Horizon Europe Missions. Our specialized team ensures access and support for different organizations participating in international consortia and projects. Get in touch!