2024 Call for Exploratory Research Projects (ERPs)

  • Mobility Types: Exploratory Research Projects
  • Call Status: Closed

Status: Submissions closed on April 30, 2026

Two new funding calls have been launched under Portugal 2030 to support industry-driven R&D and innovation projects focused on the development and manufacturing of critical technologies aligned with the Strategic Technologies for Europe Platform (STEP).

These calls create opportunities for collaboration between Portuguese companies, academia, research institutions, and international partners, including teams from The University of Texas at Austin (UT Austin) within the framework of the UT Austin Portugal Program.

Projects should aim to accelerate the development of strategic technologies with strong industrial impact while strengthening Europe’s technological leadership and competitiveness.

At a Glance

  • Deadline: April 30, 2026 (Closed)
  • Total Budget (Energy): €86,250,000
  • Total Budget (Digital/Biotech): €153,000,000
  • UT Austin Funding: Up to $1 Million (USD) per project
  • Duration: Up to 36 months
  • Focus: Advanced technological maturity levels (TRL ≥ 6).

Official Announcements

Research Areas

Proposals must focus on critical technologies and value chains within the STEP initiative:

  • Energy: Clean energy systems, carbon neutrality, and sustainable production.
  • Digital & Deep-tech: EU Digital Decade 2030 objectives and high-tech innovation.
  • Biotechnology: Molecular, pharmaceutical, and agricultural applications.

Consortium Composition

Projects must be submitted in copromotion, involving:

  • Portuguese Entities: Companies of any size and R&I system entities (ENESII).
  • UT Austin Partner: Participation of UT researchers is funded directly through the Program budget at UT.

FAQs

Key information regarding the STEP Calls and UT Austin collaboration.

Does the Program help with partner search?
Yes, the Program offices in Portugal and Austin provide matchmaking support. Contact research@utaustinportugal.org or bravo@austin.utexas.edu with your project idea.
Who can lead projects at UT Austin?
The UT Austin team must have a PI and a Co-PI, both tenured or tenure-track faculty at UT Austin. Full-time senior researchers with PI status may also act as PI/Co-PI.
What documentation is required from the UT Austin partner?
The UT PI must provide a written commitment specifying complementarity of competencies, shared responsibility in activities, and details of funding components from U.S. sources.
How much funding is available for UT Austin teams?
UT will finance its PI and Co-PI with up to $1 Million (USD) per project ($333,000 per year for a 3-year project).
What expenses are eligible at UT?
Eligible: Research-related direct costs (grad student salaries, materials, travel) and 38% indirect costs. Non-eligible: Faculty salary and equipment purchase.
Is there a limit on applications for UT Austin PIs?
No, there is no limit to the number of projects for which one particular PI at UT Austin may apply.

Contacts