Towards a European network of ocean technology testing sites

Coordination and support activities for establishing or expanding networks of ocean technology testing sites, including mapping, analysis, and integration of sites (physical and digital).

Development of harmonized access policies, service models, regulatory frameworks, and governance for testing sites.

Collaboration and outreach measures, training, and skills development.

Services covering environmental monitoring, certification, simulation, prototyping support, and environmental impact assessment.

Investment preparation for upgrades, new site inclusion, or expanded service portfolio.

Alignment with the objectives and expected outcomes of Horizon Europe Missions 2026, notably the improvement of European testing infrastructure for ocean technologies.

Scientific and innovation excellence of the approach, including the degree of harmonization and integration across diverse sites.

Quality and effectiveness of the project implementation plan, consortium management, and resource allocation.

Impact on the European ocean technology ecosystem, including support for SMEs and start-ups, and contribution to sustainability and capacity building.

Effectiveness of proposed measures for knowledge sharing, skills development, and stakeholder engagement.

No explicit sectoral exclusions were specified, but only entities able to operate or partner in the operation of ocean technology testing sites and able to meet Horizon Europe eligibility and admissibility criteria may participate.

Beneficiaries must provide interim and final technical and financial reports as required by the Horizon Europe Model Grant Agreement.

Additional reporting on the integration and performance of the testing sites network, stakeholder engagement, and capacity-building activities may be requested.

Applications must be submitted via the Funding & Tenders Portal using the standard Horizon Europe application form for Coordination and Support Actions (CSA).

Proposals must follow the guidelines and forms provided for this call, including any specific instructions in the Horizon Europe Work Programme and submission system.

Evaluation will be carried out as a single-stage process with remote and panel review as per the standard Horizon Europe evaluation procedure.

Completed Part A and Part B of the Horizon Europe CSA application form.

Detailed work plan describing how the project will meet all required objectives and expected impacts.

Consortium description, including respective roles and demonstration of operational capacity.

Budget and resource allocation plan.

Evidence of eligibility (e.g., country participation, legal entity status).