The National Contact Points (NCPs) for the Horizon Europe programme

National Contact Points (NCPs) : Definition and role

The National Contact Points (NCPs) are structures set up by each Member State of the European Union and by the countries associated with the Horizon Europe programme. Their mission is to provide personalised support to potential participants and beneficiaries of the programme. They act as intermediaries between the European Commission and the research and innovation players in each country.

Role of the NCPs :

1. Information and advice: Provide detailed information on the Horizon Europe programme, its calls for proposals, participation rules and funding opportunities.
2. Help in preparing proposals: Offer advice and support in preparing and submitting project proposals.
3. Training and workshops: Organise training sessions, workshops and seminars to help participants better understand the programme and improve their skills.
4. Networking: Facilitate partnerships and collaborations by linking researchers, companies and institutions interested in similar projects.
5. Monitoring and assistance: Providing ongoing support throughout the project lifecycle, from proposal submission to implementation and monitoring of results.

How do NCPs work?

NCPs are generally located within national institutions, such as ministries, research agencies, universities or technology centres. They are made up of experts specialised in the different areas covered by Horizon Europe, such as health, energy, the environment, digital technologies and many others.

Functioning : 

1. Identifying needs: NCPs identify the specific needs of researchers and innovators in their country and tailor their services accordingly.
2. Information dissemination: They disseminate relevant information via websites, newsletters, events and direct consultations.
3. Personalised advice: NCPs offer personalised advice, answering potential participants’ specific questions and helping them to overcome the challenges involved in preparing proposals.
4. Proposal support: They help develop strong proposals by providing feedback and recommendations on projects prior to submission.
5. Partnership facilitation: NCPs put project promoters in touch with potential partners across Europe, encouraging collaboration and synergies.

Concrete examples of NCP assistance :

1. Public health research project: A public health researcher in Spain wanted to participate in a Horizon Europe call for proposals. The Spanish NCP helped him understand the requirements of the call, identify appropriate partners and prepare a strong proposal. Thanks to this support, the project was selected and received significant funding.

2. Energy Transition Initiative: An SME in France wanted to develop a new energy storage technology. The French NCP provided information on relevant funding opportunities, organised workshops to improve the quality of the proposal and helped establish partnerships with other companies and research institutions in Europe. The project eventually obtained funding and was able to start its research and development activities.

3. Transnational university collaboration: A university in Poland was looking to collaborate with other European institutions on an environmental sustainability project. The Polish NCP facilitated networking with universities and research centres in Germany and Italy, helping to build a strong consortium and submit a successful proposal to Horizon Europe.

Company case studies

Development of digital technologies in Italy: An Italian start-up specialising in information technologies used the services of its NCP to explore the opportunities offered by Horizon Europe. With the help of the NCP, the start-up developed a proposal for a project to develop an artificial intelligence platform. The NCP provided advice on project structuring, impact assessment and budget preparation. The proposal was accepted, and the project received funding that enabled the start-up to successfully develop and market its platform.

Urban mobility project in Sweden: A Swedish consortium comprising companies, universities and local authorities wanted to launch a sustainable urban mobility project. The Swedish NCP helped the consortium to understand the priorities of the call for proposals and to structure a competitive proposal. Thanks to this support, the project was selected and received funding from the Horizon Europe programme, enabling the consortium to implement innovative solutions to improve mobility in Swedish urban areas.

Conclusion

National Contact Points (NCPs) are essential partners for researchers and innovators wishing to participate in the Horizon Europe programme. By providing information, advice, training and facilitating partnerships, NCPs play a crucial role in the success of research and innovation projects in Europe. To maximise your chances of success, it is essential to take advantage of the services offered by your national NCP.

Do you have a project in mind? Contact your National Contact Point for personalised advice and resources on the Horizon Europe programme. Find your NCP by following this link: https://www.horizon-europe.gouv.fr/les-pcn