Bridges

Description

The Bridges programme is designed to increase EU-Israel collaboration and the number of EU-Israel submissions and winning consortia. This edition will focus on high-impact open calls in Aquaculture and Civil Security. The main objectives are: Strengthen collaboration between the EU and Israel and increase the number of EU-Israeli submissions and winning consortia under the Horizon Europe funding programme. Deepen understanding of Horizon Europe’s open calls in Aquaculture and Civil Security thematic areas, including strategic priorities, eligibility, and evaluation insights. Enhance the capacity of experienced participants by strengthening the skills, confidence, and proposal-readiness of coordinators and expert partners. Sharpen project and consortium management skills by learning practical tools on budgeting, deliverables, timelines, and risk management from experts. Engaging in structured matchmaking and in-person networking to build strong, cross-border partnerships, both during and following the event.

Beneficiary & submission

All applicants will be evaluated by will be evaluated by EIT Hub Israel and steering committee members. Each application will be reviewed and ranked by the following criteria based on the information provided in the application form: Winning consortium participation (15% of the score) – Have you participated in Horizon Europe/EU project winning consortia? Winning Aquaculture/Civil Security consortium participation (10% of the score) – Have you participated in Horizon Europe/EU projects around Aquaculture/Civil Security winning consortia? Experience as a coordinator (20% of the score) – Have you previously led Horizon Europe or other EU-funded projects as a coordinator? Track record (15% of the score) – How many Horizon Europe/EU projects have you coordinated? Thematic relevance (10% of the score) – Describe how your organisation’s work is relevant to the Aquaculture and/or Civil Security funding opportunities. Coordination in 2026 open calls (10% of the score) – Will you coordinate consortia around Aquaculture and/or Civil Security topics for the 2026 open calls? RIS countries (5% of the score) – Priority for participants from RIS (Regional Innovation Schemes) countries. KIC partners (10% of the score) – Priority for KIC partners participants. – relevant for European applicants Diversity & inclusion (5% of the score) – Gender diversity among applicants. An individual online interview may be scheduled as an additional evaluation criterion. The selection process is competitive and based on excellence and the above criteria.

Further information

Bridges is an intensive two-day programme designed exclusively for 35-40 experienced Horizon Europe consortium coordinators and partners from Europe and Israel. With a strong focus on Aquaculture and Civil Security open calls, the programme provides participants with the strategic insights, practical tools, and high-level connections needed to build competitive proposals and lead successful projects. Participants will gain a deep understanding of selected Horizon Europe open calls, explore best practices in consortium leadership and project design, and take part in hands-on workshops to refine proposals. Facilitated matchmaking and thematic roundtables will support the formation of high-impact, cross-border consortia between leading European and Israeli stakeholders. Each consortium formed during the programme will also have access to tailored post-programme support, including the Booster Package: a pre-paid consultancy service aimed at enhancing proposal quality and increasing success rates. Registration and more information will be published in the upcoming week and a link will be added. More information meanwhile can be received via email to Maayan Sharon at maayan.sharon@eithubisrael.eu