⚠ Summarised by AI based on an external source. Last updated: 30 Mar 2026. Starthubs is not liable for any inaccuracies. Always consult the official challenge information.
CR.EU.IN.HERITAGE is a Horizon-backed EU project that puts innovation grants in the hands of SMEs working in or with the Cultural Heritage Value Chain — from monument conservation to heritage tourism, digital preservation and cultural creative industries. The call runs in two steps: first, submit a short innovation concept by 20 April 2026 (Step 1); selected SMEs then develop a full collaborative project proposal for Step 2 (deadline 31 August 2026). Successful projects receive up to €120,000 (Strand 1: product innovation) or €77,000 (Strand 2: process innovation), with 40% paid upfront. The Netherlands is fully eligible.
What is CR.EU.IN.HERITAGE looking for?
The call funds SME innovation projects focused on the Cultural Heritage Value Chain (CHVC) — covering all activities related to the conservation, safeguarding, management and valorisation of tangible and intangible cultural heritage. Two funding strands are available. Strand 1 funds the development of new products or services that reduce European dependency on non-EU technology providers and strengthen the CHVC's strategic autonomy. Strand 2 funds business process innovations linked to the adoption of digital and green technologies. Both strands require projects to use EU-based digital solutions and/or engage Innovation Leaders — vetted technology providers, research centres or innovative enterprises registered with the project. Cross-sector applications are strongly encouraged: SMEs from digital, tourism, construction, agribusiness, textiles, health and mobility sectors are all eligible if their project has a clear CHVC focus. Step 1 is a short concept note — individual SMEs can apply. Step 2 requires a consortium of at least two SMEs and builds on a Step 1-selected concept. Full guidelines and the application platform are available on the official CR.EU.IN.HERITAGE website.
Who is this for?
SMEs (under the EU definition) established in an EU Member State or Single Market Programme country. There are no restrictions on sector — any SME whose project addresses a challenge within the Cultural Heritage Value Chain is eligible. For Step 1, individual SMEs or existing groups of SMEs may apply. For Step 2, a consortium of at least two SMEs is required, with the lead partner being a Step 1-selected SME. Between Step 1 and Step 2, all selected SMEs participate in a mandatory Capacity Building and Matchmaking Programme (May–June 2026).
What's in it for you?
- Strand 1 (product innovation): €120,000 fixed grant per project · 10 projects funded
- Strand 2 (process innovation): €77,000 fixed grant per project · 10 projects funded
- 40% pre-financing within 30 days of signing the sub-grant agreement · no lengthy waiting for reimbursement
- Maximum €60,000 EU funding per individual SME (useful for consortia planning)
- Access to the Capacity Building and Matchmaking Programme: webinars, peer learning sessions and a dedicated partner-matching event to help build your Step 2 consortium
- 12-month project execution period starting November 2026
- Visibility through CR.EU.IN.HERITAGE's European dissemination network across 9 countries