Demystifying Horizon Europe: Opportunities in Cluster 4 (Digital, Industry, and Space) and Beyond - Mar. 4, 2026

The Division of the Vice-President, Research & Innovation is hosting an information session and networking event focused on Cluster 4 (Digital, Industry, Space) of the Horizon Europe program. Join our special guests from the European Health and Digital Executive Agency (HaDEA) and Canada’s Horizon Europe Secretariat to learn more about the funding opportunities in the new 2026-2027 work programme within Cluster 4, and to acquire insights applicable to all clusters.   

Horizon Europe is the world’s largest research and innovation collaboration program, with a total budget of C$140 billion (2021-2027). The program is structured into three pillars, and Canada has recently become an associated country eligible to apply for Pillar II: “Global Challenges and European Industrial Competitiveness”. Canadians can participate in or create international consortia to apply for Pillar II project calls and receive grants directly from the European Commission. 

This session will: 

• Provide a general overview of Horizon Europe’s Pillar II funding opportunities,   
• Introduce HaDEA programs and highlight funding opportunities for digital, industry and space in the 2026-2027 Work Programme, 
• Provide tips for building partnerships and developing competitive applications, 
• Describe available supports at the institutional, national and international level, 
• Offer an opportunity to ask questions and hear directly from officials from the European Commission, and Canada’s Horizon Europe Secretariat, as well as U of T’s leadership, faculty and staff.  

Moderator: 

• Gwen Burrows, Assistant Vice-President, International Engagement & Impact, U of T  

Speakers: 

• Leah Cowen, Vice-President, Research and Innovation, U of T 
• Katleen Engelbosch, Head of Department, HaDEA/B “Digital, Industry, Space”, European Commission (EC) 
• Georgia Tzenou, Programme Manager, HaDEA/B “Digital, Industry, Space”, EC 
• Tamara Sone, National Contact Point Coordinator, Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada 
• Horizon Europe funding Beneficiary TBA 
• Cintia Cristia, Assistant Director, International Research, U of T 

The session will begin with an opportunity to network amongst the invited speakers, colleagues and international research support staff over coffee, with the formal presentations starting at 1:00 pm.  

After this session, attendees will have a better understanding of:

• The Horizon Europe program, including how to apply 
• HaDEA programs and calls 
• Best practices for applying to Horizon Europe calls in Cluster 4, also applicable to other clusters, and  
• Key supports provided by U of T, the Canadian Government, and the European Commission.