Dear Researchers,

The “Horizon Europe Critical Technologies 2025 Call” has been launched to strengthen scientific and technological cooperation between institutions and organizations in Türkiye and partners in Horizon Europe countries.

The primary objective of the call is to enhance scientific and technological collaboration through joint R&D projects carried out by institutions and organizations in Türkiye and Horizon Europe countries . It is also aimed that the technological knowledge and experience gained under this call will accelerate and guide the internationalization processes of research institutions and industrial enterprises, while contributing to the development of strategic technologies.

📌 Thematic Areas Covered by the Call

Project proposals must address at least one of the following thematic areas:

• Quantum computing – technology-independent software (TRL 1–4)
• Quantum chips (TRL 3–4)
• Development of general-purpose artificial intelligence (TRL 1–4)
• Generative AI solutions for robotics and industrial automation (TRL 2–4)
• Generative AI solutions in aviation, pharmaceuticals, and drug discovery (TRL 2–4)
• Generative AI for virtual worlds (TRL 2–4)
• Coordination of generative AI adoption in industry and the public sector (TRL 2–4)
• Communication and networking technologies and devices, including telecom edge cloud deployment (TRL 3–4)
• High-Performance Computing (TRL 1–4)
• Semiconductors (TRL 3–4)
• Autonomous digital solutions, design, and simulation tools for space transportation systems (TRL 2–4)
• Digital enablers and building blocks for Earth observation and satellite communication for space solutions (TRL 2–4)
• Collaborative digital enablers and building blocks for Earth observation and satellite communication for space solutions (TRL 2–4)

Project proposals are encouraged to align with the Technology Readiness Levels (TRLs) specified in the respective topics. Nevertheless, applications from different TRL levels within the thematic areas will also be accepted.

👥 Who Can Apply?

• Higher education institutions within the scope of the Higher Education Law
• Training and research hospitals
• Public institutions and organizations
• Capital companies (private sector entities) established in Türkiye, holding a trade registry certificate, and creating added value regardless of their sector or size

Applications will be supported under the provisions of the TÜBİTAK 1071 – Support Program for Increasing the Capacity to Benefit from International Research Funds and Participation in International R&D Collaborations.

Applications from foundations, associations and their economic enterprises, cooperatives, unions, sole proprietorships, and ordinary partnerships will not be accepted.

Each project proposal must include:

• At least one institution/organization from Türkiye, and
• At least one institution/organization from Horizon Europe countries as a project partner.

  Partner institutions/organizations from Horizon Europe countries must submit a commitment letter confirming that they will be funded by their respective national funding agency/authority or other appropriate sources, or that they will cover their own costs.

  Please find more information about the call on the news page and in the application rules document.

  📅 Application Timeline

• Call Opening Date: 1 September 2025
• Application Approval Deadline: 10 November 2025 (23:59, Türkiye time)
• Electronic Signature Deadline: 17 November 2025 (23:59, Türkiye time)
• Panel Evaluation: November 2025 – February 2026
• Project Start Date: March 2026

📧 Call Contact Person

Hasan Burak TİFTİK
Chief Scientific Programs Expert
Directorate for EU Framework Programs
E-mail: burak.tiftik@tubitak.gov.tr
Telephone: +90 312 298 17 52

📧 For collaboration opportunities within the scope of the call, you may request your expression of interest to be shared with our EELISA partners. To benefit from this opportunity, please complete the form available at ITU ELO - WP9 - Expression of Interest Form.docx and send it to projelerofisi_int@itu.edu.tr.

Kind regards,

ITU International Projects Unit