The COST Innovators Grant (CIG) represents a strategic effort to bridge the gap between research discoveries and real-world applications. This initiative facilitates the translation of scientific breakthroughs into products, services, or societal solutions. The grant provides a platform for researchers to extend the impact of their work even after the conclusion of a COST Action, promoting innovation and market readiness. Established initially as a pilot scheme in November 2019, the CIG has become an integral feature under Horizon Europe, aligning with the COST Strategic Plan to support impactful research dissemination.
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Objectives of the COST Innovators Grant
- Research Translation: Support the conversion of research outcomes into market-ready or societal applications.
- Extended Impact: Enable COST Actions to continue contributing to innovation during the year following the Action’s conclusion.
- Networking Opportunities: Provide access to networking activities typically available to COST Actions, enhancing collaboration.
- Innovation Acceleration: Facilitate faster and more successful breakthroughs by leveraging additional resources and visibility.
Eligibility and Application Process
- Eligible Actions: Only COST Actions approaching the end of their lifetime may apply, upon invitation by the COST Association.
- Application Guidelines: Applicants must follow the CIG Guidelines, available on the COST website under the Innovators Grant section.
- Evaluation Process: Applications are reviewed in two phases:
- Remote assessment of all submissions.
- Face-to-face hearings for the highest-ranked proposals.
- Approval: Final approvals are announced after validation by the Committee of Senior Officials (CSO).
- Duration: Each CIG has a one-year duration, aligning with the aim of post-action impact extension.
Funding and Benefits
- Grant Amount: Funding is provided to support activities translating research outputs to practical applications.
- Networking Support: Access to COST Action events, meetings, and workshops to facilitate collaboration.
- Impact Enhancement: Grants support activities such as prototyping, product testing, pilot studies, or societal outreach initiatives.
COST Innovators Grant Timeline and Milestones
The grant has evolved through annual funding rounds, supporting diverse projects across disciplines. Selected approvals highlight the breadth and innovation fostered by CIGs.
Recent COST Innovators Grant Approvals (2025-2026)
| CIG ID | Project Title | Research Focus |
|---|---|---|
| IG20140 | Predictive AI Imaging for Stem Cell and Organoids (STEMPREDICT) | AI-driven biomedical imaging for stem cell research |
| IG20137 | Capacity Building for Inclusive Sex and Gendered Research (NEXT-GENDER) | Training researchers to incorporate gender perspectives |
| IG20136 | Global Microwave Link Data Initiative (SetGMDI) | Hydrometeorological data collection and analysis |
| IG20132 | One-Stop Shop for Resilient Urban Treescapes (FREE3) | Urban environmental resilience and planning |
| IG20129 | Innovative Digital Control for 3D Nanoprinting (INDICO) | Advanced nanoprinting technologies |
| IG20117 | Expert-Guided Cell-Type Deconvolution Platform (Omnicellscope) | Biomedical platform for immune system research |
Selected COST Innovators Grant Approvals (2024-2025)
| CIG ID | Project Title | Research Focus |
|---|---|---|
| IG19131 | Heritage-Based Knowledge Hub for Green Transition in Textiles (HERITEX-HUB) | Sustainable textile innovation and heritage preservation |
| IG19123 | Microbial Electrochemical Technology Commercialisation (MET-C) | Translating microbial electrochemical research to industry |
| IG18213 | Future Youth Information for Rural Areas (FYI-R) | Knowledge dissemination in rural communities |
| IG18234 | Machine Learning for Nanocrystal Catalysts (NanoCatML) | AI applications in computational materials science |
| IG19113 | European Certification for Second Victim Support (RESCUE) | Standardizing support for healthcare professionals |
| IG19145 | AI Methods for Food Fraud Detection (SensAIfood) | AI-driven authentication in food industry |
Selected COST Innovators Grant Approvals (2023-2024)
| CIG ID | Project Title | Research Focus |
|---|---|---|
| IG18109 | Sustaining AGITHAR: Global Tsunami Model | Disaster risk modeling and simulation |
| IG18128 | Sharing Heritage and Archaeological Data | Digital preservation and accessibility |
| IG18125 | Aerogels for Circular Economy | Technical, commercial, and societal innovations |
| IG18130 | AIR Particulate Reference Materials | Environmental monitoring and quality standards |
| IG18123 | Quality Assurance for Family Support Services | Evidence-based practice in social services |
Success Stories and Impact
- Biomedical Advances: Projects like STEMPREDICT and Omnicellscope demonstrate accelerated progress in stem cell and immune research.
- Sustainable Innovations: HERITEX-HUB and NanoCatML provide practical solutions for green technologies and materials science.
- Digital and Societal Solutions: Initiatives like FYI-R and FREE3 enhance knowledge access and urban resilience.
- Standardization and Certification: RESCUE establishes European protocols to support healthcare workers in critical situations.
Examples of Notable CIG Success Stories
| Project | Impact Area | Key Achievements |
|---|---|---|
| VENOVATE | Medicine and Biotechnology | Developed a venom-based pipeline for sustainable drug discovery |
| MET-C | Industrial Technology | Facilitated commercialization of microbial electrochemical systems |
| SensAIfood | Food Industry | Created AI tools to detect food fraud with high accuracy |
| FREE3 | Urban Planning | Designed tools to ensure future-proof urban tree networks |
| INDICO | Nanotechnology | Advanced control systems for 3D nanoprinting |
Application Resources and Guidance
- Documents: All relevant forms, templates, and instructions are available on the COST website under the Innovators Grant section.
- CIG Guidelines: The guidelines outline eligibility, evaluation criteria, and grant management procedures.
- Support Services: COST assists with workshops, FAQs, and helpdesks to ensure smooth application submission.
Final Analysis
The COST Innovators Grant represents a transformative opportunity for researchers to extend the life and impact of their COST Actions. The program supports the translation of scientific knowledge into practical, societal, and market-ready solutions. By offering funding, networking, and visibility, CIGs enhance the pace of research breakthroughs while fostering collaboration across disciplines. Success stories from multiple sectors highlight the grant’s effectiveness in bridging the gap between research and tangible outcomes, positioning it as a cornerstone of innovation under Horizon Europe.
