Structure of the PRIMA AWP 2026

The PRIMA AWP 2026 is structured around five calls for proposals, divided into two main sections, Section 1 and Section 2, according to the funding source and applicable rules. The distribution of topics between Section 1 and Section 2 reflects the distinct objectives, funding modalities, and expected outcomes defined under PRIMA’s implementation model.

Section 1 topics are positioned where solutions are sufficiently mature to be demonstrated, piloted and validated in relevant operational environments. These actions focus on the development, testing, demonstration and validation of new or improved products, processes or services, including adaptation to real-life conditions.

Section 2 topics address areas where further research, methodological refinement, governance arrangements, or enabling conditions are needed before large-scale deployment can be effective.

Funding Instruments and Types of Actions

The PRIMA AWP 2026 supports three types of actions—Innovation Actions (IAs), Coordination and Support Actions (CSAs), and activities analogous to Horizon Europe’s Research and Innovation Actions (RIAs). Each action type corresponds to a defined Technology Readiness Level (TRL) range and a specific functional scope. More details can be found in page 18/129 of the work programme.

Approximately 30 projects (IAs, CSAs, and analogous RIAs) are expected to be funded under the 2026 calls.

PRIMA is implemented through the following funding modalities:

• In Section 1, the funds are provided by the European Union, while the PRIMA Foundation (PRIMA-IS) is the entity responsible for managing the calls
• In Section 2, the funds are provided by the Participating States (PS), while PRIMA-IS is the entity responsible for managing the calls and monitoring the activities

Section 1 – EU Funded Calls

Section 1 is co-funded by the European Union and fully implemented in line with the Horizon Europe Rules for Participation (RfP). It includes four thematic calls, each with its own ranking list, aligned with PRIMA’s core intervention areas: Water Management, Farming Systems, and the Agri-Food Value Chain all approached through the integrated Water-Energy-Food-Ecosystems (WEFE) Nexus lens and a fourth one related to the cross-cutting nexus theme.

• Three Innovation Action (IA) calls support the demonstration, piloting, and scaling up of innovative solutions in near-operational settings. Projects are expected to reach a Technology Readiness Level (TRL) of 6–8 by the end of implementation. Twelve Innovation Actions (IAs) are expected to be funded each with an EU contribution of up to EUR 2.7 million.
• One Coordination and Support Action (CSA) call focuses on cross-sectoral coordination, capacity building, facilitating long-term uptake, policy alignment, and stakeholder engagement across PRIMA countries. One Coordination and Support Action (CSA) is expected to be funded, with an EU contribution of up to EUR 1.05 million.

Section 2 – Participating States-Funded Calls Multi-Topic Call

Section 2 is financed directly by the national funding bodies of the PRIMA Participating States and is implemented through a single, multi-topic transnational call with a single ranking list.

This call for proposals invites submissions that focus on one of the three core thematic areas of PRIMA: Water Management in the Nexus, Farming Systems in the Nexus, and Agri-Food Value Chain in the Nexus. Although the three topics are released simultaneously under a single call and will be evaluated together under the same ranking list, each proposal must be tailored to address the specific scope and expected outcomes of only one of the topics.

The actions funded under Section 2 are analogous to Horizon Europe Research and Innovation Actions (RIAs). Funding is provided directly by each partner’s. national funding agency, in accordance with its own regulations, funding rates, and eligibility conditions. Around twenty projects are expected to be funded with an indicative national contribution of at least EUR 1 million per project.

Conditions applicable to both Sections

Applicants must consult the National Funding Rules available in the PRIMA website among the call document available at the opening of the calls, to ensure compliance. Applicants are strongly advised to contact their National Contact Point (NCP) before submission, as some national funding bodies may require a parallel submission at the national level in addition to the PRIMA-IS application.

Restrictions on the Role of the Principal Investigator (PI)

• In Section 2, a PI cannot act as Coordinator in both Sections 1 and 2 in the same year.
• A PI may act as Partner in proposals in both Sections, provided they differ in objectives, methodology, and consortium composition.
• In Section 1, a PI may submit more than one proposal as Coordinator, but if more than one is selected for funding, only one may be funded (one project per year). The PI may be Partner in other projects.

Application of eligibility criteria – Section 1

• At least three independent legal entities, each established in a different PRIMA Participating State (by the time of grant agreement signature) out of which:

o at least one must be established in an EU Member State or a third country associated to Horizon Europe and not being a third country bordering the Mediterranean (MPC) and

o at least one must be established in a third country bordering the Mediterranean Sea (MPC)

All three legal entities must be independent of each other.

• In addition, the consortium must include at least one additional legal entity established in a Mediterranean Partner Country (MPC). This additional entity is not required to be established in a different PRIMA Participating State from the other participating entities.
• At least one of the participating legal entities shall be a for-profit legal entity (which may include small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs)70 established in a PRIMA Participating State.

The minimum consortium size is therefore four independent legal entities.

Application of eligibility and participation conditions – Section 2

• At least three independent legal entities, each established in a different PRIMA (by the time of grant agreement signature) out of which:

o at least one must be established in an EU Member State or a third country associated to Horizon Europe that is not a Mediterranean Partner Country (MPC)95 and

o at least one must be established in a third country bordering the Mediterranean Sea (MPC)

All three legal entities must be independent of each other.

• In addition, the consortium must include at least one additional independent legal entity established in a Mediterranean Partner Country (MPC). This additional entity may be established in the same PRIMA Participating State as another MPC participant or in a different one.

The minimum consortium size is therefore four independent legal entities.

Για περισσότερες πληροφορίες σχετικά με την υποβολή προτάσεων στην Ενότητα 2 του Ετήσιου Προγράμματος Εργασίας 2026 του PRIMA  μπορείτε να επισκεφτείτε την ιστοσελίδα της ΓΓΕΚ https://gsri.gov.gr/prosklisi-ypovolis-protaseon-gia-tin-enotita-2-tou-etisiou-programmatos-ergasias-2026-tou-prima/