Horizon Europe 2026 – Networking and Future Photonics Strategy (CSA)

Within the Horizon Europe Work Programme 2026, the call HORIZON-CL4-2026-04-DIGITAL-EMERGING-14 – Networking and Future Photonics Strategy (CSA) aims to ensure continued coordination and strategic support for the European photonics ecosystem, promoting a transparent, inclusive governance model and a bottom-up approach to roadmap development.

This action seeks to strengthen the role of photonics as a critical enabling technology for key EU priorities, including the digital and green transitions, industrial competitiveness, and technological sovereignty.

Main objectives

Provide strategic coordination and support to the European photonics ecosystem;
Strengthen engagement across all relevant stakeholders, including industry, academia, national platforms, and end-user sectors;
Improve alignment of regional, national, and European R&I agendas, increasing coherence and impact across funding instruments;
Monitor and steer Partnership-funded projects towards the achievement of Key Performance Indicators (KPIs);
Increase the visibility of photonics as a key enabling technology for EU industrial and societal priorities;
Enhance collaboration with other European Partnerships and strategic initiatives to maximise synergies and streamline efforts;
Improve access to private and blended finance for photonics innovation, growth, and scale-up.

Scope of the action

The activities to be supported include:

Development and regular updating of the European Photonics Strategic Research and Innovation Agenda (SRIA) and associated roadmaps;
Coordination and monitoring of Partnership-funded R&I and CSA projects, including KPI tracking and the recommendation of corrective actions where needed;
Outreach, advocacy, and stakeholder engagement, ensuring alignment with national, regional, and European photonics strategies and contributing to broader EU policy initiatives;
Provision of a unified communication platform for the European photonics community and strengthened public communication on the impact of photonics;
Facilitation of collaboration with other European Partnerships, strategic initiatives, and financial institutions to identify synergies and improve access to innovation financing.

Key information

Opening date: 15 January 2026
Submission deadline: 15 April 2026
Indicative budget: €3 million

More information: