Bridges is designed for experienced organisations from Europe, Israel, or associated countries who are ready to lead or strengthen high-quality EU-funded consortia under Horizon Europe. The programme is best suited for those with a strong track record and clear intentions to engage in upcoming calls in the Aquaculture and Civil Security.Ideal participants include:Experienced coordinators who have previously led successful Horizon Europe or other EU-funded projects.Experienced partners who have actively contributed to winning EU consortia, particularly in Aquaculture and Civil Security topics.Organisations with strong EU submission experience that are now preparing to take on a coordinator role for the first time.Representatives from academia, industry, or government seeking to join high-impact projects and contribute their expertise to collaborative, innovative proposals.Positions include: Professor, Head of EU Projects, Research Assistant, CEOs, Founders, Ph.D., Partnerships Director, Funding Manager, Innovation Agencies, Labs, Incubators, and more.The programme is not suitable for consultants.

What topics will be covered during the programme?

The programme will cover:Horizon Europe Aquaculture and Civil Security Open Calls Overview• Masterclass on managing budgets, partners, and timelines – best practices for structuring successful proposals with diverse stakeholders• Case study from a winning consortium• 1:1 consultations – personalised guidance from experts to refine project strategies• Roundtable discussion – engaging with participants & local ecosystem players to explore synergies and collaboration opportunities.

What can I expect as an outcome of the programme?

As an outcome of the programme, you can expect to:Build strong, competitive consortia with experienced partners from Europe, Israel, and associated countries, supported by structured matchmaking and facilitated collaboration.Gain strategic insights into Horizon Europe open calls, including eligibility, policy context, and how to align your project for success.Strengthen your project coordination capabilities with practical tools for managing budgets, timelines, deliverables, and partner roles.Receive targeted expert guidance to refine your proposal, address gaps, and sharpen your strategy.Access the Booster Package: a tailored EIT Hub Israel support offering pre-paid consultancy to help refine and improve project proposals for consortia formed during the programme, increasing their chances of success.As programme alumnus, you will join the EIT Hub Israel network and get access to Horizon Europe matchmaking opportunities and support.

How can EIT Hub Israel support initiatives and collaborations created following the programme?

EIT Hub Israel offers a booster package for the most promising working groups:8-10 consultancy hours with a Horizon Europe expertOngoing support from the Hub teamConnections and matchmaking on demandPackage Value: €2500What is required to benefit from the booster package?A group of a minimum of 2 organisations that took part in the programmeDiverse consortia is an advantageGeneral proposal outline

Bridges

Athens, Greece

26-27 November 2025

Bridges

Athens, Greece

26-27 November 2025

Horizon Europe Matchmaking and Training in Aquaculture & Civil Security

Co-Led By

Ecosystem Partners

Explore the leading platform for forming Horizon Europe consortia

We invite you to apply to Bridges, a two-day, in-person programme tailored for Horizon Europe consortium coordinators and partners working in the fields of Aquaculture and Civil Security.

The programme offers a dynamic platform for European-Israeli collaboration, peer exchange, and practical preparation for upcoming Horizon Europe calls.

Gain targeted insights into relevant Cluster 3 and Cluster 6 topics, enhance your skills in consortium leadership and proposal development, and connect with like-minded experts shaping Europe’s future in these critical domains.

GET READY TO EXPAND YOUR HORIZONS!

How it works

Exclusive Selection:

35-40 exceptional leaders from Europe, Israel and associated countries will be selected based on expertise, capacity and potential to lead/join winning Horizon Europe consortia in Aquaculture and Civil Security

High-Impact 2-Day Programme:

Participate in expert-led workshops and practical sessions focused on Horizon Europe Aquaculture and Civil Security open calls, consortium leadership, and project execution strategies

Curated Matchmaking & Consortium Building:

Engage in targeted matchmaking and roundtable discussions designed to help you identify partners and form or strengthen consortia for upcoming Horizon Europe calls. Includes collaboration with key stakeholders from the Athens ecosystem, expanding opportunities for regional partnerships

Booster Package Opportunity:

Form a consortium during Bridges and unlock the opportunity to apply for our exclusive Booster Package – pre-paid expert consultancy to accelerate your proposal

The programme focuses on 2 topics:

Partner to win Horizon Europe funding of up to €5M for critical civil security solutions

Protecting Crowded Spaces from Terror Threats

Enhancing the security of citizens against terrorism and lone-actor violence in confined spaces (e.g. schools, stadiums).

This call targets solutions that protect the public from targeted attacks in vulnerable, high-traffic locations through preventive technologies, real-time detection, and rapid response systems.

Smart Tools for Disaster Response & Rescue

Development of innovative tools, equipment and technologies for response to disasters and emergencies in hazardous conditions.

Aimed at strengthening search and rescue missions in environments such as collapsed buildings, wildfires, or chemical spill zones, with smart equipment, robotics, and AI-enabled coordination tools.

Managing Cascading & Compound Crises

Multi-hazard approach and cumulative/cascading impacts. Focuses on improving readiness for compound and evolving crisis scenarios (e.g. earthquake followed by infrastructure failure), requiring interoperable systems and strategic coordination models.

Who is it for?
Researchers in crisis management, AI for emergency response, urban resilience, and security policy; and industry players in safety tech, early warning systems, and infrastructure resilience. First responders, regional authorities, utilities, and NGOs in disaster preparedness.

Join a Horizon Europe consortium to advance sustainable aquaculture innovation

Sustainable Blue and Aquatic Bioeconomy

Centres on unlocking the potential of marine and aquatic biodiversity for sustainable food systems, bio-based products, and local economic development. It emphasises circularity, ecosystem-based management, and innovation in small-scale aquaculture and fisheries.

This call supports models that promote valorization of marine organisms, biorefineries, small-scale aquatic food producers and recreational fisheries, enhancing local food security and community resilience.

Circular and Safe Bio-based Materials from Alternative Sources

Focuses on developing safe and sustainable bio-based polymers and materials from non-traditional biomass sources (e.g., food waste, fungi, marine biomass).

Use of alternative biomass, Safe-and-sustainable-by-design (SSbD) principles, Functionalization and application of bio-based polymers, Integration into multiple market sectors (e.g., packaging, textiles).

Climate-Resilient Water and Ecosystem Management

Addresses the need for innovative, decentralised, and ecosystem-based approaches to water management and biodiversity conservation in the face of climate change. It includes both terrestrial and deep-sea ecosystems.

Deep-sea ecosystem monitoring and conservation, Decentralised brackish water desalination for agriculture, Renewable energy integration and circular brine management, Biodiversity protection and adaptive governance.

Who is it for?
Researchers in marine biotech, food tech, climate and digital innovation; and industry players in blue bioeconomy, biorefineries, sustainable materials, and water tech. Also relevant: farmers, agri-cooperatives, and regional water authorities.

Why apply?

Horizon Europe Insights

Gain strategic insights into targeted Horizon Europe thematic areas (Cluster 3 & Cluster 6), including eligibility, evaluation criteria, and how to tailor your project for impact and funding success

Expert Masterclasses

Participate in expert-led masterclasses and hands-on sessions that cover key aspects of consortium management, such as budgeting, timelines, and deliverables

Strategic Partnerships

Connect with top-tier EU and Israeli innovators through curated matchmaking. Form or join consortia aligned with open calls in Aquaculture and Civil Security

Winning Support

Receive tailored support on-site and after the programme. Eligible consortia can access the Booster Package – a dedicated consultancy to accelerate your proposal

Exclusive Networks

Tap into the networks of EIT Hub Israel, the EU Delegation, Israel Innovation Authority, ISERD, and the Ecosytem partners, connecting you to top Horizon Europe ecosystems in Europe and Israel

Why Athens?

7th in Horizon Europe performance among all EU Member States.
Top 5 in coordinating Cluster 3 (Civil Security) across the EU.
926 proposals submitted by Greek organisations in 2024, more than any other country. They achieved 86 successful projects, the second highest number of wins in Europe.
Flagship civil security projects include NIGHTINGALE (ICCS), SPARROW (EXUS + Greek pilot sites), and RESCUER (THEON International, CERTH).
In Cluster 6, Greece drives marine innovation through projects like PerformFISH (University of Thessaly), Cure4Aqua, and AQUAEXCEL 3.0 (Hellenic Centre for Marine Research).
Athens is home to leading research institutions like Demokritos and NTUA, with a strong record in securing EU funding, forming strategic consortia, and delivering impact.

Who should apply?

Bridges is designed for experienced organisations from Europe, Israel, and associated countries who are ready to lead or strengthen high-quality EU-funded consortia under Horizon Europe. The programme is best suited for those with a strong track record and clear intentions to engage in upcoming calls in the Aquaculture and Civil Security.

Ideal participants include:

Experienced coordinators
who have previously led successful Horizon Europe or other EU-funded projects
Experienced partners 
who have actively contributed to winning EU consortia, particularly in Aquaculture and Civil Security-related topics
Experience organisations in EU submissions 
that are now preparing to take on a coordinator role for the first time
A leading role in academia, industry, or government 
seeking to join high-impact projects and contribute their expertise to collaborative, innovative proposals
Position titles for example - Professor, Head of EU Projects, Research Assistant, CEO, Founder, Ph.D., Partnerships Director, Funding Manager, etc. The programme is not suitable for consultants.

2025 Timeline

6 July

12 September

15-17 September

15 October*

26-27 November

Application Opens

Application Closes

Selection announcement

Onboarding webinar

(for accepted participants) *Subject to change

The programme in Athens

Agenda highlights

Horizon Europe Aquaculture and Civil Security Open Calls Overview: Strategic guidance on upcoming calls and how to align your proposal with EU priorities.
Structuring Winning Proposals: Best practices for aligning budgets, partners, and timelines in competitive consortia.
Inside a Winning Horizon Project: Case study insights
What Makes or Breaks a Proposal: Tips and red flags that strengthen or weaken proposals.
Harnessing AI for Project Success: Leverage AI tools to streamline coordination, enhance reporting, and manage Horizon Europe projects more efficiently.

Strategic Matchmaking with the Greek Ecosystem: B2B meetings with leading Greek players in aquaculture and civil security, aimed at fostering cross-border partnerships for Horizon Europe consortia.
1:1 Consultations with Horizon Experts: Offering tailored guidance on proposal strategy, consortium structure, and alignment with EU priorities.
From Insights to Action: Wrap up with key takeaways, tailored next steps, and information on EIT Hub Israel’s Booster Package support for proposal development.

* The agenda above is subject to change.

Assessment Criteria

Each application will be reviewed and ranked by the following criteria, based on the information provided in the application form:

Experience participating in successful Horizon Europe or other EU-funded consortia
Track record as a project coordinator, including the number of coordinated projects
Previous involvement in consortia related to Aquaculture and/or Civil Security
Relevance of your organisation’s expertise to the 2026 Horizon Europe open calls
Intent to coordinate or participate in consortia addressing Aquaculture/Civil Security topics in the 2026 calls
Originating from a Regional Innovation Scheme (RIS) country
The selection process will consider gender diversity and inclusive representation
An individual online interview may be scheduled as an additional evaluation criterion.
The selection process is competitive and based on excellence and the above criteria.
Show more

Finance

Participation in the programme, valued at €950, is fully funded for the 35–40 selected participants, who are chosen through a screening and evaluation process. Participants are expected to cover their own travel and accommodation expenses.

A limited number of selected participants may be eligible for partial reimbursement of up to €500 to support travel and accommodation costs. Eligibility for reimbursement will be assessed based on:

Assessment scores based on the assessment criteria
Provide a justification explaining why they require financial support within the application form
Residency outside Athens
Preference given to applicants from RIS (Regional Innovation Scheme) countries

Reimbursement recipients will be required to:
- Submit a brief update on follow-up activities (e.g. consortium building or proposal development) within one month after the programme.
- Share a reflective blog post or social media piece, highlighting their experience, insights gained, and how the programme contributed to their Horizon Europe journey.

Final reimbursement decisions will be made after the selection process and communicated directly to selected participants.

Bridges IMPACT

With a strong track record, Bridges empowers European and Israeli stakeholders to build competitive consortia and win Horizon Europe funding in strategic fields

19 Events

Through the Bridges programme, expert consortium-building activities are carried out in partnership with the EU Delegation, ISERD, and EIT KICs. The events aim to raise awareness of Horizon Europe opportunities and equip stakeholders with the tools to act

49 Open Calls Presented

We highlight the most strategic thematic areas, like Civil Security and Aquaculture, but also Energy, Health and more, aligning innovators with calls where they can lead or contribute meaningfully to European implementation

939 Participants

Our outreach and hands-on activities bring together top-tier participants to form consortia over mono-beneficiary approaches. The goal: real collaboration, real innovation, real success

18 Consortia Formed & 2 Winning Bids

Supporting newly formed EU–Israel consortia succeed with targeted training, strategic matchmaking, and dedicated follow-up support, leading to funded projects and real-world impact

Impact

Bridges fosters collaboration between European and Israeli innovators to drive Horizon Europe success through strategic matchmaking, expert guidance, and practical training

19 Events

Expert-led consortium-building activities co-organised with European and Israeli partners over the past 5 years

49 Open Calls

Covering a wide range of Horizon Europe topics - from health to climate, with tailored guidance for proposal alignment

939 Participants

Connecting experienced stakeholders from Europe and Israel to form meaningful, cross-border partnerships

18 Consortia / 2 Wins

From idea to impact: consortia formed through Bridges have submitted strong proposals and secured EU funding

Check out our previous events around strategic thematic areas:

FAQ

Yes, participants are expected to attend the programme in person on 26-27 November in Europe (the agenda on day 2 will conclude around ~14:30). Active participation in workshops, networking sessions, and 1:1 meetings is essential to maximise the programme’s value. Travel and accommodation partial reimbursement may be available for selected participants based on assessment scores and financial need.

Participants will engage with leaders from Europe, Israel, and non-EU countries with extensive experience in EU funding, Horizon Europe projects, and international collaboration. The programme will feature experts from academia, government, tech companies, and industry, including successful project coordinators, ecosystem partners, corporate representatives, and funding specialists, providing valuable insights and networking opportunities.

Bridges is designed for experienced organisations from Europe, Israel, or associated countries who are ready to lead or strengthen high-quality EU-funded consortia under Horizon Europe. The programme is best suited for those with a strong track record and clear intentions to engage in upcoming calls in the Aquaculture and Civil Security.

Ideal participants include:

Experienced coordinators who have previously led successful Horizon Europe or other EU-funded projects.
Experienced partners who have actively contributed to winning EU consortia, particularly in Aquaculture and Civil Security topics.
Organisations with strong EU submission experience that are now preparing to take on a coordinator role for the first time.
Representatives from academia, industry, or government seeking to join high-impact projects and contribute their expertise to collaborative, innovative proposals.

Positions include: Professor, Head of EU Projects, Research Assistant, CEOs, Founders, Ph.D., Partnerships Director, Funding Manager, Innovation Agencies, Labs, Incubators, and more.

The programme is not suitable for consultants.

The programme will cover:

Horizon Europe Aquaculture and Civil Security Open Calls Overview
• Masterclass on managing budgets, partners, and timelines – best practices for structuring successful proposals with diverse stakeholders
• Case study from a winning consortium
• 1:1 consultations – personalised guidance from experts to refine project strategies
• Roundtable discussion – engaging with participants & local ecosystem players to explore synergies and collaboration opportunities.

The full cost of the programme is €950 per participant; however, EIT Hub Israel will offer travel and accommodation reimbursement to selected participants based on their assessment scores and financial need of €500.

Each application will be assessed based on a set of clear and competitive criteria, including: experience as a coordinator, track record in Horizon Europe/EU projects, participation and leadership in winning consortia, thematic relevance (Aquaculture and Civil Security), as well as considerations for diversity and inclusion, affiliation with KIC partners, and representation from RIS countries.

All applicants will be reviewed by EIT Hub Israel. Shortlisted applicants may be invited to a brief interview to support the evaluation process.
All applicants will be notified of the results by 15 September 2025.

If you wish to submit a query about the following selection process, you can email Maayan at: maayan.sharon@eithubisrael.eu

As an outcome of the programme, you can expect to:

Build strong, competitive consortia with experienced partners from Europe, Israel, and associated countries, supported by structured matchmaking and facilitated collaboration.
Gain strategic insights into Horizon Europe open calls, including eligibility, policy context, and how to align your project for success.
Strengthen your project coordination capabilities with practical tools for managing budgets, timelines, deliverables, and partner roles.
Receive targeted expert guidance to refine your proposal, address gaps, and sharpen your strategy.
Access the Booster Package: a tailored EIT Hub Israel support offering pre-paid consultancy to help refine and improve project proposals for consortia formed during the programme, increasing their chances of success.
As programme alumnus, you will join the EIT Hub Israel network and get access to Horizon Europe matchmaking opportunities and support.

EIT Hub Israel offers a booster package for the most promising working groups:

8-10 consultancy hours with a Horizon Europe expert
Ongoing support from the Hub team
Connections and matchmaking on demand
Package Value: €2500

What is required to benefit from the booster package?

A group of a minimum of 2 organisations that took part in the programme
Diverse consortia is an advantage
General proposal outline

For any questions: maayan.sharon@eithubisrael.eu

CO-LED BY:

The EU Delegation to Israel is the official representative of the European Union in Israel. It works to strengthen EU and Israel relations by promoting political dialogue, economic cooperation, research and innovation partnerships, and public diplomacy. The Delegation engages with senior decision makers, supports EU funded programmes and projects, facilitates trade, and enhances collaboration between Israeli and European institutions, particularly in innovation, civil society, and academia.

ISERD, the Israel-Europe Research and Innovation Directorate, operates under the Israel Innovation Authority and supports Israeli participation in European research and innovation programmes. As Israel’s official National Contact Point for the EU Framework Programmes, ISERD helps organisations access funding, build international partnerships, and join European consortia.

The Israel Innovation Authority is a government agency responsible for supporting and advancing the country's innovation ecosystem. It promotes technological entrepreneurship and industrial R&D by offering funding, incentives, and strategic guidance to startups, companies, and research institutions. The Authority plays a key role in fostering global partnerships, encouraging cutting-edge innovation, and maintaining Israel's position as a global leader in science and technology.

Ecosystem partners:

The Athens Chamber of Commerce and Industry is Greece’s leading chamber, representing over 120,000 businesses, primarily SMEs. As an official government advisor on economic policy, it promotes innovation, fair competition, and a business-friendly environment to support sustainable growth and resilience for its members.

The Athens Startup Business Incubator (Th.E.A.), an initiative of the Athens Chamber of Commerce and Industry, supports innovative startups and scaleups with high growth potential. Th.E.A. helps teams develop entrepreneurial skills, expand their networks, and grow sustainably through tailored mentoring and a supportive environment.

EIT Digital is one of the Knowledge and Innovation Communities (KICs) supported by the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT), a body of the European Union. It focuses on strengthening Europe’s digital innovation capacity by integrating education, research, and entrepreneurship to drive digital transformation and scale deep tech ventures across Europe.

The Embassy of Greece in Israel serves as the official diplomatic mission of the Hellenic Republic in the State of Israel. Located in Tel Aviv, the embassy promotes and strengthens bilateral relations between Greece and Israel across political, economic, cultural, and scientific domains. It also provides consular services to Greek citizens residing in or visiting Israel and supports initiatives that foster cooperation between the two countries.

Join Other Consortium Building Events

Calling2Scale Flood Resilience & Response Challenge

A challenge-based programme supporting advanced European & Israeli startups in scaling solutions for flood risk reduction and emergency response through global partnerships, expert mentoring, and new market opportunities.

Bridges

Horizon Europe matchmaking and training in Aquaculture & Civil Security.

Bridging the Horizon

Bridging the Horizon is a virtual round table programme that brings together innovation leaders from Europe and Israel to create a working group and win a grant.

The DeepTechers

A 3-day capsule programme designed to foster long-term collaboration between organisations that support deep tech venture creation and growth.

Mission: Innovation

An innovation bootcamp for European diplomats based in Israel, designed to provide an immersive deep dive into the Israeli ecosystem.

Bridges

Athens, Greece

Bridges

Athens, Greece

Horizon Europe Matchmaking and Training in Aquaculture & Civil Security

Co-Led By

Ecosystem Partners

Explore the leading platform for forming Horizon Europe consortia​

How it works

The programme focuses on 2 topics:

Partner to win Horizon Europe funding of up to €5M for critical civil security solutions

Protecting Crowded Spaces from Terror Threats

Smart Tools for Disaster Response & Rescue

Managing Cascading & Compound Crises

Join a Horizon Europe consortium to advance sustainable aquaculture innovation

Sustainable Blue and Aquatic Bioeconomy

Circular and Safe Bio-based Materials from Alternative Sources

Climate-Resilient Water and Ecosystem Management

Why apply?

Horizon Europe Insights

Expert Masterclasses

Strategic Partnerships

Winning Support

Exclusive Networks

Why Athens?

Who should apply?

2025 Timeline

Application Opens

Application Closes

Selection announcement

Onboarding webinar

The programme in Athens

Agenda highlights

Assessment Criteria

Finance

Bridges IMPACT

With a strong track record, Bridges empowers European and Israeli stakeholders to build competitive consortia and win Horizon Europe funding in strategic fields

19 Events

49 Open Calls Presented

939 Participants

18 Consortia Formed & 2 Winning Bids

Impact

Bridges fosters collaboration between European and Israeli innovators to drive Horizon Europe success through strategic matchmaking, expert guidance, and practical training

19 Events

49 Open Calls

939 Participants

18 Consortia / 2 Wins

Check out our previous events around strategic thematic areas:

FAQ

CO-LED BY:

Ecosystem partners:

Join Other Consortium Building Events

Calling2Scale Flood Resilience & Response Challenge

Bridges

Bridging the Horizon

The DeepTechers

Mission: Innovation

search

CONTACT US

EIT HUB ISRAEL

Full access to the community network

Access to Healthcare

Predictive Treatment

Patient Journey Navigation

Peer-to-Peer Medical Exchange

Explore the leading platform for forming Horizon Europe consortia