Submitting a successful application to Open Horizons is not just about presenting a great idea. It is about showing that your startup is eligible, prepared, and aligned with real market needs. Many applications fail due to small but avoidable mistakes, which can be prevented by following a few essential tips from our team.
1. Make the guidelines your best ally
Before starting your application, read the official Guidelines and the list of challenges carefully.
Most questions and doubts can be answered here. Many applications are rejected because applicants overlook simple instructions, such as eligibility rules or required documents.
Take the time to:
- Read the Guidelines
- Check Annex 1 to preview the full application form
- Study the challenges and select the one that best fits your solution
- Review the FAQs to avoid common mistakes
- For more digestible information, check our articles
2. Know your eligibility
A frequent question we receive is: “My company is not legally registered yet. Can I apply?”. The answer is no.
Your startup must be:
- Legally registered and officially recorded in a government business registry, in one of the eligible countries – they are listed in the Guidelines.
- Established at least 6 months before the submission deadline and not older than 6 years at the time of application
- Be an early-stage startup, with no more than €1M raised in equity and having an annual turnover not exceeding € 50 million, or an annual balance sheet total not exceeding € 43 million
If your application is selected, the consortium will verify all legal documents before signing the Sub-Grant Agreement.
To consult the complete list of criteria or clarify any doubts, please read the Guidelines on page 9.
3. Focus on one challenge
Applicants often ask: “Can I submit a solution that fits more than one challenge?”
Each proposal must focus on a single corporate challenge. This ensures that your solution is clear, actionable, and aligned with the co-creation and piloting process.
So, make sure you choose a challenge that truly matches your product and innovation. You will have the key to stand out.
4. Submit through the official platform: start now, check, and submit on time
Applications must be submitted only via the SPLORO online platform, accessible through the Open Horizons website.
Any applications submitted by email or other methods will not be considered.
We know the startup world is hectic, as it might be that you find yourself with less time to fill in the application. There is no need to worry: the platform allows you to save your progress as a draft, allowing you to pause and resume your work.
A special tip: don’t start late! Start now, study and review the criteria, allow yourself some time for tailored assistance from our team, and ensure your submission is delivered on time.
5. Avoid common mistakes: the wise woman learns from the mistakes of others
We often see the same oversights from applicants. To avoid wasting time or risking rejection, pay attention to:
- Checking for orange exclamation marks in the platform: they indicate missing or incomplete information
- Verifying your registration year in the form: if not set manually, it may default to 2025, which could make your application ineligible
- Allowing enough time to complete your application: even if the form is straightforward, providing thoughtful answers requires preparation
6. Make your application shine: what can you really deliver?
A strong proposal does more than describe an idea. It shows that your startup is ready to deliver:
- Align your solution with the selected challenge goals
- Explain why it works and the impact it can generate
- Demonstrate your team’s capacity and experience
- Aim to meet as many challenge objectives as possible to increase competitiveness
By following these tips, you can avoid common pitfalls and make your application stand out. If you still have some questions, don’t hesitate to reach out to info@openhorizonsproject.eu, we will be happy to support you before the deadline.
The first Open Call closes on 21 August 2025 at 17:00 CEST. Make sure your startup is ready to submit a clear, complete, and challenge-driven proposal.
You can find all the Open Call #1 resources here.