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How many partners for Innovation Action (IA)?

Innovation Actions often need slightly broader consortia than RIA when demonstrations and industry uptake are central.

This page focuses on Innovation Action (IA). The calculator below is pre-set to this action type — paste a call identifier to enrich the curated range with medians from funded CORDIS projects on GRANTIBASE. Figures are indicative, not official Commission advice.

Most IA topics follow the standard collaborative minimum (three entities from three countries). Check industry / end-user requirements in the call.

Leave blank for an immediate curated estimate. Paste a call code only when you want CORDIS-backed medians from funded projects.

Typical consortium size

Usually 8–16 partners

Common range: 6–20

Innovation Actions often need slightly broader consortia than RIA when demonstrations and industry uptake are central.

Eligibility note
Most IA topics follow the standard collaborative minimum (three entities from three countries). Check industry / end-user requirements in the call.
Typical coordinator
Often industry-led or a research–industry tandem with a clear route to market or deployment.

Larger consortia when

  • Pilot lines, living labs, or multi-country demonstrations
  • Strong SME / industry uptake requirements
  • Value-chain coverage from suppliers to end users

Smaller consortia when

  • Single-pilot or narrowly scoped innovation paths
  • Topics with a few specialised industrial partners
  • Budget ceilings that favour a compact consortium

Indicative guidance based on typical Horizon Europe patterns — not official Commission advice. Always read the specific call conditions.

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Other action types

Compare typical consortium sizes across Horizon Europe, EIC, MSCA, and ERC actions.

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