The course is designed for researchers, academic staff, research fellows, and Research and Development (R&D) managers and technicians involved in research, innovation, scientific literature review, and/or the preparation of funding applications, who wish to develop their skills in writing and evaluating applications for European funding programmes.

The training aims to equip participants with the skills required to write and evaluate applications for European funding programmes. Throughout the course, participants will explore the main characteristics and participation rules of the programme, good practices in Grant Writing, the use of the European Commission’s funding platform, and the preparation of application budgets.

Participants will also have the opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of proposal evaluation criteria and procedures, identify the strengths and weaknesses of applications, and explore opportunities for improvement through a practical simulation of proposal assessment and review. The training will also allow participants to apply the knowledge acquired to their own projects, validate their alignment with the relevant funding framework, and develop an initial draft application.

The course comprises a total of 24 hours and will take place on 20, 24, and 25 November, from 09:00 to 13:00 and from 14:00 to 18:00. Participation is limited to a minimum of 8 and a maximum of 15 participants.

The programme is organised into five modules. The first module introduces Horizon Europe and its structure, including an overview of European funding programmes, the main characteristics of Horizon Europe, participation rules, and eligibility criteria. The second focuses on the general principles of grant writing, with particular emphasis on the clarity, structure, and coherence of proposals, taking the evaluation criteria into account.

The third module covers the use of the EU Funding & Tenders Portal,from searching for funding opportunities and registering on the platform to submitting applications. The fourth focuses on budget preparation and development, including the main cost categories, eligibility criteria, justification of expenses, and applicable funding arrangements. Finally, the fifth module addresses proposal evaluation, including the relevant criteria and procedures, culminating in a practical exercise simulating the assessment and review of a funding application.

The training will be delivered by Nuno Cunha, CEO of AAVANZ (a funding consultancy) and innovation consultant for several high-tech start-ups in the fields of IT, Aerospace, Health, Gaming, AR/VR, and Digital Twins. He has experience in the implementation and management of technology development projects and R&D innovation initiatives, particularly in developing ideas for project implementation, securing funding, and bringing developed solutions to global markets. He specialises in funding mechanisms and incentives for business, innovation, and R&D initiatives.

IPN is a training provider certified by DGERT (2376/2016). Participants will receive a Professional Training Certificate upon completion of the training. To pass the course and obtain the certificate, participants must attend all 24 scheduled hours.

Applications can be submitted through the online registration form here.

The participation fee is €420 + VAT (23%) for registrations completed by 1 November 2026 (early bird) and €495 + VAT (23%) for registrations submitted by 15 November 2026.

IPN incubated companies benefit from a 15% discount. Participants registering two or more employees from the same company and Higher Education students benefit from a 10% discount. 

Discounts apply during both registration phases and are not cumulative. Once the training course is confirmed, the payment is non-refundable.

Os Coffee breaks during the training days are included

For further information, interested participants may contact IPN by telephone at +351 239 700 904 / 911 or by email at formacao@ipn.pt.