National Contact Points (NCPs) are support structures that are an essential component in the implementation of the European Framework Programmes for Research and Innovation. These support structures are funded by the 27 EU member states and the countries that are associated to the framework programme.
NCPs provide information and on the ground advice to potential applicants and beneficiaries, through the project life cycle, in a manner that would be impossible for the European Commission and the Agencies acting alone.
The National Contact Point for Horizon informs stakeholders about the Horizon Europe EU Framework Programme for Research and Innovation, running from 2021-2027, and offers support for Horizon 2020 (2014-2020) projects which are still underway.
The Commission considers NCPs to be important partners in the implementation of the programme and the main structure for providing practical information and assistance to potential participants.
NCP Flanders gives advice to all stakeholders located in Flanders (enterprises, institutes, non-profit-organisations, universities, university colleges,...). The NCP advisors are located in the Research Foundation Flanders (FWO) or Flanders Innovation and Entrepreneurship (VLAIO).
This website is an important source of information and communication channel with our stakeholders. There is a news section, event calendar and a document and video library which can be searched with key words of your choice.
For each Horizon Europe and Horizon 2020 programme part a dedicated page offers the latest information on these programmes. Cross-programme subjects are summarised in info sheets.
Flemish stakeholders can create a myHORIZON account to receive regular updates in their mail box. Examples of projects with Flemish beneficiaries are showcased via the Inspire page and testimonies throughout our website.
Outside the Horizon framework programmes many other EU funding sources on research and innovation exist which can be consulted via the EU other funding page. The EU Funding Overview is an exhaustive overview of EU funding programmes and agencies.
Please take a look around and in case you would have any question do not hesitate to get in touch with us!
Autoship is, as the name suggests, an acronym for autonomous ship. Just like with self-driving cars, the possibilities of an unmanned boat seem endless. It can create more efficient freight transport, around the clock deliveries and these are just a few of the examples. The project has two societal challenges.
At first, De Vlaamse Waterweg was a bit hesitant as their experience with FP7 or Horizon 2020 projects was limited and they had not been very successful up until then. The fact that they were already doing basic research on the topic of autonomous boats, and the administrative help of NCP FLanders helped De Vlaamse waterweg to cross the line and get involved.