EKA is accepting applications for research grants in the following categories for 2027:
- Research Grant – for academic research;
- Artistic Research Grant – for artistic and/or practice-based research;
- Development Grant – for applied projects carried out in collaboration with a private, public or non-profit sector organisation.
In addition, a call for mini development grants is open:
- LOOVKÄRG+ Mini Development Grant – for preparing and launching a new knowledge transfer or collaboration project.
📅 An information session will take place on Zoom on 16 October 2026.
The session will introduce all four funding opportunities and provide an opportunity to ask questions. A calendar invitation will be sent to the EKA mailing lists for researchers, project administrators and doctoral researchers. The event and Zoom link are also available in the EKA Wiki calendar.
⏰💬 TAO offers consultations on both the application as a whole and specific sections of an application. To request a consultation, please contact TAO no later than 11 November 2026.
⏰ The application deadline for all four grants is 23 November 2026.
EKA RESEARCH GRANTS
EKA Research Grants aim to support the establishment and development of research topics and research groups of strategic importance to the Academy, increase knowledge transfer, strengthen the competitiveness of EKA’s research and development activities, and support the preparation of larger projects and applications for external funding.
Three types of EKA Research Grants are available for projects starting in 2027:
RESEARCH GRANT – for projects focused on academic research. Research Grants are generally awarded to teams.
ARTISTIC RESEARCH GRANT – for projects focused on artistic and/or practice-based research. Artistic Research Grants may be awarded to either individuals or teams.
DEVELOPMENT GRANT – for applied projects carried out in collaboration with a private, public or non-profit sector organisation. Development Grants are generally awarded to teams and require at least 20% co-financing from the partner organisation.
Applications that integrate research and teaching will receive additional consideration, including those that involve degree students – both master’s and doctoral students – and collaboration with EKA workshops and laboratories.
Who can apply?
Research Grants may be applied for and led by EKA academic staff members who hold a doctoral degree and are employed at EKA with a workload of at least 0.5 FTE.
Artistic Research Grants may be applied for and led by EKA staff members who hold at least a master’s degree, are employed at EKA with a workload of at least 0.5 FTE, and have engaged in international activities related to artistic research within the past five years, with results that have been published and/or received public recognition or been put into practice.
- Development Grants may be applied for and led by EKA academic staff members who hold at least a master’s degree and are employed at EKA with a workload of at least 0.5 FTE. Preference will be given to applicants with previous experience in development projects.
APPLICATION PROCESS AND DETAILS
- Grant duration: up to 24 months
- Research Grant: up to €45,000 per year
- Artistic Research Grant: team grant up to €45,000 per year; individual grant up to €25,000 per year
- Development Grant: up to €45,000 per year
- Application deadline: 23 November 2026
- Application: via WebDesktop (WD): Add new → Applications and requests
- Evaluation: applications will be assessed by a five-member committee consisting of EKA’s Vice-Rector for Research, two members of EKA’s academic staff and two external members.
- Results: December 2026
Detailed conditions for applying for and evaluating Research Grants are set out in the EKA Research Fund Regulations.
Further information:
Pille Epner – pille.epner@artun.ee
Linda Kaljundi – linda.kaljundi@artun.ee
EKA LOOVKÄRG+ MINI DEVELOPMENT GRANTS
The LOOVKÄRG+ Mini Development Grant supports the preparation and launch of new knowledge transfer and collaboration projects. The funding is intended for experimental and innovative initiatives with the potential to bring the results of EKA’s research and development activities into practical use in society or business.
Important distinction: the Mini Development Grant is not intended to fund the implementation of a collaboration project itself, but rather its preparation and launch. For an applied project that is already being carried out with a partner, the EKA Development Grant is the appropriate funding instrument.
Mini Development Grants can be used, for example, to:
- prepare knowledge transfer projects, including conducting market research or service design;
- identify potential collaboration partners;
- promote research and development results produced at EKA;
- support intellectual property management and related consultancy.
FUNDING CONDITIONS
- Grant duration: up to 12 months
- Maximum funding: €10,000
- Costs must comply with the requirements of the ASTRA+ programme and contribute to increasing the number and value of collaboration agreements.
- Up to three projects will be funded in the 2027 call.
What costs can be covered?
Eligible costs include:
- outsourced services, such as research, analyses, IT services and translation;
- organising conferences and seminars;
- international travel and participation fees, for example for attending conferences and participating in networks;
- communication costs and materials;
- short-term personnel costs, such as expert consultancy.
The following costs are not eligible: purchase of equipment and work tools; costs related to degree studies; infrastructure maintenance and repairs; scholarships; bonuses; representation expenses and gifts; permanent staff salaries; and domestic travel within Estonia. Double funding from other programmes is not permitted.
APPLICATION PROCESS
- Application deadline: 23 November 2026
- Application: via WebDesktop (WD): Add new → Applications and requests
- Evaluation: projects will be assessed by a five-member committee consisting of EKA’s Vice-Rector for Research, two members of EKA’s academic staff and two external members.
- Results: December 2026
Detailed application requirements and the budget form are available HERE.
LOOVKÄRG+ is EKA’s institutional project under the ASTRA+ programme, aimed at strengthening links between research and development, business and the public sector, and increasing EKA’s knowledge transfer capacity. The project is co-funded by the European Union.
Further information:
Sven Idarand – sven.idarand@artun.ee
Helen Haab – helen.haab@artun.ee