The aim of the EKA Research Grant is to support the establishment and development of research topics and groups of importance to the academy, promote knowledge transfer, and enhance the competitiveness of EKA’s research and development activities.
Grants starting in 2026:
- RESEARCH GRANT – a project focused on research (including artistic and practice-based research);
- DEVELOPMENT GRANT – an applied project carried out in cooperation with an organisation from the private, public, or non-profit sector.
Research and development grants are generally group grants. Applications that involve graduate students (MA and PhD) and collaboration with EKA workshops or labs are given additional consideration.
Application and evaluation:
- Duration: up to 24 months
- Maximum funding: up to €45,000 per year
- Application deadline: 21 November 2025
- Applications are submitted via EKA’s electronic document management system (WebDesktop/WD)
(Add new > Applications and Requests) - Results will be announced in December 2025
Detailed conditions for applying and evaluating research grants are described in the EKA Research Fund Statute (Section 9). Application forms are available on the EKA website.
Further information about EKA Research Grants:
Pille Epner – pille.epner@artun.ee
Linda Kaljundi – linda.kaljundi@artun.ee
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EKA LOOVKÄRG+ MINI DEVELPOMENT GRANTS
In addition to EKA Research Grants, funding is available for smaller-scale projects related to knowledge transfer through the EKA LOOVKÄRG+ project.
EKA LOOVKÄRG+ is EKA’s institutional project under the ASTRA+ programme, aimed at strengthening the links between research, development, and entrepreneurship, enhancing knowledge transfer capacity, and supporting the development of an entrepreneurial mindset in higher education institutions. The project is co-funded by the European Union through Cohesion Policy Funds.
Objective
Mini development grants support new knowledge transfer and collaboration initiatives, including experimental and innovative projects with the potential to bring EKA’s research and development results into social or entrepreneurial use.
Supported activities include:
- preparation of knowledge transfer projects (e.g. market research, service design);
- reaching potential partners or marketing R&D results developed at EKA;
- support for intellectual property management and related consulting.
The mini development grant is not intended for implementing cooperation projects but for initiating and preparing them.
Funding conditions
- Duration: up to 12 months
- Maximum funding: €10,000
- Expenses must comply with ASTRA+ programme requirements and contribute to the growth in the number and scope of cooperation agreements.
Eligible costs:
- outsourced services (research, analysis, IT services, translations, etc.);
- organisation of conferences and seminars;
- international travel and participation fees (e.g. conferences, networks);
- communication expenses and materials;
- short-term labour costs (e.g. expert consulting).
Non-eligible costs:
Purchase of equipment and tools, costs related to degree studies, infrastructure maintenance and repair, scholarships, awards, representation costs or gifts, permanent salaries, and domestic travel within Estonia.
Double funding from other programmes is not allowed.
Application
- Mini development grants can be applied for once a year.
- Applications are submitted directly via WebDesktop (Add new > Applications and Requests)
- Projects are evaluated by the EKA Development Grants Committee.
- In 2025, up to three projects will be supported.
- Application deadline: 21 November 2025
- Detailed application requirements can be found here.
Further information about EKA LOOVKÄRG+ Mini Development Grants:
Sven Idarand – sven.idarand@artun.ee
Helen Haab – helen.haab@artun.ee