# Microbiome for early cancer prediction before the onset of disease **Funder:** Horizon Europe **Budget:** Around €15M **Deadline:** 15 September 2026 (17:00 Brussels time) **Consortium:** Required — minimum 3 entities from 3 EU member states **Application:** Single-stage **Frequency:** One-off **Official call:** https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/opportunities/topic-details/HORIZON-MISS-2026-02-CANCER-02 **Last verified:** 18 June 2026 ## Eligibility & scope Horizon Europe RIA under the EU Cancer Mission supporting development of validated microbiome tools for early cancer prediction before disease onset, including AI risk modelling, longitudinal cohort studies, and comparison with liquid biopsy tests. Proposals must address multiple cancer types where possible and collaborate with large cohorts/registries. Lump sum grant; one grant expected. ## Summary This Horizon Europe RIA Call funds the development and validation of microbiome-based tools for early cancer prediction before disease onset, with a budget of around €15 million supporting AI risk modelling, longitudinal cohort studies, and comparison with liquid biopsy methods across multiple cancer types. The call is part of the EU Cancer Mission and requires a multinational consortium of at least three entities from three different EU member states. Only one grant is expected to be awarded. ## Who should apply - Research institutions and biotech companies with microbiome or oncology expertise - Partners in at least 3 different EU member states (consortium requirement) - Teams experienced in clinical cohort management and longitudinal study design - Groups with access to large cancer registries or biobanks for validation - Proposers combining molecular biology, bioinformatics/AI, and clinical oncology ## Key dates - Deadline: 15 September 2026, 17:00 Brussels time - Single-stage evaluation - One grant expected; lump-sum funding model ## Tips for applicants - Consortium is non-negotiable: three entities from three member states minimum, use the call text to confirm each partner's location and role before submission. - The EU Cancer Mission context means reviewers expect explicit linkage to cancer prevention policy and public health impact; quantify the clinical validation roadmap. - Liquid biopsy comparison is a stated scope element; if your microbiome work overlaps, position this as a differentiator or complementary approach, not redundancy. ## Frequently asked questions ### How much funding is available for this Horizon Europe microbiome cancer call? Around €15 million total; one grant is expected to be awarded under a lump-sum model. ### Can I apply if my institution is not in an EU member state? Your consortium must include at least three entities from three different EU member states, but you may include non-EU partners as associate or linked partners, verify the current Horizon Europe rules on your institution's eligibility. ### What is the deadline for this Horizon Europe microbiome call? 15 September 2026 at 17:00 Brussels time. ### What are the main research areas this call covers? Validated microbiome tools for early cancer prediction, AI risk modelling, longitudinal cohort studies, and comparison with liquid biopsy approaches across multiple cancer types. ### Is this a one-time call or will it reopen? This is a one-off call under the EU Cancer Mission with no announced future rounds. --- Source: [The Great Grantsby](https://grantsby.eu/grants/horizon-europe-microbiome-for-early-cancer-prediction-before-the--2026-09) — EU grant monitoring for academic researchers. Always verify details on the funder's website before applying. **See which EU calls match your profile.** [Preview your matches in 30 seconds, no signup](https://grantsby.eu/demo?ref=llm_grant_md).