HSbooster II offers free, expert-led support to research and innovation projects at every stage of their standardisation journey — from writing a proposal to contributing directly to Technical Committees and Working Groups. The services work as a connected system. Each one is designed to meet projects where they are, and to move them forward. A project that receives proposal support can return for mentoring once funded. A project in mentoring with strong standardisation potential is referred to the Accelerator. Training runs alongside and reinforces all three. The result is end-to-end support that grows with your project rather than offering a one-size-fits-all intervention.
How does it work?
All services are delivered through a match-making model: applicant projects are paired with qualified experts from HSbooster II's pool, selected for their relevance to the project's field, maturity, and standardisation objectives. All support is free of charge and accessed through open calls.
Proposal Support Service
For research consortia at the proposal stage — whether applying to Horizon Europe, other EU programmes, or national funding schemes. An expert reviews your proposal and identifies where standardisation can strengthen both your case to funders and your long-term routes to impact. This includes pinpointing relevant Technical Committees and Working Groups, advising on how to frame standardisation objectives, and ensuring that the right resources and strategies are in place before funding is confirmed. Support is short-term and timed to fit your submission deadline. Projects that receive proposal support and go on to secure funding can return for mentoring once their project is underway.
Mentoring Service
For ongoing and recently closed R&I projects — EU-funded, nationally funded, or supported under programmes such as EUREKA or Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions. A qualified expert, matched to your project's topic and standardisation context, works with your team for up to three months. Together you map the standardisation landscape relevant to your field, identify the right technical bodies and entry points, and develop a realistic strategy for engagement. The Mentoring Service is the main entry point to the HSBooster II ecosystem. Projects with strong standardisation potential identified through mentoring are referred to the Standards Accelerator Service for deeper, longer-term support.
Standards Accelerator Service
For projects with results ready to make a concrete contribution to standardisation. The Standards Accelerator provides up to six months of hands-on support from a specialist facilitator, moving projects from strategy to direct action. This includes drafting new work items or technical specifications, registering with Technical Committees, preparing for Working Group meetings, and developing the contributions needed to influence standardisation outcomes. Entry to this service is through the Mentoring Service. Projects are selected on the basis of their standardisation readiness and the strength of their results.
Training Academy
Available to all, at every stage. The HSbooster II Training Academy provides free online courses, webinars, and workshops covering standardisation from first principles through to advanced participation in Technical Committees. Materials are continuously updated and cover a broad range of domains, including ICT and security, health, energy, environment, and quality management. Dedicated modules are available for Technology Transfer Offices and National Contact Points, supporting the intermediaries who guide researchers towards standardisation pathways. Training is integrated into each service: proposal applicants receive targeted materials before their review; mentored projects access monthly online sessions; Accelerator participants take part in advanced interactive workshops focused on direct TC contribution.
Who can apply
HSbooster II services are open to: Research and innovation projects funded under Horizon Europe, Digital Europe, Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions, EUREKA, and national funding programmes — at any stage, from proposal writing to completed projects. Research support structures including Technology Transfer Offices and National Contact Points can access dedicated training and tools to build their capacity to advise researchers on standardisation. Applications are assessed on standardisation potential and readiness, not on project size or budget. Open calls are announced at hsbooster.eu.