Phortify Grants for the Be Part of Phortify program directed to women - Pilot Call

Phortify is offering a pilot cascade funding call providing five lump-sum grants of €600 each (total €3,000) to support undergraduate students of underrepresented genders in STEM to attend a mandatory in-person three-day Be Part of Phortify immersive programme at ICFO in the Barcelona area in July 2026. Applicants must be enrolled undergraduate STEM students and nationals of an EU Member State, an associated country, or a country eligible under the Digital Europe Programme, and must submit a CV and motivation letter via the Phortify/MyPhortify application route. The single-stage application opened 20 March 2026 and closes 19 May 2026 at 23:59 Brussels time; selection follows eligibility verification and a comparative assessment using published DEI-aware evaluation criteria. Publication on the EU Funding & Tenders Portal is for visibility only; funding and selection are managed and disbursed directly by Phortify.

One-line summary

What it funds

Lump-sum grants of €600 each to contribute to travel, accommodation, subsistence and participation costs for selected undergraduate STEM students from genders underrepresented in STEM to attend a 3-day in-person immersive program at ICFO (Barcelona) in July 2026.

Who can apply:Undergraduate students enrolled in a STEM programme who are nationals of an EU Member State, an associated country or other countries eligible under the Digital Europe Programme; applicants must be students at time of participation and submit a CV plus a Phortify-specific motivation letter.

1. 1Register and apply via MyPhortify and the Be Part of Phortify application form (link available on Phortify pages)
2. 2Submit CV and motivation letter by the deadline
3. 3Eligible applications are ranked using a 0-10 scoring framework; awards made until partner budgets are exhausted

The in-person programme includes a 3-day visit to ICFO, paired one-day lab stays, career development and networking sessions; participation in all activities is mandatory and the event is free but funding application is separate. Apply via MyPhortify (Phortify website) or the Be Part of Phortify form Be Part of Phortify application form and consult MyPhortify MyPhortify. ¹

Footnotes

1. 1Publication on the EU Funding & Tenders Portal is for visibility only. This call is launched and managed by Phortify/ICFO and the financial support will be provided directly by Phortify under its own responsibility; see the call text on Phortify/MyPhortify for authoritative details.

This competitive cascade funding call supports the participation of undergraduate students from underrepresented genders in STEM in a 3-day immersive photonics program hosted by ICFO in the Barcelona area in July 2026. The grants provide lump-sum financial support to contribute to travel, accommodation, subsistence and participation-related costs. The event itself is free of charge but prior registration is mandatory. The call is published on the EU Funding & Tenders Portal for visibility; however, it is not an EU action. Funding and selection are carried out solely by Phortify.

Programme and call identity:EU funded parent project: PHORTIFY — PHOtonics education netwoRk for nexT-gen Innovation and digital skills excellence For industrY and society (Grant Agreement 101226191) under DIGITAL-2024. Call title: Phortify Grants for the Be Part of Phortify program directed to women - Pilot Call. Cascade funding within the Phortify project.

Opportunity scope and activities

The Be Part of Phortify program is a 3-day intensive, in-person experience at ICFO designed to bring participants closer to frontier research and career opportunities in deep tech with a focus on photonics. Activities include a guided visit to ICFO, a paired one-day laboratory stay embedded within an ICFO research group, a career development session exploring multidisciplinary photonics prospects, networking sessions with researchers and peers, and a transferable-skills training session. The program is conducted in English and participation in all activities is mandatory for selected attendees.

Examples of ICFO research groups available for laboratory stays (selection):Quantum Information Theory (GL: Antonio Acín); Quantum NanoElectronics and NanoMechanics (GL: Adrian Bachtold); Attoscience and Ultrafast Optics (GL: Jens Biegert); Theoretical Quantum-Nano Photonics (GL: Darrick Chang); Quantum Photonics with Solids and Atoms (GL: Hugues de Riedmatten); Medical Optics (GL: Turgut Durduran); Nanophotonics Theory (GL: Javier Garcia de Abajo); CO2 Mitigation Accelerated by Photons (GL: Pelayo García de Arquer); Single Molecule Biophotonics (GL: María García-Parajo); Functional Optoelectronic Nanomaterials (GL: Gerasimos Konstantatos); Quantum Nano-Optoelectronics (GL: Frank Koppens); Neurophotonics and Mechanical Systems Biology (GL: Michael Krieg); Quantum Optics Theory (GL: Maciej Lewenstein); Photon Harvesting in Plants and Biomolecules (GL: Nicoletta Liguori); SLN - Team Loza (GL: Pablo Loza-Alvarez); Organic Nanostructured Photovoltaics (GL: Jordi Martorell); Atomic Quantum Optics (GL: Morgan Mitchell); Quantum Engineering of Light (GL: Juan P. Torres); Thermal Photonics (GL: Georgia Papadakis); Optoelectronics (GL: Valerio Pruneri); Macroscopic Quantum Optics Theory (GL: Oriol Romero-Isart); STM on 2D quantum materials (GL: Carmen Rubio-Verdú); Ultracold Quantum Gases (GL: Leticia Tarruell); Nonlinear Optical Phenomena (GL: Lluís Torner); Molecular Nanophotonics (GL: Niek van Hulst).

Who should apply

The call specifically welcomes applications from students of underrepresented genders in STEM, particularly women (including cis and trans women), as well as non-binary and genderqueer individuals. Applicants must be enrolled in undergraduate STEM programs and be students at the time of participation in the workshop. Applicants should demonstrate a clear link between the program and their academic or professional development in their application.

Eligibility and nationality

• Applicant status: Undergraduate students enrolled in a STEM undergraduate program; must remain students at the time of the event.
• Targeted inclusivity: Underrepresented genders in STEM, particularly women, including cis and trans women, non-binary and genderqueer individuals.
• Nationality: Nationals of an EU Member State, an associated country, or a country with which the EU has an ongoing cooperation agreement under the Digital Europe Programme (authoritative list to be published with the call; it may be updated in line with European Commission guidance).

Funding details

• Instrument: Cascade funding from the PHORTIFY project in the form of lump-sum grants.
• Grant size at ICFO: €600 per selected participant (5 grants available in this pilot item).
• Total available budget indicated: €3,000.
• Use of funds: Contribution to travel, accommodation, subsistence, and participation-related expenses for attending the 3-day program.
• Restrictions: Financial support may only be used for the activities listed above; other activities are not eligible.
• Event fees: The event is free of charge; registration is mandatory.

Application process

Applications for Phortify funding must be submitted via the Phortify website and the MyPhortify portal. The call follows a closed-call procedure with a single-stage deadline. Late submissions are not eligible. While the opportunity is listed on the EU Funding & Tenders Portal for visibility, all application steps and funding decisions are managed by Phortify.

Where to apply and learn more:EU Funding & Tenders Portal listing: Call page. Phortify application hub and eligibility details: MyPhortify. Event registration form for the program: Be Part of Phortify application form.

Documents required at submission:Curriculum vitae (CV). Be Part of Phortify-specific motivation letter outlining the applicant’s interest in the program and its relevance to their academic and career development. Applications missing required documents or not meeting eligibility will be declared ineligible.

Key steps and timeline:1) Review eligibility and prepare CV and tailored motivation letter. 2) Register for the Be Part of Phortify event via the registration form. 3) Submit the funding application via the Phortify website/MyPhortify by 19 May 2026, 23:59 Brussels time. 4) Await evaluation and selection outcome communicated by the relevant partner institution/Phortify Coordinator. 5) If selected, attend the 3-day program in July 2026 at ICFO (Barcelona area).

Evaluation and selection

The predefined evaluation framework for this call is published on the Phortify website and applies consistently across partner institutions. The process has two sequential stages: eligibility verification (pass/fail), followed by comparative assessment and ranking of eligible applications.

• Stage 1 – Eligibility verification: Check compliance with call text; verify presence of required CV and specific motivation letter.
• Stage 2 – Comparative assessment: Two criteria scored 0–5 points each; maximum total score 10 points.
• Evaluation criteria: 1) Motivation and alignment with Phortify objectives (0–5): quality, coherence, relevance of the motivation letter. 2) Overall applicant profile (0–5): skills, experience, background, and potential contribution to the Phortify community, reflected in the CV.
• Ranking and funding allocation: Applications are ranked in descending order of total score. Funding is awarded in order of merit until the budget per partner institution is exhausted. In cases of ties or comparable results, tie-breaker rules may prioritize underrepresented groups, including students from disadvantaged socio-economic backgrounds, aligned with Phortify DEI objectives.
• Selection committees: Local selection committees at partner institutions evaluate applications; members must declare conflicts of interest and apply mitigation as needed.
• Documentation and transparency: Partner institutions document outcomes and decisions; awards are communicated to the Phortify Coordinator; aggregate data are reported per project obligations.

Administrative and legal notice

Disclaimer:This call and its financial support are not an EU action. The call is launched by Phortify, which bears full responsibility for preparation, drafting, selection and payment of financial support to selected applicants. Publication on the EU Funding & Tenders Portal is solely for information purposes and does not imply approval of the call’s content or a waiver of Phortify’s responsibility by EU authorities.

Structured categorization and answers

Eligible Applicant Types:Individual undergraduate students enrolled in STEM. Specifically targets women and underrepresented genders in STEM, including cis and trans women, non-binary and genderqueer individuals.

Funding Type:Grant via cascade funding from the PHORTIFY project, disbursed as a lump-sum contribution to participation costs.

Consortium Requirement:Single applicant. No consortium; individual students apply.

Beneficiary Scope (Geographic Eligibility):Nationals of EU Member States, associated countries, or countries with ongoing cooperation agreements with the EU under the Digital Europe Programme. The authoritative list will be published with the call and may be updated per European Commission guidance.

Target Sector:Photonics and deep tech across multiple topical areas, including quantum science and technologies, advanced imaging, medical optics and biophotonics, optoelectronics and nanomaterials, ultrafast and nonlinear optics, photovoltaics, thermal photonics, nanophotonics theory, and related ICT and digital skills.

Mentioned Countries:Spain (Barcelona area, ICFO). Belgium (Vrije Universiteit Brussel). Netherlands (Eindhoven University of Technology; Smart Photonics BV). Poland (Warsaw University of Technology). Finland (University of Eastern Finland). Germany (Friedrich-Schiller University Jena; Active Fiber Systems GmbH). Italy (Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche - IFN). Regionally: European Union.

Project Stage:Training and short-term mobility/immersion. The grant supports participation in a 3-day educational and laboratory experience rather than R&D execution.

Funding Amount:ICFO pilot item: 5 grants of €600 each, lump sum, not linked to duration. Total indicated budget for this item: €3,000.

Application Type:Closed call with a single-stage deadline. Proposals submitted via the Phortify website/MyPhortify portal. The EU Funding & Tenders Portal listing is for information only.

Nature of Support:Money: lump-sum grants to contribute to travel, accommodation, subsistence, and participation costs. In addition, beneficiaries receive non-monetary benefits in the form of training, networking and laboratory exposure during the event.

Application Stages:2 stages: 1) Eligibility verification (pass/fail). 2) Comparative assessment and ranking based on two criteria scored 0–5 each, maximum 10 points.

Success Rates:Not specified. Selection is merit-based with ranking until the allocated budget is exhausted; tie-break rules may favor underrepresented groups and disadvantaged socio-economic backgrounds per DEI objectives.

Co-funding Requirement:No formal co-funding rate is specified. The grant is a fixed lump sum intended as a contribution to eligible participation costs; any costs beyond the lump sum must be covered by the participant or other sources.

Templates: Application form structure and required content:Applicants must prepare and submit: 1) Curriculum vitae (CV). 2) A Be Part of Phortify-specific motivation letter detailing their interest in the program and its relevance to their academic and career development. Event registration collects personal details (name, email, mobile), gender identification aligned with the program’s inclusivity scope, and preferences for ICFO research groups to visit, as well as training interests. Suggested outline for the motivation letter: a) Introduction and current STEM undergraduate status and institution. b) Motivation to participate and alignment with Phortify’s objectives in photonics and digital skills. c) Expected learning outcomes and how the program supports academic/professional development. d) Relevance of selected ICFO research groups to the applicant’s interests. e) Contribution to the Phortify community and diversity, equity and inclusion values.

How to prepare a strong application

• Demonstrate clear alignment with photonics and deep tech career aspirations in the motivation letter.
• Showcase relevant STEM coursework, projects, or lab exposure in the CV that relate to photonics or adjacent fields.
• Select at least two ICFO research groups that genuinely match your interests; briefly reference them in the motivation letter.
• Explain how participation will impact your academic trajectory, skills development, and future decisions (e.g., master’s specialization, internships, research topics).
• Ensure all required documents are complete and tailored to the Be Part of Phortify program; submit before the deadline.
• Note that travel logistics should be feasible within the lump-sum budget plus any additional personal resources if needed.

Key links

• EU Funding & Tenders Portal call listing: Phortify Grants - Pilot Call
• Phortify hub and funding pathways: MyPhortify
• Event registration form: Be Part of Phortify application form
• ICFO research groups overview: ICFO Research Groups

Summary

This cascade funding opportunity from the PHORTIFY project offers targeted lump-sum grants to help undergraduate students from underrepresented genders in STEM attend a 3-day immersive photonics program at ICFO in the Barcelona area in July 2026. The grants, available in this pilot item as 5 awards of €600 each, are intended to partially cover travel, accommodation, subsistence and participation-related expenses for the free-to-attend event. Applicants must be current undergraduate STEM students and provide a CV and a tailored motivation letter demonstrating alignment with Phortify’s objectives and personal academic or professional development. Eligibility includes nationals of EU Member States, associated countries and countries cooperating with the EU under the Digital Europe Programme, with the authoritative list to be provided by Phortify. Applications are submitted via the Phortify website and MyPhortify portal by a single-stage deadline. Evaluation proceeds through eligibility verification and a comparative assessment based on motivation alignment and the overall profile, with transparent, merit-based ranking and DEI-aware tie-break rules. The program exposes participants to frontier photonics research, laboratory environments within ICFO’s world-class groups, career development sessions, transferable-skills training, and networking with researchers and peers. Overall, this pilot call is a concise, inclusive pathway to experience deep tech and photonics firsthand while building skills, knowledge and connections for future STEM careers.

Funding Opportunity Overview

This pilot call provides grants for undergraduate students from underrepresented genders in STEM to participate in an intensive 3-day immersive program at ICFO (Institut de Ciencies Fotoniques) in Barcelona. The Be Part of Phortify program is designed to introduce students to frontier photonics research, expose them to career pathways in deep tech, and build networks within the scientific community. The program is delivered in English and requires in-person participation in all activities during July 2026. ¹

Opportunity Type:Cascade funding programme under Phortify, published on EU Funding & Tenders Portal for visibility purposes. The financial support is provided by Phortify, not directly by the European Union.

Key Dates:Call opened March 20, 2026. Application deadline: May 19, 2026 at 23:59 Brussels time (single-stage submission). Programme scheduled: July 2026.

Funding Amount and Budget Details

Total Funding Available:€3,000 total budget for this pilot call.

Grant Structure:ICFO is allocating 5 lump-sum grants of €600 each. These are not linked to duration and are intended to contribute to participants' costs for travel, accommodation, subsistence, and participation-related expenses. ²

Who Can Apply

Target Participants

The program is specifically directed at women and other underrepresented genders in STEM. This explicitly welcomes cis women, trans women, non-binary individuals, and genderqueer students. The funding framework prioritizes widening participation by supporting those traditionally underrepresented in science, technology, engineering and mathematics fields.

Academic Status Requirements

• Undergraduate students enrolled in STEM programmes at any institution
• Must be registered as a student at the time of programme participation
• No restriction to Phortify partner institutions for this particular call

Nationality and Geographic Eligibility

Applicants must be nationals of:(1) an EU Member State, (2) an associated country, or (3) a country with which the European Union has an ongoing cooperation agreement under the Digital Europe Programme. Eligible countries include those participating in Digital Partnerships, Trade and Technology Councils, digital dialogues, or other forms of ongoing international cooperation with the European Commission in the field of digital technologies. An authoritative list of eligible countries will be published as part of this call and may be updated according to European Commission guidance.

Academic/Professional Development Link

All applicants must demonstrate a clear connection between the Be Part of Phortify programme and their academic or professional development objectives.

About ICFO and the Phortify Programme

ICFO is a CERCA research centre and member of the Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, founded in 2002 by the Government of Catalonia and Universitat Politecnica de Catalunya. The institute hosts 450 people across 25 research teams using 80 state-of-the-art research laboratories. Research encompasses diverse areas where photonics plays a decisive role, including medicine and biology, advanced imaging, information technologies, quantum science and technologies, and nanomaterials. ICFO has received four consecutive Severo Ochoa national programme accreditations, 16 elite ICREA professorships, and 53 European Research Council grants. The institute has created 13 spin-off companies, demonstrating commitment to fostering entrepreneurship and industry collaboration. ³

Phortify - Photonics Education Network for Next-Gen Innovation and Digital Skills Excellence for Industry and Society - is dedicated to enhancing and harmonizing photonics education and training across Europe. The initiative offers a two-year European Master's in Photonics Engineering combining advanced coursework, hands-on laboratory training, digital skills development, structured mobility, and industry placements. Students completing the Phortify track receive an official Phortify Certificate in addition to their Master's degree. The programme provides stand-alone modules for both degree-seeking students and professionals, mentoring for women postdocs and early-career researchers, and immersive experience events for prospective students. ⁴

Programme Content and Activities

Three-Day Programme Structure

• Three-day visit to ICFO and engagement with the ICFO community
• Paired one-day laboratory stays within ICFO research groups, offering opportunity to observe lab environments, interact with scientists, and experience daily research life
• Career development session providing overview of multidisciplinary career prospects enabled by photonics
• Networking sessions to build connections with researchers and fellow programme participants
• Training session developing transferable skills for career progression

Participation in all activities is mandatory. The programme is conducted in English and delivered entirely in person at ICFO in the Barcelona area. Programme participants will have the opportunity to explore photonics research, learn from world-class researchers, gain inspiration for future career paths in STEM and deep tech, and develop professional networks.

ICFO Research Groups

Applicants can select from 25 ICFO research groups covering diverse photonics specializations including quantum information theory, attoscience and ultrafast optics, medical optics, nanophotonics, quantum engineering of light, thermal photonics, and nonlinear optical phenomena. The application form requests applicants to indicate at least two groups of interest, with this information used to pair participants with peers and appropriate research groups.

Application Process and Requirements

Where and How to Apply

Applications must be submitted via the Phortify website. Applicants are required to consult the dedicated MyPhortify page, where all funding opportunities under this pilot call are listed together with detailed application instructions and links to relevant local application forms. The Be Part of Phortify application form is hosted on Microsoft Forms.

Required Documentation

• Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• Be Part of Phortify-specific motivation letter outlining interest in the programme and its relevance to career development
• Gender identification (noting that the programme welcomes cis and trans women, genderqueer and non-binary individuals)
• Research group preferences (minimum of two ICFO research groups)
• Preference for career development training topic (innovation in deep tech or engagement strategies/communications/outreach)
• Contact email and mobile number (country code required)

Applications failing to meet minimum eligibility requirements or lacking required documentation will be declared ineligible and will not be further evaluated.

Programme Registration

The Be Part of Phortify event itself is free of charge, but registration via the Be Part of Phortify application form is mandatory. This registration is separate from the application for funding; all participants must register regardless of funding status.

Evaluation and Selection Process

Evaluation Principles

The evaluation framework ensures transparency, equal and fair treatment of all applicants, merit-based selection, and consideration of diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) objectives in alignment with EU guidance and Phortify project principles. ⁵

Two-Stage Evaluation

1. 1Stage 1 - Eligibility Verification (pass/fail): All applications are checked for compliance with eligibility requirements and presence of required supporting documentation. Ineligible applications are not further evaluated.
2. 2Stage 2 - Comparative Assessment and Ranking: Eligible applications are assessed comparatively using evaluation criteria, each scored on a 0 to 5 point scale.

Evaluation Criteria

Ranking and Funding Allocation

Funding is awarded following a closed call procedure. Applications must be submitted by the published deadline; late submissions are not eligible. Applications are ranked in descending order based on total score obtained. Funding is allocated in order of merit until the available budget assigned to ICFO under the call is exhausted. In cases of oversubscription, where applications receive identical or comparable evaluation results, tie-break rules promoting underrepresented groups - including students from disadvantaged socio-economic backgrounds, first-generation university students, and learners with disabilities or specific support needs - will be applied in line with Phortify DEI objectives.

Selection Committees

Applications are evaluated by local selection committees established by Phortify partner institutions. Committees apply the evaluation framework consistently and impartially. Committee members must declare any conflicts of interest and ensure appropriate mitigation measures are in place.

Key Terms and Conditions

Grant Type:Lump-sum grant not linked to duration. Single payment upon selection.

Eligible Expenses:Travel, accommodation, subsistence, and participation-related expenses directly connected to the 3-day programme. Financial support may only be used for these listed activities; no other activities are eligible.

Programme Attendance:Participation in all activities is mandatory. The programme is held in English and delivered entirely in person at ICFO, Barcelona.

Evaluation Outcomes:Evaluation outcomes and funding decisions are documented by partner institutions. Awarded grants are communicated to the Phortify Coordinator. Aggregate data will be reported in accordance with the project's reporting obligations.

Important Disclaimers and Legal Status

This call and the financial support provided through it are NOT a direct European Union action. The call is launched solely by Phortify. Financial support to selected successful applicants will be provided directly by Phortify in its own name and under its own responsibility, including preparation and drafting of the call as well as selection of successful applicants. Publication of this call on the EU Funding & Tenders Portal is made solely for information purposes to increase visibility to potential applicants. This publication shall not be construed as direct or indirect approval of the content and conditions of this call by EU authorities or as any form of waiver from Phortify's responsibility described above.

Phortify Funding Framework Context

This pilot call operates within the broader Phortify Funding Framework, which aims to widen participation in photonics by supporting students and staff traditionally underrepresented in STEM. This includes women and gender minorities, students from low-income or socio-economically disadvantaged backgrounds, first-generation university students, learners with disabilities or specific support needs, and those from regions with limited access to advanced higher education or cultural or minority groups underrepresented in higher education. By addressing these dimensions of diversity, Phortify works to ensure an inclusive and equitable community of future photonics professionals. Participants selected for Phortify funding receive financial support for studies and mobility pathways within participating master programmes, or for mentoring programmes and STEM experience workshops organized by Phortify partners.

Contact and Further Information

For questions or comments regarding the Be Part of Phortify programme and this funding opportunity, contact: outreach@icfo.eu. Additional information about the broader Be an ICFOnian for a Day outreach programme is available at outreach.icfo.eu. Access MyPhortify for complete application details and local application forms at phortify.eu.

Footnotes

1. 1The Be Part of Phortify program is a pilot initiative inspired by ICFO's Be an ICFOnian for a Day outreach programme. Participation requires full commitment to the 3-day programme with mandatory attendance at all scheduled activities.
2. 2Each €600 lump-sum grant is designed to cover reasonable costs associated with programme participation. Grant recipients retain responsibility for budget planning and management within this fixed amount.
3. 3ICFO's research portfolio encompasses basic and applied research with emphasis on medical and biological applications, advanced imaging, information technologies, environmental sensors, ultra-fast lasers, quantum science, photovoltaics, and nanomaterials including graphene.
4. 4Phortify partners include seven universities offering Master's programmes: Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Ghent University (UGENT), Politecnico di Milano (POLIMI), Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e), Warsaw University of Technology (WUT), University of Eastern Finland (UEF), and Friedrich-Schiller University Jena (FSU), alongside research and industry partners.
5. 5Phortify's DEI approach recognizes intersectionality and multiple dimensions of underrepresentation. Tie-break mechanisms are designed to support applicants from disadvantaged backgrounds while maintaining overall merit-based competition principles.