Phortify Mobility Grants - Pilot Call

Phortify Mobility Grants – Pilot Call provides lump-sum financial support for short-term, learning- and training-oriented mobility activities (workshops, summer schools, conferences) for Bachelor, Master and PhD students enrolled at Phortify partner universities. The total pilot budget is €18,200 with exemplar individual awards ranging from €500 to €2,000, the call opens 4 February 2026 and closes 3 February 2027 with a rolling evaluation and allocation procedure. Applicants must be nationals of eligible countries as defined in the call, submit a motivation letter, CV and transcripts via the MyPhortify portal, and mobilities must be implemented under the responsibility of a Phortify partner institution. This cascade funding action is launched and administered by Phortify and funded directly by Phortify, not by the EU.

What it funds

Lump-sum mobility grants for students and PhD candidates to attend short-term learning and training activities (workshops, summer schools, conferences, research visits and similar) directly related to Phortify thematic areas in photonics and digital technologies.

Total budget:€18 200 (total available under this pilot call).

Typical individual awards:Lump sums vary by host partner and event; examples include €500, €800, €1 000 and €2 000 per mobility award.

Who can apply

Eligible applicants are Bachelor and Master students and PhD students enrolled at a Phortify partner university at the time of the mobility. General university staff not enrolled as students or doctoral candidates are not eligible. Applicants must be nationals of an EU Member State, an associated country, or a country cooperating with the EU under the Digital Europe Programme (authoritative list published with the call).

Key eligibility and selection points

1. 1Mobility must be learning/training-oriented, directly linked to Phortify objectives and carried out during the applicant's study period under responsibility of a Phortify partner.
2. 2Required application documents include official academic transcripts, a Phortify-specific motivation letter and a CV; incomplete applications are ineligible.
3. 3Evaluation is a two-stage process: eligibility check (pass/fail) then comparative scoring (three criteria scored 0-5; maximum 15).
4. 4Rolling call with periodic evaluation rounds; funding allocated by ranking until budget is exhausted; tie-break rules favour underrepresented groups in line with DEI objectives.

Phortify is a network of seven partner universities offering harmonised master tracks and stand-alone modules in photonics; mobility grants are administered by partner institutions and paid directly by Phortify (this is not an EU-managed action).

Deadline:Call opens 04 February 2026. Single-stage deadline 03 February 2027, 23:59 Brussels time.

Apply via the MyPhortify portal where local application forms and detailed instructions are published; applicants must submit applications through the Phortify website MyPhortify ¹.

Footnotes

1. 1Application forms, local deadlines and the authoritative country eligibility list are available after login on the MyPhortify page: phortify.eu

Phortify Mobility Grants provide lump-sum financial support for short-term mobility and learning activities that enhance skills in photonics and related digital technologies. The call is open on a rolling basis until the stated deadline, with periodic evaluations and allocations until the budget is exhausted. The grants are implemented under the responsibility of Phortify partner institutions and target students participating in relevant workshops, summer schools, conferences, and similar training-oriented events aligned with the Phortify project’s objectives and its Diversity, Equity and Inclusion principles. The call is publicized on the EU Funding & Tenders Portal for visibility; however, it is launched and managed solely by Phortify, and funding is provided directly by Phortify.

Programme and call references:EU project context: DIGITAL-2024 Specialised Education Programmes in Key Capacity Areas; EU project acronym: PHORTIFY; Grant agreement number: 101226191. Call owner and funder: Phortify. Official competitive call page: Phortify Mobility Grants – Pilot Call EU Funding & Tenders Portal ¹. Central applicant hub: MyPhortify MyPhortify portal ¹.

Key facts and timeline

Participating partners and eligible study tracks

Mobility must be implemented under a Phortify partner institution. The following partner programmes and tracks are explicitly referenced for the Pilot Call:

• Ghent University (UGENT), Belgium: Master of Science in Photonics Engineering (120 ECTS). Admission and programme information via the studyphotonics portal with requirements including degree background in physics, photonics, optics, electrical engineering, mathematics or related fields; English proficiency at CEFR B2 by accepted tests or instruction language evidence; CV; motivation letter; transcripts; potential technical interview for suitability Master of Science in Photonics Engineering – How to Apply.
• Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e), Netherlands: Master of Science in Applied Physics (120 ECTS); Master of Science in Electrical Engineering (120 ECTS) with tracks: (1) Semiconductor Devices and Technology; (2) Connected World Technologies. Curricula emphasize photonics, integrated photonics, telecommunications, semiconductor devices and related advanced technologies TU/e Master Applied Physics TU/e Semiconductor Devices and Technology TU/e Connected World Technologies.
• Warsaw University of Technology (WUT), Poland: Master of Science in Mechatronics (90 ECTS); Master of Science in Photonics (90 ECTS). Mechatronics programme covers opto-mechatronic systems, optical devices and sensors; Photonics programme covers optics, lasers, photonic crystal fibres, optoelectronics, optical sensing, terahertz technology, ultrafast and nonlinear optics, and advanced photonics labs WUT Mechatronic Devices and Systems WUT Photonics.
• Friedrich Schiller University (FSU), Jena, Germany: Master of Science in Photonics (120 ECTS); Master of Science in Quantum Science & Technology (120 ECTS). Both programmes are taught in English and require Bachelor-level foundations in physics, natural sciences or engineering, with specified English proficiency options; rolling admissions deadlines for EU/German applicants and priority deadlines for all applicants FSU M.Sc. Photonics – Apply FSU M.Sc. Quantum Science & Technology – Apply.

What the grants fund

Supported activities are short-term, learning- and training-oriented mobility aligned with Phortify’s objectives in photonics and related digital technologies. Examples include:

• Workshops and one-day or multi-day thematic training events
• Summer schools
• Conferences and scientific meetings
• Other structured learning activities relevant to Phortify’s thematic areas
• Specific named events cited locally, e.g., Jena Quantum Hackathon; DokDok conference 2026 (FSU Jena)

Activities must be conducted while the beneficiary is an enrolled student and under the responsibility of a Phortify partner institution. General university staff who are not enrolled as students or doctoral candidates are not eligible.

Available financial support and amounts

Financial support is provided as lump-sum grants intended to contribute to travel, accommodation, subsistence, and, where applicable, registration or participation fees. Lump sums are not linked to duration. Funding is allocated per institution in accordance with local schemes. The call text provides explicit exemplars for UGENT and named events:

• UGENT: €1,000 for a selected event, workshop or summer school (national or international variants appear; amounts listed include €1,000 and €2,000).
• UGENT: €2,000 for selected international events, workshops or summer schools.
• UGENT: €500 for selected national or international events.
• FSU Jena-specific: €800 lump sum for the Jena Quantum Hackathon or the DokDok conference 2026.

Total budget across the Pilot Call is €18,200. Funding may only be used for the specified eligible activities.

Eligibility, documentation, and evaluation

Who can apply:Eligible applicants are students at the time of the mobility: Bachelor and Master students; PhD students enrolled at a Phortify university provided the mobility is directly linked to their academic training and teaching activities. General university staff not enrolled as students or doctoral candidates are ineligible.

Nationality and country eligibility:Applicants must be nationals of an EU Member State, an associated country, or a country with which the European Union has an ongoing cooperation agreement under the Digital Europe Programme. Eligible countries include, inter alia, participants in Digital Partnerships, Trade and Technology Councils, and other EU digital cooperation fora. An authoritative list will be published with the call and may be updated to follow European Commission guidance.

Activity linkage and timing:The mobility must be directly related to the Phortify project’s thematic areas and objectives, contribute to the applicant’s academic and professional development, be carried out during the student’s period of study, and be implemented under the responsibility of a Phortify partner institution.

Required documentation:Applicants must submit: latest official academic transcripts for BSc and MSc (if applicable); a Phortify-specific motivation letter that addresses alignment with Phortify’s objectives; and a curriculum vitae. Applications missing any required element or failing minimum eligibility will be declared ineligible and not evaluated further.

Evaluation framework and scoring:Two-stage evaluation is applied across all participating institutions: Stage 1 Eligibility verification (pass/fail) and Stage 2 Comparative assessment and ranking. Comparative assessment criteria, each scored 0–5 with a maximum total of 15 points: Academic Excellence; Motivation and Alignment with Phortify Objectives; Overall Applicant Profile (skills, experience, potential contribution). DEI considerations are applied in line with EU guidance, including tie-break rules to promote underrepresented groups such as women and socio-economically disadvantaged students. Local selection committees apply the framework consistently, disclose conflicts of interest, and document outcomes. Award decisions are communicated to the Phortify Coordinator and aggregated for project reporting.

Allocation process:Rolling submission applies while the call is open. Evaluations occur at regular intervals, typically every 2–3 months, or more frequently depending on submission volume and budget. Funding is awarded following ranked merit until available budget is exhausted. In oversubscription, higher-ranked applications are prioritized; ties follow DEI-oriented tie-break rules.

How to apply

1. 1Consult the EU Funding & Tenders Portal call page and the Phortify website for advertised opportunities.
2. 2Create or access your account on MyPhortify to view all currently open mobility grant options under the Pilot Call with institution-specific instructions MyPhortify portal.
3. 3Select the relevant local application link and complete the institution’s application form(s), ensuring you include transcripts, a Phortify-specific motivation letter, and your CV.
4. 4Submit by the call deadline, noting the rolling evaluation schedule and any internal cut-off dates indicated by the partner institution.
5. 5Monitor communications from the local selection committee and respond to any clarifications promptly.

Compliance and disclaimer

This call and the associated financial support are not an EU action. The call is launched solely by Phortify; financial support is provided directly by Phortify in its own name and under its responsibility. Publication on the EU Funding & Tenders Portal is for visibility only and does not imply endorsement or approval of the call content by EU authorities.

Categorisation and structured extraction

Eligible Applicant Types:Individuals who are currently students: Bachelor students; Master students; PhD students enrolled at a Phortify partner university. General university staff not enrolled as students or doctoral candidates are explicitly ineligible. Organisations such as startups, SMEs, large enterprises, universities or research institutes cannot apply as beneficiaries; the funding is individual student mobility support implemented under partner responsibility.

Funding Type:Grant. Specifically, small lump-sum mobility grants provided by Phortify as cascade-style financial support instruments, not linked to duration and intended to contribute to travel, accommodation, subsistence, and event fees.

Consortium Requirement:Single applicant. No consortium is required or foreseen; grants are awarded to individual students. Activities are implemented under the responsibility of a Phortify partner institution.

Beneficiary Scope (Geographic Eligibility):Nationals of EU Member States; nationals of associated countries under the Digital Europe Programme; nationals of countries with ongoing cooperation agreements with the EU in the field of digital technologies, including Digital Partnerships, Trade and Technology Councils, or digital dialogues. The authoritative, potentially updated list will be published with the call. Mobility takes place within the Phortify network in Europe.

Target Sector:Photonics and related digital technologies including optics, integrated photonics, semiconductor devices and technology, telecommunications and connected world technologies, mechatronics and opto-mechatronics, quantum science and technology, optoelectronics, optical sensing, terahertz technology, ultrafast and nonlinear optics, photonics materials and nanophotonics, and broader digital skills relevant to photonics.

Mentioned Countries:Partner and context mentions include Belgium, Netherlands, Poland, Germany. Regional references include EU Member States and associated countries; broader eligibility references include countries with EU Digital Europe Programme cooperation. Additional country mentions in partner admission policies include USA, United Kingdom, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, and Canada in the context of English-language exemptions for certain programmes.

Project Stage:Education and training stage. Short-term learning mobility for skill development, exposure, and professional preparation in photonics and related digital technologies rather than research implementation or product development.

Funding Amount:Total call budget is €18,200. Illustrative individual lump sums at UGENT and FSU Jena: €500 for selected events; €800 for Jena Quantum Hackathon or DokDok; €1,000 for selected workshops or summer schools; €2,000 for selected international events, workshops or summer schools. Actual allocation depends on local schemes and availability.

Application Type:Open call with rolling submission during the call window. Applications must be submitted via the MyPhortify website and linked local application forms provided by partner institutions.

Nature of Support:Money. Beneficiaries receive financial contributions as lump-sum grants. No non-financial services are specified under this mobility grant scheme, though Phortify offers broader mentoring and training initiatives in its network.

Application Stages:Two evaluation stages after single-stage submission: 1) Eligibility verification (pass/fail). 2) Comparative assessment and ranking against three criteria (Academic Excellence; Motivation and Alignment; Overall Profile). Funding is then allocated according to rank and budget.

Success Rates:Not specified. No numerical success rate or historical selection ratio is provided. Awards depend on merit ranking per evaluation round and the availability of the limited budget.

Co-funding Requirement:No explicit co-funding requirement is stated. Grants are lump-sum contributions to eligible costs. As lump sums may not fully cover all expenses, applicants may need to self-finance any difference, but this is not framed as a formal co-funding obligation.

Templates and application structure:Applications are lodged via MyPhortify with links to local partner forms. A complete application should include: 1) Applicant information and enrolment status at a Phortify partner (Bachelor, Master, or PhD). 2) Mobility activity description covering title, host/event, dates and location, and clear statement of relevance to photonics and Phortify objectives. 3) Motivation letter tailored to Phortify, demonstrating alignment with educational and societal objectives as well as expected learning outcomes. 4) Academic evidence: latest official transcripts for BSc and, if applicable, MSc. 5) Curriculum vitae focusing on skills, experience, and contributions to the photonics community. 6) Nationality confirmation consistent with call eligibility. 7) Any partner-specific fields as required by the local form. Evaluation criteria are transparently published on the Phortify website and scoring is 0–5 per criterion, total 15 points. Tie-break rules apply to promote underrepresented groups in line with Phortify’s DEI objectives.

Practical guidance for applicants

• Ensure you are an enrolled Bachelor, Master or PhD student at the time of the mobility, and that the activity is under a Phortify partner’s responsibility.
• Choose activities that clearly build photonics and digital skills and articulate their relevance to your degree or research trajectory.
• Use the Phortify-specific motivation letter to directly address the programme’s goals and your expected learning gains; avoid generic statements.
• Provide complete and recent transcripts. If multiple degrees are relevant, include all available transcripts to evidence Academic Excellence.
• Structure your CV to highlight photonics-relevant skills, experience, projects, outreach, and any contributions to diversity and inclusion.
• Submit early to be considered in the next evaluation round and before funds are allocated. Monitor MyPhortify for any updated eligibility country lists and institution-specific opportunities.

Summary

The Phortify Mobility Grants – Pilot Call is a rolling, single-stage application with a two-step evaluation that funds short-term, skill-building mobility in photonics and associated digital technologies for Bachelor, Master, and PhD students within the Phortify partner network. Backed by the DIGITAL programme context of specialised education but administered and funded directly by Phortify, the scheme provides small lump-sum grants, typically €500 to €2,000, to help cover travel, accommodation, subsistence, and registration costs for eligible activities such as workshops, summer schools, and conferences. With a total Pilot Call budget of €18,200, awards are made periodically based on merit against three criteria—Academic Excellence, Motivation and Alignment with Phortify, and Overall Applicant Profile—while applying DEI-aware tie-breaks to support underrepresented groups in STEM. Applicants must be nationals of eligible countries as defined by EU Member State, associated countries, or countries with active cooperation under the Digital Europe Programme, and they must be students at the time of mobility. Applications are submitted via MyPhortify, where institution-specific opportunities and instructions are listed. In essence, this opportunity is a targeted mobility support scheme to broaden and strengthen Europe’s photonics talent pipeline through inclusive, flexible, and training-focused short stays embedded in leading partner universities and tracks across Belgium, the Netherlands, Poland, and Germany.

Footnotes

1. 1Primary references: EU Funding & Tenders competitive calls page for Phortify Mobility Grants – Pilot Call EU Funding & Tenders Portal and the MyPhortify application hub MyPhortify portal.

Funding Opportunity Overview

The Phortify Mobility Grants Pilot Call provides financial support to students and doctoral candidates participating in short-term mobility activities such as workshops, summer schools, conferences, and other events aligned with photonics education and digital skills development. This is a cascade funding initiative launched by the Phortify project, not directly by the European Commission, though it is published on the EU Funding and Tenders Portal for visibility purposes. ¹

About Phortify

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, cutting-edge digital skills development, structured mobility windows and industry placements. Students completing the Phortify track receive an official Phortify Certificate in addition to their Master's degree. The program operates across 7 participating universities and provides stand-alone modules with harmonized quality assurance standards.

Funding Framework and Diversity Objectives

Phortify's Funding Framework 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 participants from regions with limited access to advanced higher education. The program emphasizes diversity, equity and inclusion principles throughout its operations.

Key Funding Details

Total Budget Available:€18,200 for the entire pilot call

Call Timeline:Opening date: 4 February 2026. Deadline date: 3 February 2027 at 23:59 Brussels time. Single-stage submission model with rolling call procedure.

Funding Type:Lump-sum grants not linked to duration, established on the basis of estimated actual costs

Participating Universities and Programmes

The call is open to students enrolled in Phortify-related Master's programmes at the following institutions:

• Ghent University (UGENT): Master of Science in Photonics Engineering (120 ECTS)
• Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e): Master of Science in Applied Physics (120 ECTS); Master of Science in Electrical Engineering (120 ECTS) with tracks in Semicon Devices and Connected World Technologies
• Warsaw University of Technology (WUT): Master of Science in Mechatronics (90 ECTS); Master of Science in Photonics (90 ECTS)
• Friedrich Schiller University (FSU): Master of Science in Photonics (120 ECTS); Master of Science in Quantum Science and Technology (120 ECTS)

Eligible Applicants

Phortify Mobility Grants may be awarded to students in the following categories:

• Bachelor and Master students enrolled at a Phortify university
• PhD students enrolled at a Phortify university, provided the mobility activity is directly linked to their academic training and teaching activities

General university staff members who are not enrolled as students or doctoral candidates are not eligible. Applicants must be students at the time of the mobility activity.

Nationality and Geographic Eligibility

Applicants must be nationals of an EU Member State, an associated country, or 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 the call and may be updated according to European Commission guidance.

Mobility Activity Requirements

Supported mobility activities must meet all of the following criteria:

• Be directly related to the thematic areas and objectives of the Phortify project
• Contribute to the academic and professional development of the student
• Be carried out during the student's period of study
• Be implemented under the responsibility of a Phortify partner institution
• Be learning- and training-oriented, contributing to skills development in photonics and related digital technologies

Supported activities include workshops, summer schools, conferences, and other events relevant to photonics education objectives.

Grant Amounts by Institution

Financial support is intended to contribute to expenses related to participation in the supported mobility activity, including travel, accommodation, subsistence, and where applicable, registration or participation fees. Financial support may only be used for the activities listed above; no other activities are eligible.

Application Requirements and Documentation

Applicants must submit the following documentation:

• Latest official academic Bachelor of Science (BSc) and Master of Science (MSc) transcripts, if applicable
• A Phortify-specific motivation letter describing the applicant's motivation for applying for Phortify funding and their alignment with the objectives of the Phortify project
• A curriculum vitae (CV)

Applications that fail to meet minimum eligibility requirements or do not include required documentation will be declared ineligible and will not be further evaluated.

Application Process and Submission

Funding opportunities will be advertised through three channels:the EU Funding and Tenders Portal, the official Phortify website, and the official Phortify partner websites. Applications for Phortify funding must be submitted via the Phortify website. Applicants are required to consult the dedicated MyPhortify page, where all funding opportunities available under this pilot call are listed together with detailed application instructions and links to relevant local application forms.

Evaluation and Selection Process

The evaluation process consists of two sequential stages:eligibility verification (pass/fail) and comparative assessment and ranking. A predefined evaluation framework is published on the Phortify website and applied consistently by all partners.

Stage 1: Eligibility Verification

Applications are checked for compliance with all eligibility requirements defined in the call text. Applicants must submit all required supporting documentation. Applications that fail to meet eligibility requirements or do not include required documentation are declared ineligible and are not further evaluated.

Stage 2: Comparative Assessment

Eligible applications are assessed comparatively using three evaluation criteria, each scored independently on a scale from 0 to 5 points, for a maximum total score of 15 points:

• Academic Excellence: Academic performance, relevance of previous studies, and preparedness for the proposed mobility
• Motivation and Alignment with Phortify Objectives: Quality, coherence, and relevance of the motivation letter, including alignment with Phortify's educational and societal objectives
• Overall Applicant Profile: Skills, experience, background, and potential contribution to the Phortify community, as reflected in the CV

Ranking and Funding Allocation

Funding under this call is awarded following a rolling call procedure. Applications may be submitted at any time while the call is open. Applications are evaluated at regular intervals, typically every 2 to 3 months, or earlier if the number of submitted applications or budget availability requires. Following each evaluation round, eligible applications are ranked in order of merit, and funding is allocated until the available budget is exhausted. ²

In cases of oversubscription, priority is given to higher-ranked applications. Where applications receive identical or comparable evaluation results, tie-break rules promoting underrepresented groups - including women and students from disadvantaged socio-economic backgrounds - will be applied in line with Phortify diversity, equity and inclusion objectives.

Evaluation and Selection Committees

Applications are evaluated by local selection committees established by the Phortify partner institutions. Committees apply the evaluation framework consistently and impartially. Members must declare any conflicts of interest and ensure appropriate mitigation measures. Evaluation outcomes and funding decisions are documented by the partner institutions and communicated to the Phortify Coordinator. Aggregate data will be reported in accordance with the project's reporting obligations.

Evaluation Principles

The evaluation process is based on the following principles:

• Transparency and traceability of decisions
• Equal and fair treatment of all applicants
• Merit-based selection
• Consideration of diversity, equity and inclusion objectives in line with EU guidance

Important Disclaimer

This call and the financial support provided through it are NOT an EU 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. Phortify's responsibility includes the preparation and drafting of this call as well as the selection of successful applicants. The publication of this call in the EU Funding and 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 call's content and conditions by relevant EU authorities or as any form of waiver from Phortify's responsibility.

Key Applicant Considerations

Prospective applicants should note the following important points:

• The call operates on a rolling basis with regular evaluation rounds, allowing flexibility in submission timing but requiring awareness of evaluation schedules
• Grant amounts vary significantly by institution and activity type, ranging from €500 to €2,000
• The total budget of €18,200 is limited, making this a competitive opportunity with potential for oversubscription
• Diversity and inclusion considerations are explicitly factored into tie-breaking decisions, potentially favoring underrepresented groups
• All applications must be submitted through the MyPhortify platform, not through the EU portal directly
• The motivation letter is a critical component that must clearly articulate alignment with Phortify's objectives
• Applicants must be actively enrolled students at the time of mobility; staff members are not eligible
• The supported activities must be directly linked to photonics and related digital technologies education

Contact and Further Information

For detailed application instructions, evaluation frameworks, and access to local application forms, applicants should visit the MyPhortify page at MyPhortify. The official Phortify website and partner institution websites also provide additional information about the funding opportunities and the Phortify project.

Footnotes

1. 1This is cascade funding under the Digital Europe Programme, specifically under the DIGITAL-2024 call for Specialised Education Programmes in Key Capacity Areas. Grant agreement number 101226191.
2. 2The rolling call procedure means applicants should monitor evaluation schedules and budget availability, as funding allocation occurs incrementally rather than in a single final round. Early submission may be advantageous given the limited total budget.