The Seal of Excellence is a quality label for proposals that passed the evaluation threshold but received no funding because the call's budget ran out. It brings no money of its own; it eases access to national and regional programmes that recognise the label.
The Seal is awarded to proposals that deserved funding but missed out on budget grounds. It is not a consolation prize and not a second chance within Horizon Europe – it is a quality label you can present to another funder.
There is no universal threshold
This is the central misunderstanding. The Seal is awarded only where the conditions of the specific call or topic provide for it, and the threshold is set there too. There is no programme-wide "score this much and you get a Seal" rule.
The figure often quoted as general – 85% – actually comes from the MSCA work programme and applies there.
Where it is awarded at all
Currently: EIC Accelerator and EIC Transition, MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships and COFUND, Teaming, the climate adaptation mission, and ERC Proof of Concept.
The practical consequence: in most Pillar II collaborative calls the Seal is not foreseen at all. Promising one for passing thresholds in an ordinary research action is a mistake.
What it gives you
Access to national and regional funding programmes that recognise the Seal, including cohesion policy and recovery funds. Plus training and advice through the business support network, exposure to investors and participation in relevant forums.
It does not guarantee funding: the other fund decides independently, on its own rules.
Separately there is a STEP Seal for contributing to the objectives of the Strategic Technologies for Europe Platform, with the project shown in the relevant portal with the applicant's consent.
Updated 27.07.2026 · Reviewed by: GetGrant editorial team
