Freelance Grant Writers – European Defense Fund or Innovation Fund - Join Our Expert Pool

Are you an experienced grant writer with a proven track record in securing non-dilutive funding especially European Defense Fund or Innovation Fund?

Do you want the flexibility to contribute your expertise remotely, while working with top European innovations?

At Catalyze, our success in raising competitive grants has created strong demand from clients across Europe. To meet this, we are expanding our freelance pool and looking for highly skilled consultants who bring deep expertise in grant writing, program knowledge, or specialized technical domains.

Who are we looking for?

• Experienced Grant Professionals – experts with 5+ years of proven success in European Defense Fund or Innovation Fund. Full-time freelancers only (not for side hustlers)
• We are seeking Topic Specialists – Consultants who bring niche knowledge or domain expertise in emerging areas.See below for topics
• Professional freelance practice - At least 50% of your working time available for our freelance consultancy assignments.

What will you do?

• Lead funding projects - Own end-to-end funding projects, driving strategy, planning and execution from kick-off to successful submission.
• Shape winning proposals - Develop compelling, evaluator-focused proposals by translating complex technical input into clear, competitive funding cases.
• Act as a trusted consultant - Advise clients throughout the proposal process, align stakeholders and provide strategic guidance to maximize funding success.

Which technology areas will you work with?

Relevant experience may include one or more of the following areas:

Innovation Fund

• Renewable energy and energy systems
• Energy storage, hydrogen and electrification
• Sustainable mobility and transport
• Industrial decarbonisation and clean technologies
• Circular economy and resource efficiency
• Bio-based materials and processes

 
 European Defense Fund

• Artificial intelligence and digital technologies
• Quantum technologies
• Semiconductors and microelectronics
• Photonics
• Robotics and autonomous systems
• Advanced manufacturing
• Advanced materials
• Space technologies
• Dual-use technologies
• Defence innovation

You do not need to be the technical authority on every project. You must, however, be comfortable working with complex technologies and translating expert input into a competitive, credible and strategically strong proposal.

Why Join Catalyze as a Freelancer?

• Impact – Contribute to Europe’s most innovative projects across health, digital, climate, defence, space, and beyond.
• Flexibility – Work remotely, with a time difference of up to 3–4 hours from CET.
• Collaboration – Join a trusted pool of consultants we rely on during peak demand, ensuring long-term collaboration.
• Excellence – We work with the best clients and expect the highest quality from our team.

How to Apply?

Send us:

• Your CV.

• A concise overview of your relevant programme and domain experience.
• A project table including the date, funding programme, innovation or topic, your role, funding amount and result.
• An indication of your current availability and typical weekly capacity.
• Confirmation that you operate through a registered business or equivalent freelance structure.
• A short explanation of why you would like to work with Catalyze.

We kindly ask you to apply only when you meet the core experience and availability requirements described in this profile.