France's Agefiph Launches First-Ever Research Call for Disability Employment Projects — Up to €50,000 per Grant

Summary

France's national disability employment fund Agefiph has opened its first dedicated research call for proposals on disability and employment, with applications accepted from 1–30 September 2026 via the Handinnov platform. Up to four projects will receive grants of up to €50,000 each. The call prioritises research-action and academic research on topics including mental health at work, the impact of AI on disabled workers, and strategies for job retention. This sits within Agefiph's broader 2024–2027 innovation strategy, which in 2026 is backed by a €2 million innovation budget. Since 2020, Agefiph has co-funded nearly 30 research projects. The first two innovation projects funded in 2026 are La Maison Perchée (mental health peer support) and Immer'skills (immersive skills training). For employers and researchers, this is a concrete funding opportunity to develop evidence-based inclusive employment practices that could shape French public policy. The deadline is 30 September 2026.