2026_EIC work programme 2026

European Innovation Council (EIC) Funding Opportunities in 2026: What Innovators Need to Know

Breakthrough technologies, high-risk innovation and ambitious scale-ups remain at the heart of Europe’s innovation strategy. In 2026, the European Innovation Council (EIC) continues to play a central role in supporting companies, researchers and entrepreneurs who aim to bring game-changing technologies to the market.

The EIC was created to identify, develop and scale up breakthrough technologies and deep-tech innovations that are critical for Europe’s green and digital transition and for strengthening EU strategic autonomy. The programme targets projects that are high risk but high impact, with the potential to create new markets and global leaders.

In 2026, the EIC places even stronger emphasis on:

  • Strategic technologies such as AI, quantum, semiconductors, clean tech and biotechnology
  • Faster and more streamlined funding decisions
  • Large-scale investments to support European scale-ups competing globally

Key EIC Funding Schemes Available in 2026

The EIC covers the full innovation journey, from early-stage research to market deployment and large-scale growth. Each scheme targets a different maturity level and applicant profile.

EIC Pathfinder – From Vision to Scientific Proof

EIC Pathfinder supports advanced, high-risk research that lays the scientific foundations for future breakthrough technologies. Projects typically start at low technology readiness levels and aim to reach proof of principle and validate the scientific basis of envisioned technologies.

  • Who can apply: Research consortia (Open calls) or smaller teams and single applicants under Challenge calls
  • Funding: Grants typically up to EUR 4 million
  • Focus: Deep-tech research with disruptive potential

EIC Transition – Turning Research into Market Opportunities

EIC Transition bridges the gap between research results and commercial application. It helps validate technologies and develop robust business cases.

  • Who can apply: Start-ups, SMEs, spin-offs, research organisations, or small consortia
  • Funding: Grants up to EUR 2.5 million
  • Focus: Advancing technologies towards market readiness (TRL 5–6)

EIC Accelerator – Scaling Innovations to the Market

The EIC Accelerator is designed for start-ups and SMEs ready to bring innovations to market and scale internationally. It is one of the EU’s flagship instruments for company growth.

  • Who can apply: Single SMEs, start-ups and small mid-caps
  • Funding: Blended finance combining grants (up to EUR 2.5 million) and equity investments (EUR 1–10 million)
  • Focus: Market deployment, scale-up and global expansion

What’s New in the EIC Work Programme 2026

The 2026 programme introduces several important updates that make the EIC more strategic and accessible:

  • EIC STEP Scale Up: A major new investment instrument under the Strategic Technologies for Europe Platform (STEP), offering EUR 10–30 million in equity to support large funding rounds in digital, clean and biotech sectors.
  • Advanced Innovation Challenges (Pilot): A new two-stage, demand-driven scheme combining early benchmarking with later real-world testing.
  • STEP Seal: High-quality projects aligned with EU strategic priorities may receive a seal to help access alternative EU or national funding if EIC budgets are limited.
  • Streamlined Accelerator selection: Shorter timelines and more frequent evaluation batches to speed up funding decisions.
  • Increased focus on economic security: Additional safeguards for sensitive technologies in critical areas.

Applicants can still choose between open funding, supporting innovations in any field or Challenge-based calls, targeting specific EU priorities such as net-zero technologies, critical raw materials, the Chips Act or health emergency preparedness.

Preparing for EIC Funding in 2026

EIC applications are competitive and require a clear innovation vision, strong technical foundations and credible scale-up plans. Early preparation, strategic positioning and professional proposal support can significantly improve success rates. If your organisation is developing a breakthrough technology and looking for substantial European funding in 2026, the EIC may be the right instrument. Our team supports applicants throughout the full process—from funding strategy and eligibility assessment to proposal writing and interview preparation.

Interested in exploring your EIC funding potential? Get in touch with us to discuss your project and next steps.