About
The EIC Tech to Market Programme is an EIC Business Acceleration Service that supports deep-tech researchers and innovators at a pivotal stage: transforming scientific breakthroughs into market-ready solutions.
Through hands-on training and structured venture-building support, the Programme enables teams to validate their business ideas, connect with ecosystem stakeholders, build the right venture team, and develop the capabilities needed to turn promising research into viable deep-tech ventures.
The Programme is open to EIC Pathfinder and EIC Transition beneficiaries, EIC Transition Seal of Excellence holders, all entities eligible for EIC Transition projects, and Women TechEU awardees.
It combines two complementary services:
- EIC Entrepreneurial Trainings: Build the knowledge and commercial understanding needed to bring deep-tech innovations to the market.
- EIC Venture Building Services: Support selected EIC Pathfinder and EIC Transition teams in shaping, structuring and growing their ventures towards investment and early scale-up.
EIC Entrepreneurial Trainings
EIC Entrepreneurial Trainings equip beneficiaries with the knowledge, practical tools, and ecosystem connections needed to turn deep-tech research into real market value. Each training can be accessed independently. Together, they form a coherent journey from research to market. All training sessions are delivered remotely (with possible exceptions for the Business Idea Validation course).
Entrepreneurship Foundation – three half-day sessions introducing the core concepts of entrepreneurship and the basics of turning research into a market opportunity.
2026 training cycles:
- Cycle 1: End of March
- Cycle 2: End of May
- Cycle 3: Beginning of July
- Cycle 4: Beginning of September
- Cycle 5: Mid-October
- Cycle 6: Mid-November
- Cycle 7: Beginning of December
Entrepreneurship Immersion – an in-depth course of six online modules (9 hours each), delivered over three to four months, covering technology transfer, product-market fit validation, revenue and cost drivers, business models, team composition, funding options, and legal and IP aspects.
2026 cohorts:
- Cohort 1: April – July
- Cohort 2: September – December
Business Idea Validation – a hands-on training comprising 10 sessions in total: one introductory full-day session, four half-day methodology sessions alternating with four half-day project work sessions, and one final half-day showcase event. Between sessions, teams conduct at least 50 stakeholder interviews to gather direct market feedback.
2026 cohorts:
- Cohort 1: June – September (summer break in July–August)
- Cohort 2: October – December
Ecosystem Development – beneficiaries can also take part in European Ecosystem Development events connecting them with mentors, industry experts, investors and strategic partners.
EIC Venture Building Services
EIC Venture Building Services support selected EIC Pathfinder and EIC Transition teams whose research is ready to move towards start-up creation. The service focuses on real-world venture building, strengthening teams and preparing them for start-up creation.
Entry into this service follows a structured feasibility assessment reviewing market potential, execution readiness, risks, IP position, and team commitment. Support is modular and needs-based.
What support is available?
- Venture Team Formation: Definition of critical roles and identification of skill gaps; structured matchmaking with entrepreneurial and business talent; targeted networking to attract potential co-founders; deployment of embedded entrepreneurs or executives-in-residence.
- Venture Support Services: Business intelligence advisory; legal and accounting advisory specialised in venture creation; IPR advisory with a focus on IP protection and technology transfer; financial advisory for setting up the venture; regulatory, certification and standardisation advisory; human resources advisory.
2026 open call cycles:
- Cycle 1: March – April
- Cycle 2: May – July
- Cycle 3: September – October
- Cycle 4: November – January
How to join?
EIC Entrepreneurial Trainings
- Apply to the second cohort of Entrepreneurship Foundation here by 15 May 2026. The second cohort runs 27 - 29 May.
- Apply to the first cohort of Entrepreneurship Immersion here by 9 April 2026. First cohort starts 20 April.
- Apply to the first cohort of Business Idea Validation here by 18 May 2026. First cohort starts 1 June.
EIC Venture Building Services
The application round for the first cohort has been concluded. Stay tuned for the release of the open call for the second cohort on the EIC Community Platform.
Learn more
Watch the Info session recording.
Disclaimer: All services and training activities offered to eligible participants under the EIC Tech to Market Programme are covered by the EIC. Please note that participants are responsible for covering their own travel and accommodation costs for any in-person meetings, events, or activities, where applicable.
Work with us: Call for experts and entrepreneurs in residence
Call for Expertise
You can find detailed information regarding participation to the EIC Tech to Market programme as an external expert in the relevant call for expertise. Keep an eye on that page for rolling updates on expert roles and guidelines for engagement.
Expression of Interest for Entrepreneurs in Residence
Applications are currently closed. Keep an eye on this page for updates.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
This document brings together the essential information you need, answering frequently asked questions on eligibility, how to apply, how the Programme is structured, and what to expect from both the EIC Entrepreneurial Trainings and the EIC Venture Building Services.
- Communities
Get in touch
If you have any questions about the Programme and it services, please contact us via the EIC Community contact page. Select “EIC Tech to Market Entrepreneurial Trainings” or “EIC Tech to Market Venture Building Services”.
