The European Commission adopted the 2026 work programme of the European Innovation Council. It opens funding opportunities worth over €1.4 billion for strategic technologies and scaling up companies.
Discover the Work programme key features
Dedicated online info days will take place in the coming weeks
13/11 : EIC Work Programme 2026
14/11 : EIC Work Programme 2026 - Accelerator Challenges
17/11 : EIC Work Programme 2026 - Advanced Innovation Challenges
As part of ongoing efforts to reinforce Ukraine’s innovation capacity amid Russia’s military invasion, the European Innovation Council (EIC) has announced to make €20 million of funding available for Ukrainian deep-tech start-ups and SMEs. The initiative aims to accelerate the development of transformative technologies and integrate Ukrainian innovators more deeply into European markets.
Get funding
Research & Innovation grants for breakthrough research from laboratory to prototype.
Market-readiness grants for preparing to enter the market
Develop the technology, business and investment readiness in widening countries
Scale-Up Grants & Investments for scaling up business
Major investments to help companies become global leaders
High-risk, demand-driven deep tech innovation with transformative potential
Get recognition
Take the challenge and compete for an EIC Prize which rewards Europe's leading innovators
Invest with us
The EIC Fund is looking for investment partners - Learn how to invest with the European Innovation Council and check the Investment Guidelines.
Support for EIC beneficiaries
Benefit from a wide range of services: access to coaches, mentors, access to global partners & innovation ecosystem.
EIC advisers and collaborators
Meet the leading innovators who advise the EIC on its overall strategy and performance
Meet our in-house experts who head EIC support in various portfolios such as health, digital, green-deal, space, construction or technology
EIC ambassadors act as a voice for the EIC in the Member States, and provide feedback from all corners of the innovation ecosystem
The EIC draws on a wide range of external advice and expertise in order to select the most promising projects and companies and to support them
EIC PodcastsThe game changers: from idea to innovative business. Interviews with EIC Programme Managers - technology experts from fascinating industries including space, energy, health and quantum - on the latest technology trends.
Tech TalksVisionary Programme Managers – in collaboration with various experts from across the European tech ecosystem – guide and connect portfolios of EIC projects and companies in support of major technological goals. Hear more from them in these videos.
Latest statistics - Pathfinder results
News
The Board endorses the 2026 work programme as the pivotal milestone in advancing Europe's deep-tech and scale-up ambitions.
The 2026 edition introduces several key improvements and new elements.
667 project proposals received for its 29 October 2025 EIC Pathfinder Challenges deadline.
Read the EIC Board's statement on the forthcoming 10th EU Framework Programme for Research and Innovation (FP10).
44 new EIC Pathfinder projects set to receive over €140 million in EU funding.
The European Innovation Council received 923 full applications from start-ups and SMEs for the EIC Accelerator 1 October 2025 cut-off.
HorizonEU - Innovative Europe
Creating more connected and efficient innovation ecosystems to support the scaling of companies and spur innovation
Increase Europe’s ability to innovate by nurturing entrepreneurial talent and supporting new ideas
Promote coordination and dialogue on the development of the Union's innovation ecosystem