The EIC Board has welcomed the 2026 work programme as a key milestone in advancing Europe’s deep-tech and scale-up ambitions. With a focus on Advanced Innovation Challenges, a more streamlined Accelerator, and stronger ecosystem integration, the Board sees the new programme as essential to reinforcing Europe’s innovation leadership and strategic autonomy in technology.
The Board also highlights the alignment with the EU’s Startup and Scaleup Strategy, the new Multiannual Financial Framework, and the Draghi report recommendations.
They also welcome measures to strengthen Pathfinder impact, expand Transition eligibility, refine the STEP Scaleup call, and enhance collaboration, diversity and international reach across Europe’s innovation ecosystem.
Read the full statement below.
Details
- Publication date
- 6 November 2025
- Author
- European Innovation Council and SMEs Executive Agency