High interest in first EIC Advanced Innovation Challenges call

The first European Innovation Council (EIC) Advanced Innovation Challenges call received 709 proposals across the two challenge topics. In total, applicants requested €130.7 million in EU funding to prepare and benchmark breakthrough solutions and explore their feasibility and viability 

Submissions were distributed across the two challenge areas: 

• Accelerating Physical AI: 425 proposals
• Translating Disruptive New Approach Methodologies (NAMs) into practice: 284 proposals 

Proposals were submitted from 39 countries, with organisations from Germany, Italy and the Netherlands submitting the highest number of applications (84, 71 and 62 proposals respectively). 

The majority of applicants were companies, with 490 participants (69%), followed by higher education establishments  with 124 (17%) and research organisations with 89 (13%). 

Background information 

The Advanced Innovation Challenges (AIC) Pilot scheme supports high-risk, demand-driven deep tech innovations, particularly where strong research exists but market uptake remains limited. The pilot tests whether stage-gated funding and early involvement of demand-side actors can accelerate the path to market and strengthen the adoption of breakthrough solutions. 

Next steps 

Proposals will now be evaluated by independent experts. Applicants are expected to be informed of the results indicatively by May 2026. Each of the selected teams will receive €300 000 lump sum for up to nine months to prepare and benchmark their breakthrough solutions. The most promising ones will get the opportunity to apply for up to €2.5 million grants in 2027.