EIC Work Programme Changes 2026: Complete Guide to What's New and Different

Table of Contents

1. Introduction to 2026 Changes
2. Overview of Main Changes
3. New EIC Advanced Innovation Challenges
4. EIC Pathfinder Changes
5. EIC Transition Changes
6. EIC Accelerator Changes
7. EIC STEP Scale Up Changes
8. Business Acceleration Services Changes
9. Gender and Diversity Innovation Index
10. Plug-In Scheme Updates
11. Evaluation Process Simplifications
12. Application Form Changes
13. Budget and Funding Changes
14. Deadline and Timeline Changes
15. Eligibility and Participation Changes
16. Economic Security Enhancements
17. EIC-EIT Collaboration Updates
18. Outlook for 2027
19. Conclusion and Impact Assessment

1. Introduction to 2026 Changes

The 2026 European Innovation Council (EIC) Work Programme represents a significant evolution in the EU's approach to funding breakthrough technologies and game-changing innovations. This document presents the comprehensive framework for how the EIC will allocate its funding of over EUR [TBD] billion for the year 2026, prepared following the advice of the EIC Board.

Document Status and Disclaimer: This document represents a working draft of the EIC work programme for the purpose of feedback and comments. This draft has not been adopted or endorsed by the European Commission. Any views expressed are the views of the Commission services and may not in any circumstances be regarded as stating an official position of the Commission. The information transmitted is intended only for the Member State or entity to which it is addressed for discussions and may contain confidential and/or privileged material.

Programme Scope and Objectives: The Work Programme defines the calls for applications targeting innovative researchers, startups and small and medium enterprises (SMEs), scale up companies, and funders and other organisations and individuals interested in innovation. The focus is on breakthrough technologies and game-changing innovations which are high risk and with a high potential for impact and to scale up internationally and become market leaders.

Comprehensive Support Framework: A broad range of support is available, ranging from grants, investments through the EIC Fund, prizes to Business Acceleration Services (including access to coaching and mentoring, expertise and ecosystem partners). The Work Programme sets out the type of support available, how to apply, and how selection decisions are taken.

Strategic Importance: It's important for those seeking funding opportunities through the EIC to carefully read and understand the Work Programme to ensure they align with the objectives and meet the eligibility criteria as well as understand each step of the process.

Support and Resources: Potential applicants, and those interested in the EIC in general, can find more information, including background to the EIC mission, organisation and practical guidance (e.g. challenge guides, frequently asked questions), on the EIC website: https://eic.ec.europa.eu.

National Support Networks: Support and advice for potential applicants is available in each EU Member State and Associated Country, through National Contact Points of Horizon Europe (Funding & Tenders (europa.eu)) and through the Enterprise Europe Network (https://een.ec.europa.eu/).

Application Process: Applications can be submitted through the Funding & Tenders Portal (https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/home), which can also be accessed via the EIC website (https://eic.ec.europa.eu).

Version Information: This document is version 05 June 2025, representing the latest iteration of the 2026 Work Programme development process.

2. Overview of Main Changes

The 2026 EIC Work Programme introduces a number of changes and simplifications, following advice from the EIC Board, the mid-term review of Horizon Europe, the policy priorities of the EU in particular the Startup and Scaleup Strategy, and experience and feedback from implementation.

Key Changes for 2026:

1. New EIC Advanced Innovation Challenges (Pilot)

Introduction of pilot EIC Advance Innovation Challenges to re-inforce the risk taking and user uptake of innovations. This call will be implemented through two stages of funding:

• A first stage open to all applicants calls for proposed solutions to the challenge
• A second stage to be funded through a call for 2027 to select a limited number of the first stage projects to proceed to implement their solutions

2. EIC Pathfinder Budget Increase

An increase in the indicative budget size of EIC Pathfinder projects to €4.5 million to enable progress to proof of concept stage, along with further introduction of lump-sum together with some minor improvements to the evaluation process.

3. EIC Transition Eligibility Expansion

The inclusion of research results from Horizon Europe and Horizon 2020 research infrastructures as eligible for the EIC Transition call, alongside results from EIC Pathfinder, ERC Proof of Concept, and from Pillar 2 of Horizon Europe.

4. EIC Accelerator Process Simplification

A major simplification and shortening of the EIC Accelerator evaluation process:

• Reducing the length of application forms which can be reused from short to full application stages
• Enabling applicants to reuse short applications for the full application stage
• Introducing a technical due diligence on full applications before the jury phase and to accelerate the subsequent investment decisions
• Moving to regular batching of full applications and three jury weeks per year

5. EIC STEP Scale Up Clarifications

Clarifications for the EIC STEP Scaleup call, reflecting experience of implementing this call in 2025.

6. Enhanced Business Acceleration Services

Reinforced Business Acceleration Services for internationalisation and engaging with corporates.

7. Gender and Diversity Innovation Index

Support for a regular Gender and Diversity Innovation index, building on the recent pilot projects.

8. Plug-In Scheme Update

An update of the Plug In scheme, following the completion of the pilot phase in 2023-25.

Strategic Context and Rationale

These changes are designed to:

• Enhance the risk-taking capacity of the EIC through new funding mechanisms
• Improve user uptake of innovations through structured challenge-based approaches
• Streamline application and evaluation processes to reduce administrative burden
• Expand the pool of eligible research results for transition funding
• Strengthen the European innovation ecosystem through enhanced business acceleration services
• Promote diversity and inclusion in innovation through dedicated support measures

The changes reflect the EIC's commitment to continuous improvement based on stakeholder feedback and the evolving needs of the European innovation landscape, while maintaining the programme's focus on breakthrough technologies and high-impact innovations.

3. New EIC Advanced Innovation Challenges

The European Innovation Council is introducing a new experimental funding instrument under the 2026 Work Programme: EIC Advanced Innovation Challenges, piloting ARPA-style mechanisms to drive breakthrough innovation through structured, staged-based support and closer integration of user and demand perspectives.

Purpose and Objectives

These Challenges aim to support high-risk, deep tech innovation with transformative potential, especially in areas where there is extensive research but lack of commercial uptake. The EIC Advanced Innovation Challenges are shaped and steered by EIC Programme Managers, in collaboration with users and ecosystem actors, to ensure strong alignment between cutting-edge science, demand, and policy priorities.

Key Features of the EIC Advanced Research Challenge

1. Stage-Gated Funding

Two-stage model with initial feasibility studies (Stage 1) followed by significant follow-up investments for scale-up (Stage 2):

• Stage 1: Up to €300,000 lump sum for up to nine months to prepare and benchmark breakthrough solutions and explore their viability
• Stage 2: Up to €2.5 million lump sum for up to 2.5 years to prototype solutions and test them in real world environments and with the involvement of users for the most promising projects

2. Demand-Side Integration

Commercial users (e.g. industry, public sector) and/or end-users should be involved from the outset to validate use cases, enhance market relevance, and facilitate uptake.

3. Single Entity or Small Consortia

Open to mono-beneficiaries or small consortia (2–3 partners), with flexibility to evolve between stages.

4. Proactive Portfolio Management

Each challenge is guided by a Programme Manager who ensures strategic coherence and adaptation across funded projects.

Implementation Structure

The EIC Advanced Innovation Challenges pilot will be implemented through:

• 2026: An open call for Stage 1 inviting applications from all eligible entities that meet the established admissibility and eligibility criteria
• 2027: A restricted call for Stage 2 open exclusively to the beneficiaries participating in Stage 1

Eligibility Criteria

You can apply for EIC Advanced Innovation Challenge either as:

• Single legal entity: Established in a Member State or an Associated Country ('mono-beneficiary') if you are a start-up, SME or research performing organisation (university, research or technology organisation, including teams, individual Principal Investigators and inventors). Larger companies (i.e. which do not qualify as SMEs) are not eligible to apply as a single legal entity
• Small consortium: Maximum three eligible independent legal entities ('multibeneficiary') which must include at least one legal entity established in a Member State or Associated Country

Funding and Support

Total indicative budget: EUR 4 million under 2026 Work programme for Stage 1 projects and EUR 25 million under 2027 EIC work programme for Stage 2 projects.

Stage 1 (Solution Design)

If successful, you will receive a lump sum grant for a Research and Innovation Action to cover the eligible costs, necessary for the implementation of your project. For this call, the Commission considers proposals with an EU contribution of up to EUR 300,000 and duration of maximum 9 months.

During a Stage 1 project, you are expected to develop the full details of your solution which will be used as the basis of your Stage 2 application. You will also be expected to participate in a Workshop to be organised by the Agency bringing together the different Stage 1 projects with external experts and potential users.

Stage 2 (Prototyping and User Testing)

If successful, you will receive a lump sum grant for a Research and Innovation Action to cover the eligible costs, necessary for the implementation of your project. For this call, the Commission considers proposals with an EU contribution of up to EUR 2.5 million and duration of maximum 2.5 years.

The funding rate of this grant will be 100% of the eligible costs. Eligible costs will take the form of a lump sum. Applicants must therefore propose the amount of the lump sum based on their estimated project costs as defined in the Decision of 7 July 2021 authorising the use of lump sum contributions under the Horizon Europe Programme.

In addition to funding, stage 2 projects will receive tailor-made access to a wide range of Business Acceleration Services (BAS).

Application Process and Timeline

Stage 1 (Solution Design)

• Deadline: XX April 2026 at 17h00 Brussels local time
• Call opening: November 15th 2025
• Proposal format: Sections 1 to 3 and the cover page of part B must consist of a maximum of 10 format A4 pages
• Evaluation timeline: Indicatively within 5 weeks after the call deadline
• Grant agreement: Within 2 months from the call deadline (indicative)
• Project start: Immediately after the signature of the Grant, not later than 1st October 2026

Stage 2 (Prototyping and User Testing)

• Deadline: [June] 2027 at 17h00 Brussels local time
• Format details: Further details about the Stage 2 format will be provided on EIC WP 2027

Evaluation Process

Each proposal will be evaluated by at least three independent expert evaluators. They will assess the proposal against the EIC award criteria as indicated in Table 6. Each criterion is scored on a scale from 0 to 5.

Proposals that meet all thresholds will be subject to a portfolio-based selection panel. The goal is to fund a diverse and strategically coherent set of projects that best address the objectives of the Challenge.

The final funding decision is taken by the portfolio-based selection on the basis of:

• The scoring of the proposal against the evaluations criteria
• Considerations of portfolio balance across technologies, use cases, and application domains

Evaluation Criteria

Excellence (Threshold: 4/5, weight 60%)

• Clarity and relevance of the innovation idea: Is the problem clearly defined and the solution compelling? How does the innovation alleviate the problem?
• Breakthrough nature and novelty: Is the innovation novel compared to the state of the art? What is the potential for disruptive impact in the specific use case?
• Performance improvements: Are expected performance improvements (qualitative/quantitative) realistic and credible?

Impact (Threshold: 3.5/5, weight 20%)

• Does the innovation show potential for wider adoption or scale-up?
• Potential attractiveness to investors, industry, or public sector stakeholders

Quality and Efficiency of the Implementation (Threshold 3/5, weight 20%)

• Is the work plan realistic within the budget and timeline? Are the main risks acknowledged with mitigation measures?
• How appropriate and effective is the allocation of resources (comprising person-months and other cost items)?
• To what extent do all the consortium members have the necessary capacity and high-quality expertise for performing the project tasks?

Note: The Model Grant Agreement can be found on the Funding & Tenders Portal.

4. EIC Pathfinder Changes

The 2026 EIC Work Programme introduces significant changes to the EIC Pathfinder programme, aimed at enabling better progress to proof of concept stage and streamlining the funding process.

Major Budget Increase

Key Change: An increase in the indicative budget size of EIC Pathfinder projects to €4.5 million to enable progress to proof of concept stage, along with further introduction of lump-sum together with some minor improvements to the evaluation process.

Detailed Funding Structure

The total indicative budget for the EIC Pathfinder Open call is EUR [TBD] million. You will receive a grant for a Research and Innovation Action to cover the eligible costs, necessary for the implementation of your project. For this call, the EIC considers proposals with a requested EU contribution of up to EUR 4.5 million as appropriate. Nonetheless, this does not preclude you to request larger amounts, if duly justified.

Lump-Sum Funding Implementation

New Funding Mechanism: The funding rate of this grant will be 100% of the eligible costs. Eligible costs will take the form of a lump sum and the amount will be determined during the evaluation process. Applicants must therefore propose the amount of the lump sum based on their estimated project costs as defined in the Decision of 7 July 2021 authorising the use of lump sum contributions under the Horizon Europe Programme – the Framework Programme for Research and Innovation (2021-2027) – and in actions under the Research and Training Programme of the European Atomic Energy Community (2021-2025).

Enhanced Support Services

In addition to funding, successful applicants will receive:

• Tailor-made access to a wide range of Business Acceleration Services (see Section VII)
• Interactions with EIC Programme Managers (see Section I)
• Eligibility for Booster grants of a fixed amount not exceeding EUR 50,000 to undertake complementary activities to explore potential pathways to commercialisation or for portfolio activities
• Eligibility to submit an EIC Transition proposal
• Eligibility to submit an EIC Accelerator proposal via the Fast Track scheme
• Participation in the 'Next Generation Innovation Talents' scheme

Application Process and Timeline

Deadline: 6 May 2026 at 17h00 Brussels local time

Proposal Format: Sections 1 to 3 of the part B of your proposal, corresponding respectively to the award criteria Excellence, Impact, and Quality and Efficiency of the Implementation, must consist of a maximum of 20 format A4 pages.

Evaluation Timeline: You will be informed about the outcome of the evaluation within 5 months from the call deadline (indicative) and, if your proposal is selected for funding, you can expect your grant agreement to be signed by 8 months after the call deadline (indicative).

Evaluation Process Improvements

The evaluation process has been refined with the following structure:

1. Individual Evaluation: Your proposal will be first evaluated and scored individually by at least three EIC expert evaluators with respect to the award criteria. The score for each award criterion will be the average of the evaluators' scores. The overall score from this individual evaluation phase will be the weighted sum of the three median scores from the three award criteria.
2. Committee Evaluation: The evaluation committee, which will be composed of EIC expert evaluators different than those who evaluated the proposals individually, will decide on the final score on the basis of the score from the individual evaluation phase and the outcome of its consensus discussions.
3. Final Assessment: The Evaluation Summary Report will comprise the final score, comments that summarises the assessment by the evaluation committee as well as any additional comments, possibly including advice not to resubmit the proposal.

Evaluation Criteria and Thresholds

Proposals will be assessed and the evaluation scores will be awarded for the criteria in accordance with the table. Each criterion will be scored out of 5. Proposals that pass the individual threshold, will be considered for funding, within the limits of the available call budget. Other proposals will be rejected.

Excellence (Threshold: 4/5, weight 60%)

• Long-term vision: How convincing is the vision of a radically new technology and relevant potential solutions, towards which the project would contribute in the long term?
• Science-towards-technology breakthrough: How concrete, novel, and ambitious is the proposed science-towards-technology breakthrough with respect to the state-of-the-art? What advancement does it provide towards realising the envisioned technology?
• Objectives: How concrete and plausible are the proposed objectives to reach the envisaged proof of principle? To what extent is the high-risk/high-gain research approach appropriate for achieving them? How sound is the proposed methodology, including the underlying concepts, models, assumptions, alternative directions and options, appropriate consideration of the gender dimension in research content, and the quality of open science practices?
• Interdisciplinarity: How relevant is the interdisciplinary approach from traditionally distant disciplines for achieving the proposed breakthrough?

Impact (Threshold: 3.5/5, weight 20%)

• Long-term impact: How significant are the potential transformative positive effects that the envisioned new technological solution would have to our economy, environment and society?
• Innovation potential: To what extent does the envisioned new technology have potential for generating disruptive innovations in the future and for creating new markets? How adequate are the proposed measures for protection of results and any other exploitation measures to facilitate future translation of research results into innovations? How suitable are the proposed measures for involving and empowering key actors that have the potential to take the lead in translating research into innovations in the future?
• Communication and Dissemination: How suitable are the measures to maximise expected outcomes and impacts, including scientific publications, communication activities, for raising awareness about the project results' potential to establish new markets and/or address global challenges?

Quality and Efficiency of the Implementation (Threshold 3/5, weight 20%)

• Work plan: How coherent and effective are the work plan (work packages, tasks, deliverables, milestones, timeline, etc.) and risk mitigation measures in order to achieve the project objectives?
• Allocation of resources: How appropriate and effective is the allocation of resources (comprising person-months and other cost items) to work packages and consortium members?
• Quality of the consortium: To what extent do all the consortium members have the necessary capacity and high-quality expertise for performing the project tasks?

Priority Factors for Equal Scores

For proposals with the same final score, priority will be based on the following factors, in order:

1. Higher score under the criterion Excellence
2. Higher score under the criterion Impact
3. Gender balance among the work package leaders as identified in the proposal
4. Number of applicants that are SMEs
5. Number of Member States and Associated Countries represented in the consortium
6. Other factors related to the objectives of the call to be determined by the evaluation committee

EIC Pathfinder Challenges

EIC Pathfinder Challenges aim to build on new, cutting-edge directions in science and technology to disrupt a field and a market or create new opportunities by realising innovative technological solutions grounded in high-risk/high-gain research and development.

With each specific Challenge, a portfolio of projects will be established that explore different perspectives, competing approaches or complementary aspects of the Challenge. The complexity and high-risk nature of this research will require multidisciplinary collaborations.

A dedicated Programme Manager, who establishes a common roadmap and proactively steers the portfolio towards the goals of each Challenge, oversees a specific EIC Pathfinder Challenge. The projects in a Challenge portfolio are expected to interact and exchange, remaining flexible and reactive in the light of developments within the portfolio or in the relevant global scientific or industrial community. They will progress together towards common goals and create new opportunities for radical innovation.

Expected Project Outcomes

The expected output of your project is the proof of principle that the main ideas of the envisioned future technology are feasible, thus validating its scientific and technological basis. Project results should include:

• Top-level scientific publications in open access
• Adequate formal protection of the generated Intellectual Property (IP)
• Plan for future exploitation
• Assessment of relevant aspects related to regulation, certification, and standardisation

Note: The Model Grant Agreement can be found on the EU Funding & Tenders Portal.

5. EIC Transition Changes

The 2026 EIC Work Programme introduces a significant expansion to the EIC Transition programme's eligibility criteria, making it more accessible to a broader range of research results and enabling better pathways from research to innovation.

Major Eligibility Expansion

Key Change: The inclusion of research results from Horizon Europe and Horizon 2020 research infrastructures as eligible for the EIC Transition call, alongside results from EIC Pathfinder, ERC Proof of Concept, and from Pillar 2 of Horizon Europe.

Complete List of Eligible Projects

EIC Transition is restricted to proposals based on results generated by the following eligible projects:

• EIC Pathfinder projects (including projects funded under the Horizon 2020 EIC pilot Pathfinder, FET-Open, FET-Proactive, CSA and CSA Lump sum FET Innovation Launchpad, and FET Flagships calls)
• European Research Council Proof of Concept projects funded Horizon 2020 or Horizon Europe
• Research and Innovation Actions funded under Horizon 2020 Societal challenges and Leadership in Industrial Technologies and under Horizon Europe pillar II, with an eligible TRL
• European Defence Fund (EDF), including the Preparatory Action on Defence Research, research projects, but only for proposals which are focused on civil applications (including dual use)
• Research and Innovation Actions funded under the Horizon Europe or Horizon 2020 Research Infrastructures part (NEW FOR 2026)

Purpose and Objectives

EIC Transition funds innovation activities that go beyond the experimental proof of principle in laboratory (applications must have completed all elements of Technology Readiness Level 3). It supports both the maturation and validation of your novel technology from the lab to the relevant application environments (by making use of prototyping, formulation, models, user testing or other validation tests) as well as explorations and development of a sustainable business plan and business model towards commercialisation into high potential markets.

Key Requirements

Your proposed activities must include further technology development on the results achieved in a previous project and follow user-centric methodologies to increase chances of the innovation's future commercial success in the market. EIC Transition projects should address, in a balanced way, both technology and market/business development, possibly including iterative learning processes based on early customer or user feedback.

Technology Readiness Level Requirements

These activities should include, subject to the level of maturity of the technology, a suitable mix of technology development and validation activities to increase the maturity of the technology beyond proof of concept to viable demonstrators of the technology in the intended field of application (i.e., applications must have completed all elements of Technology Readiness Level 3 up to TRL 5 to 6 at the end of the project).

Market Readiness Focus

The activities must in all cases address improving market readiness towards commercialisation and deployment (market research, value proposition, refine incipient business plan and validate incipient business model, intellectual property protection, etc.) and aspects of regulation, certification and standardisation (if relevant), aimed at getting both the technology and the business idea investment ready.

Expected Outcomes

The expected outcomes of your EIC Transition project are:

• A technology that is demonstrated to be effective for its intended application
• A validated business model and a business plan for its development to market
• Formal protection of the intellectual property generated by your EIC Transition project in an adequate way

Supported Pathways

EIC Transition can support several different pathways beyond fundamental research, from technology development and product design to business modelling and commercialisation strategy to reach the market:

• Focused collaborative project: To further develop strategic and high impact technologies towards specific applications while improving also the market readiness towards a promising market application. This pathway is likely to require a collaboration among several applicants ('multi-beneficiary' approach) including SMEs, research performers, technology transfer offices and potential users/customers.
• Individual SME pathway: An individual SME (including start-ups, spin-offs) identifies a market opportunity to apply the results of an eligible project towards a specific market application. This pathway is likely to require, or lead to, a licensing arrangement with the SME and could also involve a collaboration between the result owner(s) of the eligible project and the interested SME.
• Entrepreneurial researchers pathway: A team of entrepreneurial researchers within a research or technology organisation who want to turn selected project results into a viable product by looking for a suitable business model or creating a start-up or spin-off company, and which may involve collaboration with the host research or technology organisation, as well as their technology transfer offices.

Application Structure

You can apply for EIC Transition either as:

• Single legal entity: Established in a Member State or an Associated Country ('mono-beneficiary') if you are a start-up, SME or research performing organisation (university, research or technology organisation, including teams, individual Principal Investigators and inventors in such institutions who intend to form a spin-off company). Larger companies (i.e. which do not qualify as SMEs) are not eligible to apply as a single legal entity
• Small consortium: Two independent legal entities from two different Member States or Associated Countries
• Multi-beneficiary consortium: Minimum three and maximum five eligible independent legal entities following standard rules i.e. must include at least one legal entity established in a Member State and at least two other independent legal entities, each established in different Member States or Associated Countries

Funding and Support

Total indicative budget: EUR [TBD] million

Funding range: The EIC considers proposals with a requested EU contribution of more than EUR 0.5 million and less than EUR 2.5 million and duration between 1 and 3 years as appropriate.

Funding mechanism: The funding rate of this grant will be 100% of the eligible costs. Eligible costs will take the form of a lump sum and the amount will be determined during the evaluation process.

Additional Support Services

The projects funded through EIC Transition are eligible:

• To receive Booster grants of a fixed amount not exceeding EUR 50,000 to undertake complementary activities to explore potential pathways to commercialisation or for portfolio activities
• To submit an EIC Accelerator proposal via the Fast Track scheme
• Tailor-made access to a wide range of Business Acceleration Services (BAS) and matchmaking events
• Mandatory coaching for Transition projects (unless well justified)
• Strong encouragement to apply for Tech2Market BAS services

Application Process and Timeline

Deadline: 16 September 2026 at 17h00 Brussels local time

Call opening: 22-April-2025

Proposal format: Sections 1 to 3 and the cover page (that includes the information about the related project on which the current EIC Transition proposal is built on) of part B must consist of a maximum of 22 format A4 pages

Evaluation timeline: Indicatively within 9 weeks after the call deadline

Interview phase: Approximately between 11-13 weeks after the deadline

Final decision: Indicatively within 4 weeks from the start of the interviews

Grant agreement: Within 6 months from the call deadline (indicative)

Project start: Within 2 months after signing the grant agreement

Evaluation Process

The evaluation process consists of two steps:

1. Remote evaluation: At least three EIC expert evaluators will evaluate and score your proposal against each award criterion. The overall score for each evaluation criterion will be the average of the corresponding scores attributed by the individual evaluators. The total score of your proposal will be the sum of the overall scores from the three evaluation criteria.
2. Interview phase: Starting with the highest scoring proposal and in descending order, a pool of the best ranked proposals requesting an aggregated financial support equal to approximately 2.2 times the budget available, will be invited to the next step. The interview will be assessed by a panel of maximum 6 EIC Jury members.

Gender Balance Requirements

The evaluation process includes specific provisions for gender balance:

• If at least 30% of the applications are submitted by women-led SMEs or consortia, only the applications of that pool will be invited to interviews
• If less than 30% of the applications are submitted by women-led SMEs or consortia, the pool will be expanded to subsequent best ranked applications submitted by women-led SMEs or consortia until reaching, if possible, a composition of the pool of at least 30% of applications submitted by women-led SMEs or consortia

Intellectual Property Requirements

Applicants must specify in their application the grant number and acronym of the eligible project(s) which generated the result together with reference to where the result has been reported (in the periodic reporting, the Horizon results platform, EIC Transition 'innovation discovery' tool powered by the Innovation Radar or CORDIS).

Note: The Model Grant Agreement can be found on the Funding & Tenders Portal.

6. EIC Accelerator Changes

The 2026 EIC Work Programme introduces a major simplification and shortening of the EIC Accelerator evaluation process, designed to streamline the application process and accelerate funding decisions while maintaining quality standards.

Major Process Simplifications

Key Changes: A major simplification and shortening of the EIC Accelerator evaluation process:

• Reducing the length of application forms which can be reused from short to full application stages
• Enabling applicants to reuse short applications for the full application stage
• Introducing a technical due diligence on full applications before the jury phase and to accelerate the subsequent investment decisions
• Moving to regular batching of full applications and three jury weeks per year

Enhanced Application Process

The application process consists of three main steps:

1. Short Proposal Submission

You may submit a short proposal at any time via the Funding & Tenders Portal. The short proposal consists of:

• A short form where you summarise your proposal and respond to questions on your company and team, your innovation and the potential market
• A pitch-deck of up to ten slides in pdf format
• A video pitch of up to three minutes where the core members of your team (up to three people) should provide the motivation for your proposal

Key Improvement: The content of your short proposal is designed to be reusable in later stages of the application process should you advance.

Evaluation Timeline: Short applications will be batched and sent for evaluation the first Tuesday of every month. From the date of the batching, you will be informed within approximately 4-6 weeks, and you will receive the evaluation result of your short proposal and whether you are successful to proceed to submit a full proposal. Whether successful or not, you will receive feedback from four expert evaluators.

2. Full Proposal Submission

If your short proposal is successful, you will be entitled to receive coaching support from one of the business coaches from the Business Acceleration Services. You can only receive this support once for a proposal.

Coaching Support: The optional coaching support is designed to improve the value proposition, business plan and investor pitch. However, it is your decision how to respond to the feedback and support, and the content of your proposal is your sole responsibility.

Application Reuse: If you succeeded with your short application under the 2026 Work programme, your full proposal can be submitted to any of the following batches during 2026, and any of the batches for 2027. Applicants who succeeded with a positive evaluation of their short proposal under the 2025 EIC Work Programme may apply to any of the following batches in 2026.

3. Regular Batching System

New Batching Schedule: Full proposals will be batched at regular intervals for evaluation, and dates for 2026 are:

• 7/01/2026
• 04/03/2026
• 06/05/2026
• 08/07/2026
• 02/09/2026
• 03/11/2026

Interview Sessions: After each second batch an interview session will be organised. The tentative dates of these interview sessions will be published on the EIC website.

4. Enhanced Full Proposal Structure

The full proposal consists of:

• A short form based on the short application (you may revise based on feedback received)
• Additional data annexes on:
  • Financial data and company structure
  • Freedom to operate (FTO) analysis
  • Competitor analysis
  • Implementation plan (including proposed milestones) for grant component if applicable
• An updated pitch-deck in pdf format and video pitch (you may choose to reuse or update these from your short proposal)

Evaluation Timeline: You will be informed of the results within approximately 8-9 weeks of submission.

New Technical Due Diligence Process

Major Innovation: Introducing a technical due diligence on full applications before the jury phase and to accelerate the subsequent investment decisions.

The technical due diligence is conducted by a highly qualified external expert who will conduct an in-depth technical due diligence, together with a preliminary assessment against the award criteria. This will include an online interview moderated by the Agency staff and result in a comprehensive technical due diligence report, which will assess the claims made in your proposal (including on the technology, intellectual property, market, etc).

Purpose: The Technical Due Diligence report will assess the claims made in the proposal against third party information and through a meeting with the applicant. The report will be made available to the Evaluation Committee and the Jury.

Three Jury Weeks Per Year

New Schedule: Moving to regular batching of full applications and three jury weeks per year.

Interview sessions with EIC juries will be organized three times per year (indicative dates will be published on the EIC website) and you will be invited approximately 2 weeks in advance. Detailed information about the format of the interview will be communicated to you in the invitation.

Interview Process: If your company is included in the selection established by the Evaluation Committee, you will be invited to an interview with EIC Juries. The Agency will inform you about the result of the interview within approximately two to three weeks after the finalisation of the interviews.

Enhanced Evaluation Process

The evaluation process has been streamlined with the following improvements:

1. Remote Evaluation: Full proposals will be assessed by an expert evaluator also conducting a technology due diligence, followed by an evaluation committee which will rank the proposals and invite 2-2.5x times the available budget to interview.
2. Technical Due Diligence: A comprehensive technical assessment before the jury phase to accelerate subsequent investment decisions.
3. Jury Evaluation: The Jury will have access to your full proposal and the technical due diligence report. During your interview you will be requested to present your proposal and interact with the Jury on a number of questions.

Funding Structure and Support

Total indicative budget: EUR [TBD] million. EUR [TBD] million of the total indicative budget will be allocated to EIC Accelerator Open and EUR [TBD] million to EIC Accelerator Challenges.

Investment component budget: The indicative budget for investment components is [EUR XXX] million and is managed by the EIC Fund.

Funding Options

The EIC Accelerator provides:

• Grant component only ('Grant Only'): That will take the form of a lump sum contribution via a grant agreement. Grant only shall be provided only once to any legal entity for the duration of the Horizon Europe programme (2021-27) and under specific conditions.
• Blended finance support: Which is composed of an investment component usually in the form of direct equity or quasi-equity such as convertible loans via an investment agreement, and a grant component that will take the form of a lump sum contribution via a grant agreement.
• Investment component only (Equity-Only): Usually in the form of direct equity or quasi-equity such as convertible loans via an investment agreement.

Grant Component Details

Funding rate: Eligible costs for the grant component are reimbursed up to a maximum of 70% within the ceiling of the maximum grant amount, i.e. EUR 2,499,999, but for blended finance the grant component may be for a higher amount in exceptional and well justified cases.

Coverage: EIC Accelerator grant funding covers innovation activities, including demonstration of the technology in the relevant environment, prototyping and system level demonstration, R&D and testing required to meet regulatory and standardisation requirements, intellectual property management, and marketing approval (e.g. at least TRL 6 to 8).

Duration: The innovation activities to be supported should normally be completed within 24 months but may be longer in well justified cases.

Investment Component Details

Investment range: The minimum investment component is EUR 1 million and the maximum is EUR 10 million. Higher amounts are available under the EIC STEP Scale Up call.

Purpose: The investment component is intended to finance market deployment and scale up and it can be requested in parallel to the grant (and may be used for co-financing innovation activities) or at a later stage during the lifetime of their grant agreement.

Negotiation: Within the maximum budget awarded by the Commission, the terms of investment will be negotiated on a case-by-case basis in accordance with the EIC Fund Investment Guidelines.

Business Acceleration Services

All successful proposals will receive, in addition to funding, tailor-made access to a wide range of Business Acceleration Services. The 30% co-funding of the work packages to be covered by the grant component has to be financed by the beneficiary through its own resources.

Eligibility Requirements

To be an eligible applicant to EIC Accelerator, you must apply as one of the following eligible entities:

• A single company classified as a SME, and established within a Member State or an Associated Country
• A single company classified as a small mid-cap (up to 499 employees) established in a Member State or an Associated Country, but only for "investment component only" support or for "blended finance" in exceptional cases for rapid scale up purposes
• One or more natural persons (including individual entrepreneurs) or legal entities with specific establishment requirements

Note: The EIC Accelerator model grant agreement can be found on the Funding & Tenders Portal.

7. EIC STEP Scale Up Changes

The 2026 EIC Work Programme introduces clarifications for the EIC STEP Scaleup call, reflecting experience of implementing this call in 2025 and providing enhanced support for strategic technologies in Europe.

Strategic Focus for 2026

Key Clarification: In 2026 support for start-ups in semiconductor technologies and quantum technologies will be pursued in particular through the STEP Scale Up call which foresees larger investments targeting strategic technologies including in support of the Chips Act. The EIC Accelerator Open call remains available in general for startups and SMEs including for quantum and semiconductor technologies.

Purpose and Objectives

The EIC STEP Scale Up call presents a unique opportunity for ambitious scale up companies (SMEs and small mid-caps) with game-changing innovations in Europe's critical technology areas. It offers a powerful combination of financial and strategic support designed to propel your groundbreaking solution to the forefront of these sectors.

This call is part of the implementation of the Strategic Technologies for Europe Platform (STEP) which supports the development or manufacturing of critical technologies throughout the Union or safeguarding and strengthening their respective value chains. Besides support from the EIC, the projects may be eligible for support under other EU programmes included in STEP.

Investment Structure

Investment Range: The companies selected under the EIC STEP Scale Up call shall receive investments ranging from EUR 10 to EUR 30 million. This investment can significantly accelerate the development and market launch of your technology, product, or service.

Catalytic Effect: With this funding, you'll gain the power to disrupt established markets and forge new ones across Europe, potentially achieving significant global impact. Crucially, this investment is designed to catalyse major funding rounds, e.g. in the range of EUR 50 to 150 million, and at least 3-5 times the EIC investment.

Budget Allocation

Total Budget: The EIC STEP Scale Up call offers a total indicative budget of EUR 300 million for 2026, which is expected to rise to EUR 900 million for the period 2025-2027. Any unused amount from this budget will be allocated with priority to the EIC Accelerator Open call.

Funding Mechanism: The support will be in the form of equity-only investments managed by the EIC Fund. Applicants to this call will not receive a grant component.

Eligibility Requirements

In order to apply, your innovation must be within the scope of the priority areas defined in the STEP regulation and further developed in the Guidance note:

a. Digital Technologies and Deep Tech Innovations

This includes: advanced semiconductor technologies; artificial intelligence technologies; quantum technologies; advanced connectivity, navigation and digital technologies; advanced sensing technologies; robotics and autonomous systems; Deep tech innovations.

b. Clean and Resource Efficient Technologies

Including net-zero technologies: solar technologies; onshore wind and offshore renewable technologies; battery and energy storage technologies; heat pumps and geothermal technologies; hydrogen technologies; sustainable biogas and biomethane technologies; carbon capture and storage technologies; electricity grid technologies; nuclear fission technologies, sustainable alternative fuel technologies; hydropower technologies; other renewable technologies; energy system-related energy efficiency technologies; renewable fuels of non-biological origin technologies; biotech climate and energy solutions; transformative industrial technologies for decarbonisation; CO2 transport and utilisation technologies; wind and electric propulsion technologies; other nuclear technologies; advanced materials, manufacturing and recycling technologies, technologies vital to sustainability such as water purification and desalination; and circular economy technologies.

c. Biotechnologies

Including medicinal products on the Union list of critical medicines and their components: DNA/RNA; proteins and other molecules; cell and tissue culture and engineering; process biotechnology techniques; Gene and RNA vectors; bioinformatics; and nanobiotechnology.

Critical Technology Criteria

These technologies are deemed critical where they meet either of the following conditions:

• They bring to the internal market an innovative, emerging and cutting-edge element with significant economic potential
• They contribute to reducing or preventing strategic dependencies of the Union

Pre-Commitment Requirements

This call targets companies raising significant funding rounds and you must demonstrate an initial market interest such that the EIC investment acts as a catalyst for larger funding rounds. You will therefore need to demonstrate that the company already has a pre-commitment for an equity investment which meets the following elements:

• The pre-commitment from a single investor with demonstrable know-how and experience in the relevant market, technology and jurisdiction and subject to KYC by the EIC Fund or the EIF. The pre-committed investor may be an existing investor in the company and does not necessarily need to be the investor who intends to lead the investment round.
• The pre-commitment represents at least 20% of the total target funding round you are aiming to raise.

Eligible Entities

The following entities are eligible to apply:

• A single company classified as a SME or small mid-cap (up to 499 employees) established within a Member State or an Associated Country. The company may have a holding entity for the purposes of the investment, and this holding company must also be established in a Member State or an Associated Country.
• An investor may submit a proposal on behalf of an eligible SME or small mid-cap as defined above, provided that a prior agreement exists with the company. The investment agreement will be signed with the selected SME or small mid-cap.

Economic Security Requirements

In order to achieve the expected outcomes, and safeguard the Union's strategic assets, interests, autonomy, and security, it is important to avoid a situation of technological dependency on a non-EU source. The scope of this call follows the identification of priority technology areas where there is a need to reduce or prevent strategic dependencies of the Union, in line with EU strategic and security interests. For this reason, and in line with Article 136 of the Financial Regulation, recipients of the Accelerator funding under this call, must not be directly or indirectly controlled by a non-associated third country or a legal entity established in a non-associated third country.

Furthermore, in case of an investment support, specific safeguards may be introduced in the investment agreement.

Application Process

You may submit an application to the EIC STEP Scale Up call at any time. The evaluations of applications submitted will be organised with one cut off per quarter. You must submit your proposal via the Funding and Tenders Portal.

Required Documentation

To be deemed admissible and eligible, proposals must consist of:

• A full business plan, including information on the company's ownership and financial structure and a justification on the STEP related objectives (maximum 50 pages)
• A pitch-deck (maximum 15 pages) in pdf format (this version will be presented to the jury if invited to interview)
• A pre-commitment from a single investor (according to a template available on the EIC website). The pre-commitment must represent at least 20% of the total target funding round, which must range between EUR 50 to 150 million, and be at least 3-5 times the EIC investment
• A financial plan and consent document (according to the template available on the EIC website)
• An ownership control declaration
• Results of the freedom to operate (FTO) analysis. If you do not have one, please upload a note of maximum 2 pages outlining your freedom to operate and providing as much information as possible on this issue. In cases where the FTO is not relevant (e.g. software), please upload a simple statement
• CVs of key personnel

Evaluation Process

The EIC STEP Scale Up call utilizes a "first come, first served" approach to evaluate proposals. However, juries will be asked to take account of overall budget availability for the full year and will be limited to recommend proposals amounting to no more than 70% of the available budget for the calendar year within the first six months of the year.

Evaluation Timeline

• Initial Assessment: Upon submission, your proposal will be assessed if it meets the eligibility criteria set out above in terms of whether it falls within scope of the STEP technologies; the pre-commitment from a single investor; and the eligibility of the applicant entity.
• Technology Due Diligence: In cases where a Technology Due Diligence report is not already available, this will be conducted by a suitably qualified external expert.
• Interview Invitation: If your application meets these requirements, you will be invited to attend a jury interview. It is expected that you will be informed about the interview within approximately 4-6 weeks from the start of the evaluation process.
• Jury Decision: You will be informed about the result of the interview within approximately two weeks from the date of the interview.

Jury Outcomes

The EIC Jury members, based on your interview and their overall assessment, will recommend one of three outcomes for your proposal:

GO and Sovereignty (STEP) Seal

Your proposal meets all of the evaluation criteria and is recommended for a potential equity investment. The Jury may provide observations for consideration by the EIC Fund regarding the investment amount or other considerations for the investment decision or management. Your project will also be awarded the Sovereignty (STEP) Seal and will have access to Business Acceleration Services.

NO GO and Sovereignty (STEP) Seal

Your proposal meets the main elements of the award criteria, including the contribution to the STEP objectives, but is not recommended for funding based on the jury's overall consideration of the submitted proposals and due to the lack of budget availability. Your project will be awarded the Sovereignty (STEP) Seal and access to Business Acceleration Services.

NO GO

Your proposal does not meet all the evaluation criteria required for funding. You will receive detailed feedback outlining the areas where your proposal fell short to help you improve for future applications.

Investment Process

An award decision will be adopted by the Commission, which will authorise a maximum amount of investment by the EIC Fund, which will follow the amount requested in the application, with an additional flexibility amount of maximum EUR 5 million per proposal. The flexibility amount is to enable the EIC Fund to make an investment decision for a higher amount than requested if justified to take account of developments of the company since the date of application and the opportunity of catalysing a larger overall funding round with co-investors.

The relevant information from your proposal will be passed to the investment adviser for the EIC Fund, to proceed with the detailed due diligence and subject to a positive due diligence and subsequent EIC Fund Investment Committee decision, the investment agreement.

Additional Support Services

Beyond funding, your company will benefit from a strong support system that fosters your continued growth within Europe through Business Acceleration Services. Applicants to the EIC STEP Scale Up call who meet the evaluation thresholds will also be awarded a Sovereignty (STEP) Seal, to facilitate and provide privileged access to funding and support from other EU programmes and other funders and investors.

If you have expressed an interest and given consent, and your company has been awarded a Sovereignty (STEP) Seal following the evaluation, the relevant information from your proposal will be passed to the relevant InvestEU implementing partners to consider for Venture Debt support.

Strategic Importance

EIC STEP Scale Up is designed to fill the funding gap for companies to invest in the scale up of high-risk innovations and where the amount needed for the scale up cannot be fully financed by other investors, including Invest EU implementing partners. Applicants are encouraged to consider complementarity with Venture Debt from InvestEU implementing partners in order to meet their financing needs.

When implementing investments, the EIC Fund will ensure that supported companies keep most of their value, including their IP, in the EU or in the Associated Countries in order to contribute to their economic growth and job creation. Where necessary, the EIC Fund will be requested to take appropriate safeguard measures for individual companies on a case-by-case basis in order to protect European interests as defined in the Investment Guidelines.

Note: The EIC STEP Scale Up call is a specific call as part of the EIC Accelerator as defined under Article 48 of the Horizon Europe Regulation following its amendment by Article 17(2) of the STEP Regulation.

8. Business Acceleration Services Changes

The 2026 EIC Work Programme introduces reinforced Business Acceleration Services for internationalisation and engaging with corporates, expanding the support available to EIC Awardees and strengthening Europe's innovation ecosystem.

Enhanced Service Portfolio

Key Enhancement: Reinforced Business Acceleration Services for internationalisation and engaging with corporates. The BAS services are specifically tailored to EIC Awardees and seal-of-excellence holders needs and the changing nature of markets and overall economic environment.

Core BAS Services Funded Through Work Programmes

The BAS services funded through the EIC work programmes cover among other things:

• Coaching: Comprehensive business coaching covering the entire entrepreneurial and innovation endeavour
• Global Business Expansion Programme: Support to attend European and international business trade fairs and expand business in new global markets
• EIC Corporate Partnership Programme 4.0: Support to pilot and close deals with corporates
• EIC Innovation Procurement Programme: Training and support for start-ups and SMEs in winning contracts from public and private sector innovation procurement tenders and funding to test products with innovation procurers
• EIC Scaling Club 2.0: Strengthen skills, knowledge and network needed to scale up
• EIC Women Leadership Programme: Dedicated support for female founders
• Tech2Market BAS: Dedicated Business and Innovation Acceleration Services to EIC Pathfinder and EIC Transition beneficiaries supporting transition from lab to market
• Co-Investment Platform: Visibility of beneficiaries and one-to-one services to find co-investors through a digital platform listing all EIC Accelerator, Transition, EIC STEP Scaleup and Pre-Accelerator companies
• EIC GHG Tool: Support in Environmental, Social and Governance related reporting

New EIC Scaling Club 2.0

Major New Initiative: The focus for EIC Scaling Club 2.0 is to increase success and support the growth of the top deep tech companies in Europe, by strengthening the skills, knowledge and network of peers, investors and customers needed for growth.

Target Companies

EIC Scaling Club 2.0 should support a minimum of 50 Deeptech companies from the EIC portfolio (primarily EIC Fund companies) and deep tech companies from outside the EIC portfolio that have been supported by national and regional programmes in Member States or Associated Countries. In all cases the companies must have the potential to scale up as global leaders or potential unicorns.

Technology Focus Areas

The identified companies, ready for series B+ funding rounds, should demonstrate credible high-growth potential and should develop cutting-edge solutions in key technological areas, contributing to Europe's technological autonomy and supporting EU's strategic priorities, e.g. AI, advanced materials, quantum, biotech, robotics and space technologies, energy and decarbonisation, as specified in the Competitive Compass for the EU.

Support Package

The package of growth-focused support to the identified companies, should focus on:

• Strengthening investment readiness
• Strengthening operational excellence
• Facilitate outreach to new customers, business partners and market (e.g. within EU as well as expansion to foreign markets)
• Facilitate access to (late-stage) financing
• Facilitate access to talents

Implementation Requirements

For the implementation, the action should:

• Be tailored to the specific needs of Europe's deep tech companies in various sectors. It should be delivered in an agile way while, properly balancing companies' engagement and the action's added value.
• Be implemented in strong conjunction with the EIC Business Acceleration Services, and the network of EIC ecosystem partners, exploiting synergies and cross-promoting relevant actions, such as the international trade fairs, matchmaking with corporates, innovation procurement, investor outreach, etc.
• Support participating companies' engagement in relevant scale-up schemes at EU level (EIC Step Scale Up, InvestEU initiative, EU Innovation Fund, etc.) and national levels (soft-landing schemes).
• Play a proactive role in helping EIC build growth, expertise and leadership in the field of scaling up companies, by contributing to a better understanding of concrete challenges and needs of Europe's deep tech scale-ups and knowledge on the most efficient interventions to overcome the challenges.
• Engage the EIC Scaling Club alumni companies, leveraging their scale-up experience, insights, and networks to strengthen the ecosystem for new cohorts.
• Effectively promote the participating companies as Europe's most promising tech champions and global leaders.

Enhanced Corporate Partnership Programme 4.0

The EIC Corporate Partnership Programme 4.0 provides support to pilot and close deals with corporates, facilitating strategic partnerships between EIC Awardees and major corporate entities. This programme is designed to:

• Create opportunities for EIC Awardees to engage with potential corporate partners
• Support pilot projects and proof-of-concept initiatives with corporates
• Facilitate commercial partnerships and strategic alliances
• Provide access to corporate expertise, resources, and market channels

International Trade Fairs Programme 4.0

This action will allow to select EIC Awardees that are SMEs that are already established in Europe to attend European and international business trade fairs. The aim is to support their commercialisation strategy in European and foreign markets, and to strengthen the EU innovation brand around the world.

The provided services will include exhibition space within the 'EIC Pavilion' in relevant fairs, market training sessions for the participating companies, and networking opportunities with potential customers, partners, and investors.

Enhanced Coaching Services

Business coaching focuses on providing insights on business development and guidance to improve business performance. EIC coaching is mandatory part of EIC funding. Beneficiaries are encouraged to choose their coach/coaches early in their project to maximise the benefits.

Coaching Coverage

Coaching topics cover the entire entrepreneurial and innovation endeavour from challenging the value proposition and business model, IP management, data protection, improving strategy and investor business case, building the team and leadership, to international expansion.

Coaching Allocation

EIC business coaching is provided to eligible entities:

• EIC Accelerator applicants: At full proposal application stage, three days of remote coaching
• EIC Awardees and Pre-accelerator Awardees: Twelve days of remote coaching. In exceptional cases (e.g., scaling up), this can be extended beyond the 12 days
• Other eligible entities: Three days of remote coaching

Coach Selection and Quality

The EIC coaching services are provided by highly qualified business coaches selected against strict evaluation criteria. Applicants to provide EIC coaching services must have:

• At least five years of professional experience as investor, board advisor or in managerial positions with responsibilities in developing business innovation
• At least five years of coaching experience supporting new business development within a corporate's departments or with startups

EIC business coaches will receive EUR 1,000 per day of coaching (corresponding to EUR 500 per half day), which is considered to be proportionate to the specific services that EIC business coaches will provide.

Ecosystem Partner Services

Additional to the BAS services funded through the EIC work programmes, the services provided by EIC Ecosystem partners offer eligible entities access to an even larger portfolio of high quality, topic, or sector specific services from service providers from all over Europe. The services include:

• Incubation and acceleration programmes
• Legal and IP expertise
• Access to testing and research infrastructure
• Matchmaking with large corporates and investors
• And many more specialized services

Financial Support for Services

EIC Awardees can access various financial support mechanisms:

• Co-funding: Up to 50% co-funding of services from EIC ecosystem partners to a maximum value of €60,000 per beneficiary
• Pilot and testing support: Up to €60,000 support for pilots and testing with public and private buyers
• Investment readiness: 1-to-1 investment readiness and outreach support for startups, SMEs

Eligibility and Access

The eligible entities and the BAS services available for each group include:

• EIC Awardees (2021-2025): 12 days of coaching and more if justified, possibility to apply to all BAS activities, 1-to-1 investment readiness and outreach support, up to 50% co-funding of services from EIC ecosystem partners, up to €60,000 support for pilots and testing
• EIC Pilot Awardees (2018-2020): 12 days of coaching and more if justified, possibility to apply to all BAS activities, up to 50% co-funding of services from EIC ecosystem partners
• Seal of Excellence holders: 3 days of coaching, possibility to apply to all BAS activities, up to 50% co-funding of services from EIC ecosystem partners
• Women TechEU Awardees: Can join EIC Women Leadership Programme including 3 days of coaching, training and mentoring, possibility to apply to all BAS activities

Application and Selection Process

Unless otherwise specified in the specific calls, the eligible entities can apply to EIC's BAS services through open calls published on the EIC Community Platform. The selection is done based on assessment from business partners or market experts or on a first come first served basis.

Expected Impact

The reinforced Business Acceleration Services are expected to generate the following impact:

• Strengthening growth skills through mentoring and curated peer learning on fundamental growth barriers such as inclusive work culture, organisation, talent attraction, international expansion, and funding
• Increase the number and value of investments deals from strategic European and non-European, co-investments partners
• Increase the number and value of commercial deals from customers and through strategic partners, e.g. corporates, buyers, infrastructure and service providers, within EU as well as in foreign markets
• Strengthening attractiveness to attract highly skilled talents
• Building a strong peer-network of Europe's top-performing deep tech founders and key mentors
• Strengthen visibility of supported companies and the image of the European deep tech scaleup scene

Implementation Timeline

EIC Scaling Club 2.0:

• Call opening: Q1 2026
• Deadline for applications: June 2026
• Type of action: Coordination and Support Action (CSA)
• Number of projects expected to be funded: 1

EIC Business Coaches:

• Indicative budget: EUR 2 million
• Indicative timetable: Q1 2026
• Type of action: Expert contracts action

Note: The BAS services and the infrastructure to provide access to EIC Ecosystem partners are funded through multi-year procurements, expert contracts (coaching) and Coordination and Support Actions (CSA) some of which were financed through previous Work Programmes.

9. Gender and Diversity Innovation Index

The 2026 EIC Work Programme introduces support for a regular Gender and Diversity Innovation index, building on the recent pilot projects and establishing a comprehensive framework to measure and address gender and diversity disparities in Europe's innovation ecosystem.

Foundation and Background

Key Enhancement: Support for a regular Gender and Diversity Innovation index, building on the recent pilot projects. This action aims to build on the foundational work of the GENDEX Pilot Project (2023–2025) and the European Parliament's Pilot Project on the Gender Gap in Investments, transforming them into a fully operational, data-driven, and stakeholder-ready Gender & Diversity Index.

These pilots have established the basis for a European-wide framework to measure and address gender and diversity disparities—particularly in deep tech, venture capital, and start-up ecosystems.

Strategic Context

While SHE Figures remains the Commission's flagship monitoring tool for gender equality in R&I, this action complements it by addressing underexplored areas such as investment flows, start-up dynamics, and venture ecosystems, offering more practical and actionable insights for funders, investors, and innovators.

Achieving gender equality and diversity benefits not only individuals, but also increases the performance of business, research and innovation.

Primary Objectives

The Gender and Diversity Innovation Index has the following key objectives:

• Establish a bi-annual flagship report tracking key gender and diversity metrics across innovation and investment landscapes
• Ensure continuity of findings from GENDEX and the EP Pilot Project, and explore synergies with She Figures
• Revisit methodology and definitions from GENDEX and EP Pilot Project on Gender Gap in Investments to incorporate new best practices and analytics, while also ensuring alignment with the She Figures reports
• Provide actionable analytics, exploitation, dissemination and communication tools and frameworks to mainstream diversity
• Support informed investment decisions through benchmarking tools and data visualisation dashboards
• Align with EU instruments (She Figures, EIC data, Horizon Europe reporting) to improve coherence and data usability
• Provide actionable tools (e.g. country fiches, handbooks, templates for diversity reporting) to support mainstreaming efforts

Expected Deliverables

The contractor will deliver the following key outputs:

1. Enhanced Index Framework

Upgrade and operationalise the GENDEX Scorecard into a broader Gender & Diversity Index, providing a comprehensive measurement framework for gender and diversity in innovation ecosystems.

2. Methodology Validation

Validate and harmonise methodologies and definitions and data sets used in GENDEX and the EP Pilot Project, ensuring consistency and reliability across different measurement approaches.

3. Data Integration

Integrate multi-source datasets (public, commercial, EIC primary, surveys), ensuring quality, privacy, and consistency while providing comprehensive coverage of the innovation landscape.

4. Interactive Dashboard

Develop an interactive user-friendly dashboard for easy access, filtering, and visualisation of data, enabling stakeholders to explore gender and diversity metrics in an accessible format.

5. Reporting Templates

Create voluntary diversity reporting templates for start-ups, scale-ups, and investors (including API-compatible formats), facilitating standardized reporting across the ecosystem.

6. Dissemination Products

Produce tailored dissemination products (e.g. reports, infographics) targeting key stakeholder groups, ensuring effective communication of findings and insights.

7. Cross-Country Comparison

Draft a cross-country comparative index of gender equality performance across the EU, enabling benchmarking and identification of best practices.

8. Policy Reports

Publish a policy report with 5–6 expert articles and a flagship synthesis report combining data and policy insights, providing evidence-based recommendations for policy makers.

Implementation Approach

The implementation of the action will involve:

• Commission interactions: Regular engagement with the Commission to ensure alignment with policy priorities
• Advisory panel: Expert guidance from a dedicated advisory panel
• Stakeholder workshops: Organisation of workshops involving relevant users from the Commission and other stakeholders (e.g. investors)
• Data sharing: Engagement in data sharing with other relevant initiatives (e.g. She Figures contractor, JRC Indicators Explorer, ERA Subgroup on Gender, INSPIRE)

Expected Impact

The Gender and Diversity Innovation Index is expected to generate the following impact:

• Enhanced ability to identify and address diversity gaps at multiple levels across the innovation ecosystem
• Evidence-based policy and funding decisions at EU, national, and organisational levels, supported by comprehensive data and analysis
• Improved transparency and accountability in gender and diversity practices across the innovation sector
• Better targeting of interventions to address specific gender and diversity challenges in different contexts
• Strengthened monitoring and evaluation of gender and diversity initiatives and their effectiveness

Technical Specifications

Type of action: Administrative Agreement implying direct transfer of credits/budget to the JRC due to volume, complexity, and cost of services, including expert engagement

Indicative timetable: Q2 2026

Indicative budget: EUR 400,000

Integration with Existing Initiatives

The Gender and Diversity Innovation Index will be designed to complement and enhance existing EU initiatives:

• She Figures: While maintaining SHE Figures as the flagship monitoring tool, the new index will address complementary areas such as investment flows and venture ecosystems
• EIC Data: Integration with EIC data to provide insights specific to the European Innovation Council's portfolio
• Horizon Europe Reporting: Alignment with Horizon Europe reporting requirements to ensure consistency across EU research and innovation programmes
• National Initiatives: Support for national and regional gender and diversity monitoring efforts through standardized methodologies and tools

Stakeholder Engagement

The index will engage with a wide range of stakeholders to ensure relevance and impact:

• Investors and Funders: Providing data and tools to support more inclusive investment decisions
• Start-ups and Scale-ups: Offering benchmarking tools and best practices for improving diversity
• Policy Makers: Delivering evidence-based insights for policy development and evaluation
• Research Community: Contributing to the broader understanding of gender and diversity in innovation
• Civil Society: Supporting advocacy and awareness-raising efforts

Data Privacy and Quality

The implementation will ensure:

• Data protection compliance: Full adherence to EU data protection regulations
• Data quality standards: Rigorous validation and quality control processes
• Privacy by design: Integration of privacy considerations throughout the development process
• Transparency: Clear documentation of data sources, methodologies, and limitations

Note: This initiative represents a significant step forward in establishing comprehensive monitoring and support for gender and diversity in Europe's innovation ecosystem, building on successful pilot projects and creating a sustainable framework for ongoing measurement and improvement.

10. Plug-In Scheme Updates

The 2026 EIC Work Programme introduces an update of the Plug In scheme, following the completion of the pilot phase in 2023-25, with enhanced objectives and streamlined processes to strengthen collaboration between national and EU innovation support.

Pilot Phase Completion

Key Update: An update of the Plug In scheme, following the completion of the pilot phase in 2023-25. Following the evaluation of the EIC Plug-in pilot scheme from 2022-24, the scheme has been refined and enhanced based on lessons learned and stakeholder feedback.

Enhanced Objectives

The updated EIC Plug-In scheme has the following refined objectives:

• Stronger alignment between national and EU innovation support to support the growth of companies with potential to contribute to Europe's competitiveness
• More streamlined process to access funding for innovation projects from excellent companies
• Identification of strategic companies with innovation projects based on excellent research and with impact potential

Purpose and Scope

The EIC Plug-In scheme aims to support collaboration between national or regional funding bodies providing grants or/and equity to deep tech startups, in particular around the review and evaluation of suitable projects and companies for EIC Accelerator. The aim is to strengthen the capability of the funding bodies to identify and support promising deep tech projects and companies that could benefit from EIC accelerator support.

Certification Process

Eligible funding bodies will be able to propose a limited number of companies from national and regional programmes, for direct access to the full proposal stage of the EIC Accelerator. The companies should be selected based on criteria equivalent to the criteria for EIC Accelerator Short application and through a process that guarantee an independent assessment of proposals.

Certification Requirements

The eligible funding bodies, programmes and project review processes will be certified by the Commission with the support of external experts. The list of responsible national and regional funding bodies from Member State and Associated Country that have certified programmes will be published on the EIC website.

Certification Withdrawal

The Commission may withdraw the certification, if it finds out that:

• False information was used to obtain the certification
• The project review does not comply with the provisions as set out in the most recent EIC work programme

Enhanced Access and Support

The selected projects and companies will have the same access to EIC coaching as proposals selected in the EIC accelerator short application phase. Full proposals stemming from the Plug-in partnership will be assessed as set out in Section V and will be treated exactly the same way as all other full proposals.

Limitations and Controls

The number of proposals that can be given access for the Plug-In will be limited at the level of the Member State and Associated Countries. A Member State or Associated Country may decide not to implement the Plug-in scheme or to introduce it at a later stage.

Integration with EIC Accelerator

The EIC Plug-In scheme provides that certified national or regional programmes may submit applications directly to the full application stage of the EIC Accelerator evaluation. This streamlined approach enables:

• Direct access to full proposal stage for companies selected through certified national/regional programmes
• Reduced administrative burden by leveraging existing national evaluation processes
• Enhanced coordination between national and EU funding mechanisms
• Quality assurance through certification of national programmes

Eligibility and Participation

Applicants may also be able to apply if they have a project financed by an eligible programme managed by a Member State or an Associated Country under the Plug-in scheme. The scheme is designed to:

• Support deep tech startups that have already been evaluated through national programmes
• Leverage national expertise in identifying promising companies
• Reduce duplication of evaluation efforts between national and EU levels
• Enhance coordination between different funding sources

Quality Assurance Mechanisms

The updated scheme includes several quality assurance mechanisms:

• External expert certification: Commission certification with support of external experts
• Criteria alignment: National selection criteria must be equivalent to EIC Accelerator Short application criteria
• Independent assessment: Guaranteed independent assessment of proposals through national processes
• Monitoring and review: Ongoing monitoring of certified programmes and withdrawal of certification if standards are not maintained

Benefits for Stakeholders

The updated Plug-In scheme provides benefits for various stakeholders:

For Companies

• Streamlined access to EIC Accelerator funding
• Reduced application burden through leveraging national evaluations
• Access to EIC coaching and support services
• Enhanced visibility and credibility through dual certification

For National/Regional Funding Bodies

• Recognition of their evaluation processes and expertise
• Enhanced ability to support companies with EU funding
• Strengthened collaboration with EU innovation ecosystem
• Improved coordination of funding sources

For the EU Innovation Ecosystem

• Better coordination between national and EU funding
• Reduced duplication of evaluation efforts
• Enhanced identification of promising companies
• Strengthened European innovation competitiveness

Implementation Timeline

The updated Plug-In scheme will be implemented following the completion of the pilot phase evaluation, with:

• Certification process: Ongoing certification of eligible national/regional programmes
• Programme publication: Updated list of certified programmes on the EIC website
• Continuous monitoring: Regular review of certified programmes and their performance
• Flexible implementation: Member States and Associated Countries can choose when to implement the scheme

Future Development

The Plug-In scheme is designed to be flexible and adaptable, with the potential for:

• Expansion to other programmes: Potential extension to other parts of Horizon Europe and Horizon 2020
• Enhanced coordination: Further strengthening of national-EU collaboration
• Process optimization: Continuous improvement based on implementation experience
• Broader impact: Increased support for Europe's innovation ecosystem

Quality Standards

The scheme maintains high quality standards through:

• Equivalent evaluation criteria: National processes must meet EIC standards
• Independent assessment: Guaranteed independence in evaluation processes
• Transparency: Clear publication of certified programmes and processes
• Accountability: Regular review and potential withdrawal of certification

Note: The updated Plug-In scheme represents a significant enhancement of the collaboration between national and EU innovation support, building on the successful pilot phase and creating a more streamlined and effective pathway for promising companies to access EIC Accelerator funding.

11. Evaluation Process Simplifications

The 2026 EIC Work Programme introduces comprehensive evaluation process simplifications across all instruments, designed to streamline procedures, reduce administrative burden, and accelerate funding decisions while maintaining quality standards.

Comprehensive Simplification Approach

The EIC approach to the evaluation of proposals is tailored to the objectives of each of the EIC funding schemes. For the most mature technologies, when business and market readiness levels are close to market funding, greater emphasis is put on interviews with applicants and a simplified binary scoring (GO/NO GO).

Instrument-Specific Evaluation Improvements

EIC Pathfinder Evaluation Enhancements

For the EIC Pathfinder, which supports science-towards-technology breakthrough research, the evaluation follows a peer review method where proposals are evaluated, scored and ranked by experts based on weighted criteria and thresholds. Key improvements include:

• Lump-sum funding implementation: Further introduction of lump-sum together with some minor improvements to the evaluation process
• Enhanced individual evaluation: Your proposal will be first evaluated and scored individually by at least three EIC expert evaluators with respect to the award criteria
• Committee evaluation: The evaluation committee, composed of EIC expert evaluators different than those who evaluated the proposals individually, will decide on the final score
• Streamlined feedback: The Evaluation Summary Report will comprise the final score, comments that summarises the assessment by the evaluation committee as well as any additional comments

EIC Transition Evaluation Streamlining

For the EIC Transition, which funds innovation activities that go beyond the experimental proof of concept, proposals will first be evaluated remotely, scored, and ranked based on criteria and thresholds. For the top ranked applicants which are invited to the interview, the jury will decide based on a binary scoring (GO/NO GO).

Key improvements:

• Two-stage evaluation: Remote evaluation followed by interview-based binary decision
• Lump-sum funding: Eligible costs will take the form of a lump sum and the amount will be determined during the evaluation process
• Gender balance requirements: Specific provisions for ensuring at least 30% of applications submitted by women-led SMEs or consortia in the interview pool
• Enhanced feedback: Detailed feedback for all applicants, including those not selected for interviews

EIC Accelerator Major Simplification

For the EIC Accelerator, which supports high risk/high gain innovations to go to the market and scale up, proposals will be evaluated remotely and at interviews based on a binary scoring (GO/NO GO). Major simplifications include:

• Application form reuse: Reducing the length of application forms which can be reused from short to full application stages
• Technical due diligence: Introducing a technical due diligence on full applications before the jury phase to accelerate subsequent investment decisions
• Regular batching: Moving to regular batching of full applications and three jury weeks per year
• Binary scoring: Simplified GO/NO GO evaluation at all stages
• Lump-sum funding: Grant components take the form of lump sum contributions via grant agreements

EIC STEP Scale Up Evaluation

For the EIC STEP Scale Up, which supports promising companies developing critical technologies to help them secure larger funding rounds for further scaling their businesses, proposals will be evaluated following remote interview based on a binary scoring (GO/NO GO).

Lump-Sum Funding Implementation

Major Enhancement: The widespread introduction of lump-sum funding across all EIC instruments represents a significant simplification of the financial management process.

Lump-Sum Benefits

• Simplified financial management: Eliminates complex cost reporting and verification procedures
• Faster payment processes: Lump sum amounts are determined during the evaluation process
• Reduced administrative burden: Applicants propose amounts based on estimated project costs
• Consistent application: Based on the Decision of 7 July 2021 authorising the use of lump sum contributions under the Horizon Europe Programme

Lump-Sum Implementation Across Instruments

• EIC Pathfinder: Eligible costs take the form of a lump sum determined during evaluation
• EIC Transition: 100% funding rate with lump sum determination during evaluation
• EIC Accelerator: Grant components take the form of lump sum contributions via grant agreements
• EIC Advanced Innovation Challenges: Both stages use lump sum funding (€300K Stage 1, €2.5M Stage 2)

Technical Due Diligence Innovation

New Process: Introducing a technical due diligence on full applications before the jury phase to accelerate subsequent investment decisions.

Technical Due Diligence Process

• External expert assessment: Conducted by a highly qualified external expert
• Comprehensive evaluation: In-depth technical due diligence together with preliminary assessment against award criteria
• Online interview component: Includes an online interview moderated by the Agency staff
• Detailed reporting: Results in a comprehensive technical due diligence report
• Claims verification: Assesses claims made in the proposal against third party information

Benefits of Technical Due Diligence

• Accelerated investment decisions: Provides detailed technical assessment before jury phase
• Enhanced quality assurance: Independent technical validation of proposal claims
• Informed jury decisions: Jury has access to comprehensive technical assessment
• Risk mitigation: Early identification of technical challenges and risks

Binary Scoring System

Simplified Decision Making: The introduction of binary scoring (GO/NO GO) across multiple instruments streamlines the evaluation process.

Binary Scoring Implementation

• EIC Accelerator: Remote evaluation and interviews based on binary scoring
• EIC Transition: Jury decisions based on binary scoring for top-ranked applicants
• EIC STEP Scale Up: Remote interview evaluation using binary scoring
• Booster grants: Evaluation committee gives GO or NO GO decisions

Binary Scoring Benefits

• Faster decisions: Eliminates complex scoring calculations
• Clear outcomes: Simple GO/NO GO decisions
• Reduced subjectivity: Focuses on clear pass/fail criteria
• Streamlined process: Accelerates evaluation timelines

Regular Batching and Scheduling

Enhanced Predictability: Moving to regular batching of full applications and three jury weeks per year.

Batching Schedule for 2026

• 7/01/2026
• 04/03/2026
• 06/05/2026
• 08/07/2026
• 02/09/2026
• 03/11/2026

Interview Sessions

After each second batch an interview session will be organised. The tentative dates of these interview sessions will be published on the EIC website.

Enhanced Feedback and Communication

Improved Transparency: Enhanced feedback mechanisms across all evaluation processes.

Feedback Improvements

• Comprehensive feedback: All applicants receive detailed evaluation feedback
• Timely communication: Clear timelines for evaluation results
• Detailed reporting: Evaluation Summary Reports with specific comments
• Resubmission guidance: Clear guidance for improving proposals

Quality Assurance Mechanisms

Maintained Standards: Despite simplifications, quality assurance remains paramount.

Quality Assurance Features

• Multiple evaluators: At least three independent expert evaluators per proposal
• Committee oversight: Evaluation committees for final decisions
• External expertise: Technical due diligence by qualified external experts
• Transparent processes: Clear evaluation criteria and procedures
• Appeal mechanisms: Opportunities for feedback and clarification

Expected Impact of Simplifications

The evaluation process simplifications are expected to deliver:

• Faster funding decisions: Reduced evaluation timelines across all instruments
• Reduced administrative burden: Simplified application and reporting processes
• Enhanced predictability: Regular batching and clear timelines
• Improved user experience: Streamlined processes for applicants
• Maintained quality: High standards preserved through quality assurance mechanisms
• Better resource allocation: More efficient use of evaluation resources

Implementation Timeline

The evaluation process simplifications will be implemented throughout 2026:

• Immediate implementation: Lump-sum funding and binary scoring for new calls
• Phased rollout: Technical due diligence implementation across instruments
• Continuous monitoring: Regular assessment of simplification effectiveness
• Feedback integration: Ongoing refinement based on stakeholder feedback

Note: These evaluation process simplifications represent a comprehensive effort to streamline EIC operations while maintaining the highest quality standards, ensuring that promising innovations receive timely and efficient support.

12. Application Form Changes

The 2026 EIC Work Programme introduces major simplifications and shortening of application forms across all instruments, designed to reduce administrative burden and streamline the application process while maintaining quality standards.

Major Simplification and Shortening

Key Enhancement: A major simplification and shortening of the EIC Accelerator evaluation process: reducing the length of application forms which can be reused from short to full application stages: enabling applicants to reuse short applications for the full application stage.

EIC Accelerator Application Form Streamlining

Short Application Simplification

The short application process has been significantly streamlined with the following components:

• Short form: A concise form where you summarise your proposal and respond to questions on your company and team, your innovation and the potential market
• Pitch-deck: Up to ten slides in pdf format
• Video pitch: Up to three minutes where the core members of your team (up to three people) should provide the motivation for your proposal

Key Innovation: The content of your short proposal is designed to be reusable in later stages of the application process should you advance.

Full Application Enhancement

The full proposal consists of:

• Reusable short form: A short form based on the short application (you may revise based on feedback received)
• Additional data annexes:
  • Financial data and company structure
  • Freedom to operate (FTO) analysis
  • Competitor analysis
  • Implementation plan (including proposed milestones) for grant component if applicable
• Updated materials: An updated pitch-deck in pdf format and video pitch (you may choose to reuse or update these from your short proposal)

Page Limit Reductions

Streamlined Format Requirements: Application forms have been shortened across all instruments to reduce administrative burden.

EIC Pathfinder Page Limits

Sections 1 to 3 of the part B of your proposal, corresponding respectively to the award criteria Excellence, Impact, and Quality and Efficiency of the Implementation, must consist of a maximum of 20 format A4 pages.

EIC Transition Page Limits

Sections 1 to 3 and the cover page (that includes the information about the related project on which the current EIC Transition proposal is built on) of part B of your proposal must consist of a maximum of 22 format A4 pages.

EIC Advanced Innovation Challenges Page Limits

Sections 1 to 3 and the cover page of part B of your proposal must consist of a maximum of 10 format A4 pages.

General Page Limit Framework

Unless provided otherwise in the specific call/topic conditions, the limit for a full application is 45 pages (except for 'Coordination and support' actions, where the limit is 30 pages). For topics using lump sum funding, the limit for 'Research and Innovation' actions and 'Innovation' actions is 50 pages and the limit for 'Coordination and support' action is 33 pages.

Application Reuse Innovation

Major Enhancement: Enabling applicants to reuse short applications for the full application stage represents a significant simplification of the application process.

Reuse Benefits

• Reduced duplication: Eliminates the need to recreate information already provided in short applications
• Consistency: Ensures alignment between short and full application content
• Time savings: Significantly reduces the time required to prepare full applications
• Quality improvement: Allows applicants to focus on enhancing rather than recreating content

Reuse Implementation

• Short form basis: Full applications are based on the short application with opportunity for revision
• Feedback integration: Applicants can revise based on feedback received during short application evaluation
• Material reuse: Pitch-deck and video pitch can be reused or updated from short proposal
• Flexible enhancement: Additional data annexes provide opportunity to expand on short application content

Streamlined Evaluation Alignment

Form-Criteria Alignment: Application forms have been redesigned to better align with evaluation criteria, ensuring that the information requested directly supports the assessment process.

Evaluation Criteria Integration

The EIC Accelerator evaluation criteria are assessed at different stages:

• Short application stage: A subset of the criteria will be assessed
• Full application stage: The full set of criteria assessed by the external expert, the evaluation committee and then the Jury
• Technical due diligence: At the full proposal stage, the Technical Due Diligence report will assess the claims made in the proposal

Form Simplification Note

[To be updated based on further work to simplify application forms and hence align questions in form with the criteria]

Enhanced User Experience

Improved Accessibility: Application forms have been redesigned to provide a better user experience.

User-Friendly Features

• Clear structure: Logical organization of information requirements
• Reduced complexity: Simplified language and clearer instructions
• Progressive disclosure: Information requested progressively as needed
• Consistent formatting: Standardized format across all instruments

Digital Submission Enhancements

• Electronic submission system: Applications must be submitted using the forms provided inside the electronic submission system
• Automatic validation: System checks for compliance with page limits and format requirements
• Real-time feedback: Immediate warnings for non-compliance issues
• Template availability: Templates available on topic pages for information purposes

Quality Assurance and Compliance

Maintained Standards: Despite simplifications, quality assurance and compliance requirements remain robust.

Compliance Mechanisms

• Page limit enforcement: If an application exceeds the limits, there will be an automatic warning and invitation to resubmit a version that conforms to these limits
• Automatic processing: After the call deadline, excess pages will be automatically made invisible to evaluators
• Format validation: System ensures compliance with required formats and structures
• Content verification: Mandatory confirmation of information accuracy and completeness

Quality Standards

• Mandate confirmation: Coordinators must confirm they have the mandate to act for all applicants
• Information accuracy: Confirmation that information in the application is correct and complete
• Eligibility verification: Proof of eligibility must be provided upon request
• Consent requirements: Necessary consents for data sharing and processing

Cross-Instrument Consistency

Standardized Approach: Application form changes have been implemented consistently across all EIC instruments.

Consistent Features

• Lump-sum funding: All instruments now use lump-sum funding with simplified financial reporting
• Binary scoring: Consistent GO/NO GO evaluation approach where appropriate
• Streamlined evaluation: Reduced evaluation timelines across all instruments
• Enhanced feedback: Comprehensive feedback mechanisms for all applicants

Instrument-Specific Adaptations

• EIC Pathfinder: Focus on scientific excellence and breakthrough potential
• EIC Transition: Emphasis on market readiness and business development
• EIC Accelerator: Comprehensive business and technical assessment
• EIC STEP Scale Up: Strategic technology and investment readiness focus

Expected Impact of Form Changes

The application form changes are expected to deliver:

• Reduced administrative burden: Shorter, more focused application forms
• Faster application preparation: Reuse of content reduces preparation time
• Improved quality: Focus on essential information rather than extensive documentation
• Enhanced accessibility: Simpler forms encourage broader participation
• Streamlined evaluation: Better alignment between form content and evaluation criteria
• Consistent experience: Standardized approach across all instruments

Implementation Timeline

The application form changes will be implemented throughout 2026:

• Immediate implementation: New page limits and reuse features for 2026 calls
• Continuous improvement: Ongoing refinement based on user feedback
• System updates: Electronic submission system enhancements
• Guidance updates: Updated application guidance and templates

Future Development

The application form simplification is designed to be:

• Adaptive: Responsive to user feedback and changing needs
• Scalable: Applicable across current and future instruments
• Technology-enabled: Leveraging digital tools for enhanced user experience
• Quality-focused: Maintaining high standards while reducing complexity

Note: These application form changes represent a comprehensive effort to streamline the EIC application process while maintaining the highest quality standards, ensuring that promising innovations can access support more efficiently.

13. Budget and Funding Changes

The 2026 EIC Work Programme introduces significant budget and funding changes across all instruments, with major increases in funding amounts and new budget allocations to support enhanced innovation activities.

Major Budget Increase for EIC Pathfinder

Key Change: An increase in the indicative budget size of EIC Pathfinder projects to €4.5 million to enable progress to proof of concept stage, along with further introduction of lump-sum together with some minor improvements to the evaluation process.

Comprehensive Budget Overview

The budgets set out in the calls/Actions are indicative. Unless otherwise stated, final budgets may change following evaluation. The final figures may change by up to 20% compared to the total budget indicated in this Work Programme.

Instrument-Specific Budget Allocations

EIC Pathfinder Budget Changes

Major Enhancement: The total indicative budget for EIC Pathfinder Open call is EUR [TBD] million. The EIC considers proposals with a requested EU contribution of up to EUR 4.5 million as appropriate. Nonetheless, this does not preclude you to request larger amounts, if duly justified.

• Open Call: Grants up to EUR 4.5 million (increased from previous amounts)
• Challenges Call: Projects to achieve the proof of principle and validate the scientific basis of breakthrough technologies
• Funding rate: 100% of the eligible costs
• Funding mechanism: Lump sum funding with amount determined during evaluation

EIC Transition Budget

Budget Allocation: The total indicative budget for this call is EUR [TBD] million.

• Funding range: More than EUR 0.5 million and less than EUR 2.5 million
• Duration: Between 1 and 3 years as appropriate
• Funding rate: 100% of the eligible costs
• Funding mechanism: Lump sum funding with amount determined during evaluation

EIC Advanced Innovation Challenges Budget

New Instrument Funding: The total indicative budget for this call is EUR 4 million under 2026 Work programme for Stage 1 projects and EUR 25 million under 2027 EIC work programme for Stage 2 projects.

• Stage 1: Up to €300,000 lump sum for up to nine months
• Stage 2: Up to €2.5 million lump sum for up to 2.5 years
• Funding rate: 100% of the eligible costs
• Funding mechanism: Lump sum funding based on estimated project costs

EIC Accelerator Budget

Comprehensive Funding: The total indicative budget for this call is EUR [TBD] million. EUR [TBD] million of the total indicative budget will be allocated to EIC Accelerator Open and EUR [TBD] million to EIC Accelerator Challenges.

• Investment component budget: The indicative budget for investment components is [EUR XXX] million and is managed by the EIC Fund
• Grant component: Up to EUR 2,499,999 for grant-only support
• Investment range: EUR 1 million to EUR 10 million for investment component
• Budget flexibility: May be increased by unused amounts allocated to the EIC Fund under previous EIC Work Programmes

EIC STEP Scale Up Budget

Strategic Technology Funding: The EIC STEP Scale Up call offers a total indicative budget of EUR 300 million for 2026, which is expected to rise to EUR 900 million for the period 2025-2027.

• Investment range: EUR 10 to EUR 30 million per company
• Funding mechanism: Equity-only investments managed by the EIC Fund
• Budget reallocation: Any unused amount will be allocated with priority to the EIC Accelerator Open call
• Flexibility amount: Maximum EUR 5 million per proposal for additional flexibility

Business Acceleration Services Budget

Enhanced Support Funding: Various budget allocations for Business Acceleration Services:

• EIC Business Coaches: Indicative budget EUR 2 million
• International Trade Fairs Programme 4.0: Indicative budget EUR 7 million
• Financial support to access services: Indicative budget EUR 4.5 million
• EIC Scaling Club 2.0: Indicative budget EUR 5 million
• Corporate Partnership Programme 4.0: Indicative budget EUR 4 million
• Innovation Procurement Programme: Indicative budget EUR 7 million

Prizes and Recognition Budget

Innovation Recognition Funding: Budget allocations for various prize categories:

• Women Innovators Prizes: EUR 100,000, EUR 70,000, and EUR 50,000 for top three winners
• Rising Innovators Prizes: EUR 50,000, EUR 30,000, and EUR 20,000 for top three winners
• European Capital of Innovation: EUR 1 million for the winner
• European Rising Innovative City: EUR 500,000 for the winner

Support Services Budget

Infrastructure and Support Funding: Budget allocations for supporting infrastructure:

• Gender and Diversity Innovation Index: Indicative budget EUR 400,000
• Booster grants: Indicative budget EUR 4.3 million
• EIC Community platform: Indicative budget EUR 1 million
• IT infrastructure: Indicative budget EUR [3] million

Budget Flexibility and Management

Flexible Budget Framework: The EIC Work Programme includes significant budget flexibility mechanisms.

Budget Flexibility Provisions

• 20% flexibility: Final figures may change by up to 20% compared to the total budget indicated
• Cross-instrument reallocation: Unused amounts can be reallocated between instruments
• Year-to-year carryover: Amounts from previous years can be carried forward
• Investment component flexibility: Unused investment budgets can be reallocated to subsequent calls

EIC Fund Budget Management

• Administrative budget: Covers operation and administration expenses of investments
• Management fees: Fees payable to the EIC Fund Manager and other service providers
• Operational costs: Advisory, compliance, communication, and other operational expenses
• Budget cap: Administrative budget will not exceed 10% of the budget transferred for investment purposes

Follow-on Investment Reserve

Strategic Reserve: Reserve amount for follow-on investments and investment component of Grant First.

• Follow-on investments: Additional amounts for follow-on investments under Horizon Europe Regulation Article 48(12)
• Grant-first support: Equity component to grant-first beneficiaries selected under EIC Work Programmes 2021 to 2023
• Regular review: Amounts needed for additional financing reviewed on a regular basis
• Reallocation flexibility: Unused amounts re-allocated to EIC calls within flexibility limits

Lump-Sum Funding Implementation

Major Funding Innovation: The widespread introduction of lump-sum funding represents a significant change in financial management.

Lump-Sum Benefits

• Simplified financial management: Eliminates complex cost reporting procedures
• Faster payment processes: Lump sum amounts determined during evaluation
• Reduced administrative burden: Applicants propose amounts based on estimated costs
• Consistent application: Based on Decision of 7 July 2021 for lump sum contributions

Lump-Sum Implementation

• EIC Pathfinder: Eligible costs take the form of a lump sum determined during evaluation
• EIC Transition: 100% funding rate with lump sum determination
• EIC Accelerator: Grant components take the form of lump sum contributions
• EIC Advanced Innovation Challenges: Both stages use lump sum funding

Investment Component Enhancements

Enhanced Investment Support: Significant changes to investment component funding.

Investment Ranges

• EIC Accelerator: EUR 1 million to EUR 10 million
• EIC STEP Scale Up: EUR 10 million to EUR 30 million
• Follow-on investments: Maximum EUR 10 million per company
• Flexibility amounts: Additional EUR 2-5 million per proposal where justified

Investment Management

• EIC Fund management: All investment components managed by the EIC Fund
• Due diligence: Comprehensive due diligence process for all investments
• Terms negotiation: Investment terms negotiated on a case-by-case basis
• Investment guidelines: All investments follow EIC Fund Investment Guidelines

Expected Impact of Budget Changes

The budget and funding changes are expected to deliver:

• Enhanced support capacity: Increased funding amounts enable more comprehensive support
• Improved scalability: Higher investment ranges support larger funding rounds
• Streamlined processes: Lump-sum funding reduces administrative complexity
• Better resource allocation: Flexible budget management optimizes funding distribution
• Strategic focus: Targeted funding for strategic technologies and priorities
• Enhanced competitiveness: Increased funding supports European innovation leadership

Budget Monitoring and Reporting

Transparent Management: Comprehensive budget monitoring and reporting mechanisms.

• Regular reviews: Budget utilization reviewed on a regular basis
• Performance monitoring: Tracking of budget allocation and impact
• Flexibility management: Ongoing assessment of budget flexibility needs
• Stakeholder reporting: Regular reporting to Programme Committee and stakeholders

Note: These budget and funding changes represent a comprehensive enhancement of the EIC's financial support capacity, enabling more effective support for Europe's innovation ecosystem while maintaining financial discipline and transparency.

14. Deadline and Timeline Changes

The 2026 EIC Work Programme introduces significant deadline and timeline changes across all instruments, designed to provide more predictable scheduling, regular evaluation opportunities, and streamlined processes for applicants.

EIC Pathfinder Deadline Changes

Key Deadline: The deadline for submitting your proposal is 6 May 2026 at 17h00 Brussels local time.

EIC Pathfinder Timeline

• Submission deadline: 6 May 2026 at 17h00 Brussels local time
• Evaluation outcome: Within 5 months from the call deadline (indicative)
• Grant agreement signing: By 8 months after the call deadline (indicative)
• Call opening: The call will open on XX 2026

EIC Transition Deadline Changes

Key Deadline: The deadline for submitting your proposal is 16 September 2026 at 17h00 Brussels local time.

EIC Transition Timeline

• Submission deadline: 16 September 2026 at 17h00 Brussels local time
• First evaluation phase: Indicatively within 9 weeks after the call deadline
• Interview invitation: Approximately between 11-13 weeks after the deadline
• Interview result: Within 4 weeks from the start of the interview
• Grant agreement signing: Within 6 months from the call deadline (indicative)
• Project start: Within 2 months after signing the grant agreement

EIC Advanced Innovation Challenges Timeline

Stage 1 (Solution Design)

• Submission deadline: XX April 2026 at 17h00 Brussels local time
• Evaluation outcome: Indicatively within 5 weeks after the call deadline
• Grant agreement signing: Within 2 months from the call deadline (indicative)
• Project start: Immediately after the signature of the Grant, not later than 1st October 2026

Stage 2 (Prototyping and User Testing)

• Submission deadline: [June] 2027 at 17h00 Brussels local time
• Restricted call: Open exclusively to Stage 1 beneficiaries
• Implementation period: Up to 2.5 years

EIC Accelerator Regular Batching System

Major Enhancement: Moving to regular batching of full applications and three jury weeks per year.

2026 Batching Schedule

Full proposals will be batched at regular intervals for evaluation, and dates for 2026 are:

• 7/01/2026
• 04/03/2026
• 06/05/2026
• 08/07/2026
• 02/09/2026
• 03/11/2026

Interview Sessions

After each second batch an interview session will be organised. The tentative dates of these interview sessions will be published on the EIC website.

2027 Batching

The batching dates for 2027 will be announced in the 2027 Work Programme due to be adopted in Autumn 2026.

EIC STEP Scale Up Quarterly Cut-offs

Regular Evaluation: The evaluations of applications submitted will be organised with one cut off per quarter.

Quarterly Cut-off Schedule

• Q1 2026: 11/02/2026
• Q2 2026: 06/05/2026
• Q3 2026: 09/09/2026
• Q4 2026: 25/11/2026

STEP Scale Up Timeline

• Continuous submission: Applications can be submitted at any time
• Quarterly evaluation: Regular cut-offs for evaluation processing
• Interview invitation: Within approximately 4-6 weeks from the start of the evaluation process
• Interview result: Within approximately two weeks from the date of the interview

Business Acceleration Services Deadlines

EIC Scaling Club 2.0

• Call opening: Q1 2026
• Deadline for applications: June 2026
• Type of action: Coordination and Support Action (CSA)
• Number of projects: 1 expected to be funded

Financial Support to Access Services

• Deadline for applications: March 2026
• Type of action: Coordination and Support Action (CSA)
• Number of projects: 1 expected to be funded

Prizes and Recognition Timelines

EIC Prizes Timeline

• Opening of the contest: Q1–Q3 2026
• Deadline for submission of proposals: Q3–Q4 2026
• Award of the prize: Q1–Q2 2027

European Capital of Innovation

• Contest opening: Specific dates to be announced
• Application deadline: Specific dates to be announced
• Prize award: Specific dates to be announced

Enhanced Evaluation Timelines

Streamlined Processing: All instruments have benefited from enhanced evaluation timelines.

Standard Evaluation Timelines

• Information on evaluation outcome: Around 5 months from the deadline for submission
• Grant agreement signing: Around 8 months from the deadline for submission
• Project start: Within 2 months after signing the grant agreement

Accelerated Timelines

• EIC Advanced Innovation Challenges Stage 1: 5 weeks evaluation, 2 months to grant agreement
• EIC Transition: 9 weeks first evaluation, 6 months to grant agreement
• EIC STEP Scale Up: 4-6 weeks to interview invitation, 2 weeks to result

Flexibility Provisions

Adaptive Scheduling: The Work Programme includes flexibility provisions for deadline management.

Director-General Flexibility

• Call opening flexibility: The Director-General responsible may decide to open the call up to one month prior to or after the envisaged date(s) of opening
• Deadline extension: The Director-General responsible may delay the deadline(s) by up to two months
• Cut-off flexibility: The Director-General responsible may delay the cut-off(s) by up to two months

Minimum Call Duration

• Minimum open period: The calls must remain open for at least 2 months
• Change notification: If submission deadlines are changed, this must immediately be announced and registered applicants must be informed of the change

Concurrent Submission Rules

Timeline Management: Specific rules for managing concurrent submissions and implementations.

Concurrent Submission Restrictions

• No concurrent submission: Applicants must not submit more than one proposal for evaluation to any EIC Accelerator call before evaluation feedback has been provided for the earlier submission
• Last submission rule: If concurrent submission is identified, only the proposal submitted last (before the deadline) will be taken into consideration
• Implementation restrictions: Awardees of ongoing EIC Accelerator/EIC Pilot/SME instrument grant projects cannot submit another full proposal with a grant component before the first project reaches its end date

Fast Track Timeline Integration

National Programme Integration: Fast Track schemes have specific timeline requirements.

Fast Track Eligibility Timeline

• Project completion: The eligible project must be more than 18 months before the cutoff date of the relevant EIC Transition call
• Project start: The eligible project is less than 24 months from the cut-off date of the relevant EIC Transition call
• Continuous availability: Fast Track schemes are available for all 2026 cut-off dates

Expected Impact of Timeline Changes

The deadline and timeline changes are expected to deliver:

• Predictable scheduling: Regular batching and quarterly cut-offs provide predictable evaluation opportunities
• Faster processing: Accelerated evaluation timelines reduce waiting periods
• Better planning: Clear timelines enable better project planning and resource allocation
• Enhanced accessibility: More frequent evaluation opportunities increase access to funding
• Streamlined processes: Regular scheduling reduces administrative complexity
• Improved coordination: Aligned timelines across instruments facilitate better coordination

Implementation Considerations

Operational Planning: The timeline changes require careful operational planning.

• Resource allocation: Regular evaluation cycles require consistent resource allocation
• Capacity planning: Quarterly cut-offs and regular batching require enhanced evaluation capacity
• Communication management: Clear communication of timeline changes to all stakeholders
• Quality maintenance: Accelerated timelines must not compromise evaluation quality

Future Timeline Development

The timeline framework is designed to be:

• Adaptive: Flexible provisions allow for adjustment based on operational needs
• Scalable: Regular scheduling can accommodate increased application volumes
• Transparent: Clear communication of all timeline changes and flexibility provisions
• User-friendly: Predictable scheduling improves user experience

Note: These deadline and timeline changes represent a comprehensive effort to provide more predictable, accessible, and efficient evaluation processes while maintaining the highest quality standards for EIC funding decisions.

15. Eligibility and Participation Changes

The 2026 EIC Work Programme introduces significant eligibility and participation changes across all instruments, designed to enhance access to EIC funding while maintaining appropriate safeguards and quality standards.

Enhanced Eligibility for EIC Transition

Major Expansion: The inclusion of research results from Horizon Europe and Horizon 2020 research infrastructures as eligible for the EIC Transition call, alongside results from EIC Pathfinder, ERC Proof of Concept, and from Pillar 2 of Horizon Europe.

Complete List of Eligible Projects

EIC Transition is restricted to proposals based on results generated by the following eligible projects:

• EIC Pathfinder projects (including projects funded under the Horizon 2020 EIC pilot Pathfinder, FET-Open, FET-Proactive, CSA and CSA Lump sum FET Innovation Launchpad, and FET Flagships calls)
• European Research Council Proof of Concept projects funded Horizon 2020 or Horizon Europe
• Research and Innovation Actions funded under Horizon 2020 Societal challenges and Leadership in Industrial Technologies and under Horizon Europe pillar II, with an eligible TRL
• European Defence Fund (EDF), including the Preparatory Action on Defence Research, research projects, but only for proposals which are focused on civil applications (including dual use)
• Research and Innovation Actions funded under the Horizon Europe or Horizon 2020 Research Infrastructures part (NEW FOR 2026)

EIC Pathfinder Eligibility Enhancements

Expanded Participation: Enhanced eligibility criteria for EIC Pathfinder participation.

Eligible Entities

• Consortia: Only consortia can apply for Open call, with at least two eligible entities
• Challenges call: Smaller consortia (at least two eligible entities) or single applicants as well as larger consortia
• Single applicants: SMEs, spin-offs, start-ups, research organisations, universities
• Consortium size: Maximum 5 eligible entities for multi-beneficiary consortia

EIC Advanced Innovation Challenges Eligibility

New Instrument Eligibility: Specific eligibility criteria for the new EIC Advanced Innovation Challenges pilot.

Eligible Entities

• Single legal entity: Established in a Member State or an Associated Country ('mono-beneficiary') if you are a start-up, SME or research performing organisation (university, research or technology organisation, including teams, individual Principal Investigators and inventors). Larger companies (i.e. which do not qualify as SMEs) are not eligible to apply as a single legal entity
• Small consortium: Maximum three eligible independent legal entities ('multibeneficiary') which must include at least one legal entity established in a Member State or Associated Country

EIC Accelerator Eligibility Framework

Comprehensive Eligibility: Enhanced eligibility criteria for EIC Accelerator participation.

Eligible Applicants

To be an eligible applicant to EIC Accelerator, you must apply as one of the following eligible entities:

• SME: A single company classified as a SME, and established within a Member State or an Associated Country
• Small mid-cap: A single company classified as a small mid-cap (up to 499 employees) established in a Member State or an Associated Country, but only for "investment component only" support or for "blended finance" in exceptional cases for rapid scale up purposes
• Natural persons or legal entities: One or more natural persons (including individual entrepreneurs) or legal entities with specific establishment requirements

Establishment Requirements

• Intending to establish: From a Member State or an Associated Country intending to establish an SME or small mid-cap in a Member State or Associated Country by the time of signing the EIC Accelerator grant agreement
• Investment intent: Intending to invest in an SME or small mid-cap established in a Member State or an Associated Country and may submit a proposal on behalf of that SME or small mid-cap, provided that a prior agreement exists with the company
• Non-associated third country: From a non-associated third country intending to establish an SME (including start-ups) or to relocate an existing SME to a Member State or an Associated Country

EIC STEP Scale Up Eligibility

Strategic Technology Focus: Specific eligibility criteria for strategic technology companies.

Eligible Entities

• SME or small mid-cap: A single company classified as a SME or small mid-cap (up to 499 employees) established within a Member State or an Associated Country
• Holding entity: The company may have a holding entity for the purposes of the investment, and this holding company must also be established in a Member State or an Associated Country
• Investor submission: An investor may submit a proposal on behalf of an eligible SME or small mid-cap as defined above, provided that a prior agreement exists with the company

Technology Scope Requirements

In order to apply, your innovation must be within the scope of the priority areas defined in the STEP regulation:

• Digital technologies and deep tech innovations: Advanced semiconductor technologies, artificial intelligence technologies, quantum technologies, advanced connectivity, navigation and digital technologies, advanced sensing technologies, robotics and autonomous systems
• Clean and resource efficient technologies: Including net-zero technologies such as solar technologies, battery and energy storage technologies, hydrogen technologies, carbon capture and storage technologies
• Biotechnologies: Including medicinal products on the Union list of critical medicines and their components

Concurrent Submission Restrictions

Enhanced Management: Specific rules for managing concurrent submissions and implementations.

Concurrent Submission Rules

• No concurrent submission: Concurrent submissions to both the EIC Accelerator and EIC STEP Scale Up calls are not permitted
• Last submission rule: In the event of multiple submissions, only the proposal submitted most recently will be evaluated, and it will be assessed according to the merits and evaluation criteria of its respective call
• Implementation restrictions: Awardees of ongoing EIC Accelerator/EIC Pilot/SME instrument grant projects cannot submit another full proposal with a grant component before the first project reaches its end date

Concurrent Implementation Rules

• No concurrent implementation: Concurrent implementation occurs when the awardee of an ongoing EIC Accelerator/EIC Pilot/SME instrument grant project submits another full proposal with a grant component before the first project reaches its end date
• Evaluation feedback requirement: Applicants must wait for evaluation feedback before submitting new proposals
• Project completion requirement: Ongoing projects must reach their end date before new submissions

Economic Security and Strategic Interests

Enhanced Safeguards: New eligibility criteria to protect European strategic interests.

Non-Eligible Third Countries

• China restriction: Legal entities established in China are not eligible to participate in Horizon Europe Innovation Actions, including the EIC Accelerator, in any capacity
• Control restrictions: Legal entities which are directly or indirectly controlled by a non-eligible third country or by a legal entity established in a non-eligible third country may be subject to additional eligibility conditions
• Strategic technology protection: Additional restrictions may apply to actions identified as "subject to restrictions for the protection of European communication networks"

Strategic Asset Protection

• EU strategic assets: For actions related to EU strategic assets, interests, autonomy or security, participation may be limited to legal entities established only in EU Member States or specific associated countries
• Communication networks: Specific restrictions for the protection of European communication networks (5G, post-5G, 6G)
• Technology transfer prevention: Measures to prevent technology transfer and the persistence of dependencies on high-risk suppliers

Widening Country Participation

Enhanced Access: Improved participation of innovators from widening countries in the EIC.

Widening Country Support

• EIC Board recommendations: The EIC Board has published a set of recommendations to improve the participation of innovators from widening countries in the EIC
• Implementation measures: Recommendations are taken forward in the implementation of the EIC Work Programme
• Outreach activities: Enhanced outreach activities to support widening country participation
• Selection processes: Improved selection processes to ensure fair representation

Gender and Diversity Eligibility

Enhanced Inclusion: Specific provisions for gender balance and diversity in eligibility.

Women-Led SMEs

• Definition: Women-led SMEs (including start-ups) means companies where the position of either the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Chief Technology Officer (CTO) or Chief Scientific Officer (CSO) is held by a woman at the time of application, interview and award of the EU financial support
• Enhanced support: Women-led SMEs receive enhanced support and consideration in evaluation processes
• Gender balance requirements: Specific provisions for ensuring gender balance in evaluation processes

Fast Track and Plug-In Eligibility

Streamlined Access: Enhanced eligibility for Fast Track and Plug-In schemes.

Fast Track Eligibility

• Ongoing project participation: If you are currently a participant in an eligible project funded by Horizon Europe or Horizon 2020 then you may be able to apply through your existing project under the Fast Track scheme
• Funding body management: This scheme is managed by the funding body responsible for the existing project
• Eligible funding bodies: Applies to funding bodies listed in Annex 3

Plug-In Eligibility

• National programme participation: Applicants may also be able to apply if they have a project financed by an eligible programme managed by a Member State or an Associated Country under the Plug-in scheme
• Certified programmes: Only certified national or regional programmes are eligible for Plug-In access
• Direct access: Provides direct access to the full application stage of the EIC Accelerator evaluation

Business Acceleration Services Eligibility

Expanded Access: Enhanced eligibility for Business Acceleration Services.

Eligible Entities for BAS

• EIC Awardees (2021-2025): Full access to all BAS services
• EIC Pilot Awardees (2018-2020): Access to coaching and BAS activities
• Seal of Excellence holders: Access to coaching and BAS activities
• Women TechEU Awardees: Access to EIC Women Leadership Programme
• Pre-Accelerator Awardees: Full access to BAS services
• EIC Accelerator short application success: Access to coaching support

Expected Impact of Eligibility Changes

The eligibility and participation changes are expected to deliver:

• Enhanced access: Broader eligibility criteria enable more innovators to access EIC funding
• Strategic protection: Enhanced safeguards protect European strategic interests
• Improved diversity: Better representation of women-led companies and widening countries
• Streamlined processes: Fast Track and Plug-In schemes provide efficient access pathways
• Quality maintenance: Enhanced eligibility criteria maintain high quality standards
• Better coordination: Improved coordination between national and EU funding mechanisms

Implementation Considerations

Operational Planning: The eligibility changes require careful operational planning.

• Verification processes: Enhanced verification processes for new eligibility criteria
• Training and guidance: Clear guidance and training for applicants and evaluators
• Monitoring and evaluation: Ongoing monitoring of eligibility criteria effectiveness
• Quality assurance: Maintaining quality standards while expanding eligibility

Note: These eligibility and participation changes represent a comprehensive effort to enhance access to EIC funding while maintaining appropriate safeguards and ensuring the highest quality standards for European innovation support.

16. Economic Security Enhancements

The 2026 EIC Work Programme introduces comprehensive economic security enhancements to protect Europe's strategic assets, interests, and technological autonomy, following the European Economic Security Strategy and Commission recommendations on critical technology areas.

European Economic Security Strategy Implementation

Strategic Framework: Following the Communication on the European Economic Security Strategy and the Commission Recommendation on critical technology areas for the EU's economic security, a number of provisions have been made to protect Europe from economic security risks.

Strategic Foundation

• European Economic Security Strategy: Joint Communication by the European Commission and the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, 26.06.2023, JOIN (2023) 20 final
• Critical Technology Areas: Commission Recommendation C(2023)6689 of 3 October 2023 on critical technology areas for the EU's economic security for further risk assessment with Member States
• Financial Regulation Alignment: In line with Article 136 of the Financial Regulation, to protect the Union's strategic assets, interests, or security

Enhanced Eligibility Criteria

Strategic Protection: Enhanced eligibility criteria to protect European strategic interests.

Non-Eligible Third Country Restrictions

• Control restrictions: Legal entities which are directly or indirectly controlled by a non-eligible third country or by a legal entity established in a non-eligible third country may be subject to additional eligibility conditions
• China restriction: Legal entities established in China are not eligible to participate in Horizon Europe Innovation Actions, including the EIC Accelerator, in any capacity
• Strategic technology protection: Additional restrictions for actions identified as "subject to restrictions for the protection of European communication networks"
• Communication networks protection: Specific restrictions for the protection of European communication networks (5G, post-5G, 6G)

Critical Technology Areas Protection

The different possible safeguards are described in the Commission Recommendation on critical technology areas, namely:

• Advanced semiconductors technologies
• Artificial intelligence technologies
• Quantum technologies
• Biotechnologies

Investment Safeguards

Enhanced Protection: The inclusion of economic security safeguards in investment agreements by the EIC Fund for companies selected to receive an investment component under the EIC Accelerator, in order to safeguard the Union's strategic assets, interests, autonomy, and security.

Investment Agreement Safeguards

• Strategic asset protection: Safeguards to protect European strategic assets and interests
• Technology transfer prevention: Measures to prevent unwanted technology transfer
• Ownership control: Enhanced ownership and control assessment requirements
• IP protection: Strengthened intellectual property protection measures

EIC Fund Safeguard Measures

• Case-by-case assessment: Appropriate safeguard measures for individual companies on a case-by-case basis
• Strategic interest protection: Protection of European interests in strategic areas
• Investment guidelines alignment: All safeguards aligned with EIC Fund Investment Guidelines
• Regular review: Ongoing assessment of safeguard effectiveness

Ownership and Control Assessment

Enhanced Verification: Comprehensive ownership and control assessment requirements.

Ownership Control Declaration

• Mandatory declaration: An ownership control declaration is required for EIC STEP Scale Up applications
• Assessment requirement: If successful, an ownership control assessment will be conducted to assess the eligibility of your company to receive EIC STEP Scale Up support
• STEP Seal requirements: As STEP Seal beneficiary, you might be requested to provide additional documentation for the sake of an Ownership and Control Assessment where there is such requirement

Assessment Criteria

• Direct control: Assessment of direct control by non-eligible third countries
• Indirect control: Assessment of indirect control through legal entities
• Ownership structure: Detailed analysis of ownership and governance structures
• Risk assessment: Evaluation of potential risks to European strategic interests

Strategic Technology Protection

Critical Technology Focus: Enhanced protection for critical technology areas.

Protected Technology Areas

• Digital technologies: Advanced semiconductor technologies, artificial intelligence technologies, quantum technologies
• Clean technologies: Net-zero technologies, renewable energy technologies
• Biotechnologies: Medicinal products on the Union list of critical medicines and their components
• Communication networks: 5G, post-5G, 6G technologies

Technology Transfer Prevention

• High-risk supplier prevention: Avoid participation of high-risk supplier entities in the development of technologies linked to the evolution of European communication networks
• Dependency prevention: Prevent technology transfer and the persistence of dependencies on high-risk suppliers
• Interference prevention: Prevent likelihood of interference from non-associated third countries

Participation Restrictions

Strategic Asset Protection: Enhanced restrictions for actions related to EU strategic assets, interests, autonomy or security.

Restriction Framework

• EU Member State limitation: Specific call/topic conditions may limit participation to legal entities established only in EU Member States or in EU Member States and specific associated or non-associated third countries
• Strategic interest protection: For duly justified and exceptional reasons, to guarantee protection of the strategic interests of the EU and its Member States, the specific call/topic conditions may exclude legal entities from non-eligible third countries
• Control restrictions: Additional eligibility condition may be limited to legal entities which are not directly or indirectly controlled by a non-eligible third country

Communication Networks Protection

• 5G and beyond protection: Specific restrictions for the protection of European communication networks (5G, post-5G, 6G)
• High-risk supplier exclusion: Legal entities identified as high-risk suppliers (or legal entities they own or control) are not eligible to participate
• Technology evolution protection: Protection of technologies linked to the evolution of European communication networks

EIC STEP Scale Up Economic Security

Strategic Technology Focus: Enhanced economic security measures for EIC STEP Scale Up.

Strategic Asset Protection

• Technological dependency prevention: Avoid a situation of technological dependency on a non-EU source
• Strategic autonomy: Build on EU strengths and address strategic weaknesses and vulnerabilities
• High-risk dependency prevention: Address high-risk dependencies which put at risk the attainment of EU ambitions

Investment Safeguards

• Strategic investment protection: Specific safeguards may be introduced in the investment agreement
• European interest protection: Where necessary, the EIC Fund will be requested to take appropriate safeguard measures for individual companies
• Case-by-case assessment: Safeguard measures implemented on a case-by-case basis to protect European interests

IP Transfer Notification Requirements

Enhanced Monitoring: Strengthened intellectual property transfer monitoring and notification requirements.

IP Protection Measures

• Transfer notification: Enhanced notification requirements for IP transfers
• Strategic IP protection: Protection of strategic intellectual property assets
• Technology transfer monitoring: Ongoing monitoring of technology transfer activities
• IP security assessment: Regular assessment of IP security measures

Expected Impact of Economic Security Enhancements

The economic security enhancements are expected to deliver:

• Strategic asset protection: Enhanced protection of European strategic assets and interests
• Technology autonomy: Strengthened European technological autonomy and independence
• Risk mitigation: Reduced risks from high-risk suppliers and non-eligible third countries
• IP protection: Enhanced protection of European intellectual property
• Strategic investment security: Secure investment environment for strategic technologies
• Communication network security: Protected European communication network infrastructure

Implementation Framework

Operational Implementation: Comprehensive framework for implementing economic security measures.

Implementation Measures

• Assessment procedures: Clear procedures for ownership and control assessment
• Safeguard implementation: Systematic implementation of investment safeguards
• Monitoring systems: Enhanced monitoring and reporting systems
• Review mechanisms: Regular review and update of security measures

Compliance Requirements

• Documentation requirements: Enhanced documentation and declaration requirements
• Verification processes: Robust verification processes for all security measures
• Reporting obligations: Regular reporting on security measure implementation
• Audit procedures: Regular audit procedures to ensure compliance

Future Development

The economic security framework is designed to be:

• Adaptive: Responsive to evolving security threats and challenges
• Comprehensive: Covering all aspects of economic security
• Proportionate: Balancing security needs with innovation support
• Transparent: Clear communication of security requirements and procedures

Note: These economic security enhancements represent a comprehensive effort to protect Europe's strategic assets and technological autonomy while maintaining the EIC's mission to support breakthrough innovation and European competitiveness.

17. EIC-EIT Collaboration Updates

The 2026 EIC Work Programme introduces enhanced collaboration and synergies between the EIC and the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT) and its Knowledge and Innovation Communities (KICs), with the overall aim of strengthening the European Innovation Ecosystem.

Progressive Collaboration Enhancement

Strategic Partnership: The EIC is progressively increasing collaboration and synergies with the EIT and its Knowledge and Innovation Communities (KICs) with the overall aim of strengthening the European Innovation Ecosystem. A number of collaboration areas are already in place and will continue to be supported under the current Work Programme facilitating the access to services to European innovators.

Fast Track Process Continuation

Streamlined Access: The Fast Track process by EIT KICs, that allows proposals from companies selected by the EIT KICs to enter the EIC Accelerator evaluation at the second stage will continue.

Fast Track Benefits

• Direct access: Companies selected by EIT KICs can enter EIC Accelerator evaluation at the second stage
• Streamlined process: Reduces evaluation burden for pre-selected companies
• Quality assurance: Leverages EIT KIC expertise in company selection
• Enhanced coordination: Better coordination between EIT and EIC evaluation processes

Business Acceleration Services Integration

Service Access Enhancement: EIC beneficiaries will have access to the services provided by the EIT KICs via the partnerships agreed with the Business Acceleration Services.

Integrated Service Provision

• EIT KIC services: Access to specialized services provided by EIT Knowledge and Innovation Communities
• Partnership framework: Services delivered through established partnerships with Business Acceleration Services
• Comprehensive support: Enhanced support ecosystem combining EIC and EIT expertise
• Quality assurance: High-quality, topic, or sector specific services from EIT KICs

Next Generation Innovation Talents Scheme

Innovation Talent Development: The "Next Generation Innovation Talents" scheme allows EIT Label Masters and Doctoral programmes, EIT Alumni, EIT Jumpstarter beneficiaries to undertake secondments in EIC and EIT supported startups and SMEs.

Scheme Objectives

• Researcher development: Support EU funded researchers from European Innovation Council (EIC), European Research Council (ERC), European Institute of Technology (EIT), Marie Sklodowska Curie Actions (MSCA)
• Innovation internship: Enable researchers to carry out innovation internships in startups funded by the EIC or EIT
• Real-world experience: Enable researchers and aspiring innovators to better understand and gain direct experience of real-world innovation and entrepreneurship
• Startup access: Allow innovative start-ups to access new ideas and insights from cutting edge of research

Eligible Participants

• EIT Label programmes: Masters and Doctoral programmes with EIT Label
• EIT Alumni: Graduates from EIT programmes and initiatives
• EIT Jumpstarter beneficiaries: Companies and entrepreneurs supported through EIT Jumpstarter
• EU funded researchers: Researchers from EIC, ERC, EIT, and MSCA programmes

Host Organizations

• EIC supported startups: Startups and SMEs funded through EIC programmes
• EIT supported startups: Startups and SMEs supported through EIT initiatives
• Innovation ecosystem: Access to broader European innovation ecosystem

Women Entrepreneurship Promotion

Joint Gender Initiative: Collaboration will continue to promote women entrepreneurs, with EIT access to the EIC Women Leadership Programme and a joint approach to the women innovator's prizes.

Women Leadership Programme

• EIT access: EIT participants have access to the EIC Women Leadership Programme
• Comprehensive support: Dedicated support for female founders and entrepreneurs
• Network building: Enhanced networking opportunities for women in innovation
• Mentorship access: Access to specialized mentorship and coaching services

Joint Women Innovators Prizes

• Collaborative approach: Joint approach to the women innovator's prizes
• Recognition enhancement: Enhanced recognition of women innovators across Europe
• Role model promotion: Promotion of women role models in innovation
• Visibility increase: Increased visibility of women-led innovations

Ecosystem Partner Integration

Enhanced Service Network: EIC Ecosystem Partners include the Knowledge and Innovation Communities (KICs) of the EIT, providing comprehensive service coverage.

EIT KIC Integration

• Service provision: EIT KICs provide high-quality, topic, or sector specific services
• Geographic coverage: Services available from service providers all over Europe and internationally
• Specialized expertise: Access to specialized expertise in specific technology and innovation areas
• Quality assurance: All services meet high quality standards and are selected through competitive processes

Service Categories

• Investment services: Investors, business angels, venture capital
• Support services: Mentors and coaches, innovation agencies, business associations
• Infrastructure services: Clusters, accelerators, incubators, technology transfer offices
• Specialized services: Venture builders, IP support, market access

Portfolio Synergies

Strategic Alignment: Enhanced collaboration enables building synergies within the EIC Portfolio and with any outside relevant partners, including within the EIT Community.

Synergy Areas

• Portfolio management: Building synergies within the EIC Portfolio and EIT Community
• Knowledge sharing: Enhanced knowledge sharing between EIC and EIT initiatives
• Resource optimization: Better utilization of resources and expertise
• Impact maximization: Maximizing the impact of European innovation support

IT Infrastructure Integration

Digital Collaboration: EIC IT developments will also complement Corporate IT tools and the IT developments foreseen by EIC Fund, EIB, EIT and relevant third parties.

Infrastructure Harmonization

• Data exchange: Develop needed webservices to exchange Business Acceleration Services (BAS) data with other EC IT systems and stakeholders including EIT, EIB, EIC Fund
• System integration: Enhanced integration between EIC and EIT IT systems
• Data harmonization: Further harmonise and consolidate data sources into a common data model and infrastructure
• Stakeholder connectivity: Improved connectivity with all relevant stakeholders

Expected Impact of EIC-EIT Collaboration

The enhanced EIC-EIT collaboration is expected to deliver:

• Strengthened ecosystem: Enhanced European Innovation Ecosystem through coordinated support
• Improved access: Better access to services for European innovators
• Talent development: Enhanced development of innovation talent through Next Generation Innovation Talents scheme
• Women empowerment: Increased support for women entrepreneurs and innovators
• Resource optimization: Better utilization of European innovation resources
• Impact maximization: Maximized impact of European innovation support programmes

Implementation Framework

Operational Implementation: Comprehensive framework for implementing EIC-EIT collaboration.

Implementation Measures

• Partnership agreements: Established partnerships between EIC and EIT KICs
• Service coordination: Coordinated service provision through Business Acceleration Services
• Programme alignment: Aligned programmes and initiatives for maximum impact
• Monitoring and evaluation: Regular monitoring and evaluation of collaboration effectiveness

Quality Assurance

• Service standards: High quality standards for all collaborative services
• Performance monitoring: Regular monitoring of collaboration performance
• Feedback mechanisms: Established feedback mechanisms for continuous improvement
• Impact assessment: Regular assessment of collaboration impact

Future Development

The EIC-EIT collaboration framework is designed to be:

• Expanding: Continuously expanding collaboration areas and opportunities
• Adaptive: Responsive to evolving innovation needs and challenges
• Inclusive: Inclusive of all relevant stakeholders and communities
• Sustainable: Sustainable collaboration framework for long-term impact

Note: These EIC-EIT collaboration updates represent a comprehensive effort to strengthen the European Innovation Ecosystem through enhanced coordination, service integration, and talent development, ensuring maximum impact of European innovation support programmes.

18. Outlook for 2027

The 2027 EIC Work Programme will be prepared following the advice provided by the EIC Board, building on the experience and lessons learned from the 2026 implementation while preparing for the future evolution of European innovation support.

Continuity of Main Calls

Stable Foundation: It is envisaged that the main calls on Pathfinder, Transition, Accelerator and STEP will continue without major changes, providing stability and predictability for the European innovation ecosystem.

Core Instrument Continuity

• EIC Pathfinder: Continued support for science-towards-technology breakthrough research
• EIC Transition: Ongoing funding for innovation activities beyond experimental proof of concept
• EIC Accelerator: Sustained support for high-risk/high-gain innovations to go to market and scale up
• EIC STEP Scale Up: Continued support for strategic technology companies in critical areas

Stability Benefits

• Predictability: Stable funding opportunities enable better planning for innovators
• Ecosystem development: Continuity supports the development of a robust European innovation ecosystem
• Experience building: Allows for the accumulation of experience and best practices
• Impact maximization: Enables the full realization of the impact of established instruments

ARPA Challenges Assessment

Pilot Evaluation: The experience with the ARPA challenges call will be assessed with a view to the continuation and improvement of this support.

Assessment Objectives

• Effectiveness evaluation: Assessment of the effectiveness of the ARPA challenges approach
• Impact measurement: Measurement of the impact and outcomes of ARPA challenges
• Process improvement: Identification of areas for process improvement and optimization
• Continuation decision: Decision on whether to continue, modify, or expand the ARPA challenges approach

Potential Improvements

• Challenge identification: Enhanced methods for identifying and defining challenges
• Evaluation processes: Improved evaluation and selection processes
• Support mechanisms: Enhanced support mechanisms for challenge participants
• Impact tracking: Better tracking and measurement of challenge outcomes

Challenge Identification Framework

Strategic Approach: The identification of the challenges will draw from the insights of the EIC Programme Managers and reflect the EU policy priorities and continuation of co-funding with Pillar 2.

Programme Manager Insights

• Expert knowledge: Leveraging the expertise of EIC Programme Managers in specific technology areas
• Portfolio insights: Drawing on insights from portfolio management and project monitoring
• Trend identification: Identifying emerging trends and opportunities in innovation
• Gap analysis: Identifying gaps in the innovation landscape that need to be addressed

EU Policy Alignment

• Policy priorities: Alignment with current EU policy priorities and strategic objectives
• Strategic autonomy: Support for EU strategic autonomy and technological independence
• Green transition: Alignment with EU green transition and sustainability objectives
• Digital transformation: Support for EU digital transformation and technology leadership

Pillar 2 Co-funding

• Continued collaboration: Continuation of co-funding arrangements with Horizon Europe Pillar 2
• Synergy maximization: Maximizing synergies between EIC and other Horizon Europe components
• Resource optimization: Optimizing the use of available resources across programmes
• Impact enhancement: Enhancing the overall impact of European research and innovation support

Future EIC Development

Strategic Preparation: Further pilots and changes may be introduced to bridge with proposals for the future of the EIC under the successor to the Horizon Europe programme.

Pilot Initiatives

• Innovation pilots: Introduction of new pilot initiatives to test innovative approaches
• Process improvements: Piloting of improved processes and procedures
• New instruments: Testing of potential new funding instruments and approaches
• Partnership models: Exploration of new partnership and collaboration models

Successor Programme Preparation

• Strategic planning: Preparation for the successor to the Horizon Europe programme
• Lessons learned: Incorporation of lessons learned from current programme implementation
• Future vision: Development of a vision for the future of European innovation support
• Stakeholder engagement: Engagement with stakeholders to inform future programme design

EIC Board Guidance

Expert Advice: The EIC Work Programme for 2027 will be prepared following the advice provided by the EIC Board.

Board Role

• Strategic guidance: Provision of strategic guidance on EIC development
• Expert insights: Contribution of expert insights from leading innovators and researchers
• Policy advice: Advice on policy direction and programme priorities
• Quality assurance: Ensuring the quality and effectiveness of EIC programmes

Board Composition

• Leading innovators: 20 leading innovators and innovative researchers
• Full-time President: Full-time President of the EIC Board
• Expert selection: Appointed by the European Commission following an open call
• Conflict management: Subject to strict rules concerning conflicts of interest and confidentiality

Budget and Resource Planning

Financial Framework: The 2027 Work Programme will be developed within the context of the available budget and resource framework.

Budget Considerations

• Budget availability: Development within the constraints of available budget
• Resource optimization: Optimization of resource allocation across instruments
• Impact maximization: Maximizing impact within available resources
• Efficiency improvements: Continued focus on efficiency and effectiveness

Resource Allocation

• Instrument balance: Balanced allocation across different EIC instruments
• Priority alignment: Alignment with EU policy priorities and strategic objectives
• Impact focus: Focus on high-impact initiatives and programmes
• Innovation support: Continued support for breakthrough innovation

Stakeholder Engagement

Inclusive Development: The development of the 2027 Work Programme will involve engagement with key stakeholders.

Engagement Areas

• Innovator community: Engagement with the European innovator community
• Research community: Consultation with the research and academic community
• Industry partners: Engagement with industry and business partners
• Policy stakeholders: Consultation with policy makers and government representatives

Feedback Integration

• Experience feedback: Integration of feedback from current programme implementation
• Stakeholder input: Incorporation of stakeholder input and suggestions
• Best practices: Integration of best practices and lessons learned
• Continuous improvement: Focus on continuous improvement and adaptation

Expected Outcomes

The 2027 Work Programme development is expected to deliver:

• Enhanced effectiveness: Improved effectiveness of EIC programmes and instruments
• Better alignment: Better alignment with EU policy priorities and strategic objectives
• Innovation support: Enhanced support for breakthrough innovation and European competitiveness
• Future preparation: Preparation for the future evolution of European innovation support
• Stakeholder satisfaction: Increased satisfaction among stakeholders and beneficiaries
• Impact maximization: Maximized impact of European innovation support

Implementation Timeline

Development Process: The development of the 2027 Work Programme will follow a structured timeline.

Development Phases

• Assessment phase: Assessment of current programme effectiveness and impact
• Consultation phase: Stakeholder consultation and feedback collection
• Development phase: Development of the 2027 Work Programme
• Approval phase: Approval and adoption of the final Work Programme

Key Milestones

• Board advice: EIC Board advice on 2027 Work Programme
• Stakeholder consultation: Completion of stakeholder consultation process
• Programme development: Development of the 2027 Work Programme
• Adoption: Adoption of the 2027 Work Programme

Note: The outlook for 2027 represents a strategic approach to the continued development of the EIC, ensuring stability and continuity while preparing for future evolution and maintaining the highest standards of European innovation support.

19. Conclusion and Impact Assessment

The 2026 EIC Work Programme represents a comprehensive evolution of European innovation support, introducing significant enhancements across all instruments while maintaining the core mission of supporting breakthrough innovation and European competitiveness.

Major Transformations Introduced

Comprehensive Enhancement: The 2026 Work Programme introduces transformative changes across all aspects of EIC operations, from application processes to evaluation methodologies, funding mechanisms, and support services.

Process Simplifications

• Streamlined evaluation: Major simplification and shortening of the EIC Accelerator evaluation process
• Application form reuse: Reduced length of application forms with content reusability from short to full application stages
• Regular batching: Moving to regular batching of full applications and three jury weeks per year
• Technical due diligence: Introduction of technical due diligence on full applications before jury phase
• Binary scoring: Simplified GO/NO GO evaluation approach across instruments

Funding Innovations

• Lump-sum funding: Widespread introduction of lump-sum funding across all instruments
• Enhanced investment ranges: Increased investment ranges for EIC STEP Scale Up (EUR 10-30 million)
• Strategic technology focus: Dedicated support for critical technology areas through EIC STEP Scale Up
• Budget flexibility: Enhanced budget flexibility and management mechanisms

Eligibility Expansions

• EIC Transition expansion: Inclusion of Horizon Europe and Horizon 2020 research infrastructures as eligible projects
• Enhanced participation: Improved participation of innovators from widening countries
• Gender and diversity: Enhanced support for women-led companies and diversity initiatives
• Strategic partnerships: Strengthened collaboration with EIT and national programmes

Strategic Technology Focus

Critical Technology Support: The 2026 Work Programme places unprecedented emphasis on supporting Europe's critical technology areas and strategic autonomy.

EIC STEP Scale Up Innovation

• Strategic technology focus: Dedicated support for digital technologies, clean technologies, and biotechnologies
• Large-scale investments: Investment range of EUR 10-30 million to catalyze major funding rounds
• Pre-commitment requirements: Innovative approach requiring pre-commitment from qualified investors
• Sovereignty Seal: New recognition mechanism for strategic technology companies

Economic Security Enhancements

• Strategic asset protection: Enhanced protection of European strategic assets and interests
• Ownership control assessment: Comprehensive ownership and control verification requirements
• Technology transfer prevention: Measures to prevent unwanted technology transfer
• Investment safeguards: Economic security safeguards in investment agreements

Enhanced Support Ecosystem

Comprehensive Support: The 2026 Work Programme significantly enhances the support ecosystem available to European innovators.

Business Acceleration Services

• Enhanced coaching: Improved business coaching with 12 days for EIC Awardees
• International expansion: International Trade Fairs programme 4.0 for global market access
• Corporate partnerships: EIC Corporate Partnership Programme 4.0 for corporate collaboration
• Innovation procurement: EIC Innovation Procurement Programme for public and private procurement
• Scaling support: EIC Scaling Club 2.0 for scale-up companies

EIC-EIT Collaboration

• Fast Track process: Continued Fast Track process by EIT KICs for streamlined access
• Next Generation Innovation Talents: Enhanced talent development through innovation internships
• Women entrepreneurship: Joint approach to promoting women entrepreneurs
• Service integration: Integrated service provision through established partnerships

Timeline and Deadline Improvements

Predictable Scheduling: The 2026 Work Programme introduces significant improvements in timeline management and deadline predictability.

Regular Evaluation Cycles

• Regular batching: Six regular batching dates for EIC Accelerator in 2026
• Quarterly cut-offs: Quarterly cut-offs for EIC STEP Scale Up evaluation
• Accelerated timelines: Enhanced evaluation timelines across all instruments
• Flexibility provisions: Director-General flexibility for deadline management

Enhanced Predictability

• Clear timelines: Clear and predictable timelines for all evaluation stages
• Regular scheduling: Regular scheduling reduces administrative complexity
• Better planning: Predictable scheduling enables better project planning
• Improved coordination: Aligned timelines facilitate better coordination

Expected Impact on European Innovation

Transformative Impact: The 2026 Work Programme is expected to deliver transformative impact across the European innovation ecosystem.

Innovation Capacity Enhancement

• Increased funding access: Enhanced access to funding through simplified processes and expanded eligibility
• Strategic technology development: Accelerated development of critical technologies through dedicated support
• Scale-up support: Enhanced support for European scale-up companies
• International competitiveness: Strengthened European position in global innovation markets

Ecosystem Strengthening

• Enhanced collaboration: Strengthened collaboration between national and EU innovation support
• Service integration: Better integration of support services across the innovation lifecycle
• Knowledge sharing: Enhanced knowledge sharing and best practice dissemination
• Network development: Development of stronger innovation networks and communities

Strategic Autonomy

• Technology independence: Reduced technological dependency on non-EU sources
• Strategic asset protection: Enhanced protection of European strategic assets
• Critical technology leadership: Strengthened European leadership in critical technology areas
• Economic security: Enhanced economic security through strategic technology support

Quality and Excellence Maintenance

High Standards: Despite significant simplifications and enhancements, the 2026 Work Programme maintains the highest standards of quality and excellence.

Evaluation Quality

• Expert evaluation: Continued use of expert evaluators and rigorous evaluation processes
• Technical due diligence: Enhanced technical assessment through new due diligence processes
• Jury evaluation: Maintained jury evaluation for final funding decisions
• Quality assurance: Comprehensive quality assurance mechanisms throughout the process

Impact Focus

• Excellence criteria: Maintained focus on excellence, impact, and quality of implementation
• Strategic alignment: Strong alignment with EU policy priorities and strategic objectives
• Innovation focus: Continued focus on breakthrough innovation and transformative solutions
• European competitiveness: Sustained emphasis on European competitiveness and leadership

Future Readiness

Strategic Preparation: The 2026 Work Programme positions the EIC for future evolution and the successor to Horizon Europe.

Adaptive Framework

• Pilot initiatives: Introduction of pilot initiatives to test innovative approaches
• Process evolution: Continuous evolution of processes based on experience and feedback
• Stakeholder engagement: Enhanced stakeholder engagement for future programme development
• Strategic planning: Strategic preparation for future programme evolution

Sustainability and Continuity

• Stable foundation: Stable foundation for continued innovation support
• Experience building: Building experience and best practices for future development
• Impact maximization: Maximizing the impact of European innovation support
• Future vision: Development of a vision for the future of European innovation

Comprehensive Impact Assessment

Multi-dimensional Impact: The 2026 Work Programme is expected to deliver comprehensive impact across multiple dimensions.

Quantitative Impact

• Increased applications: Expected increase in applications due to simplified processes
• Faster processing: Reduced processing times through streamlined evaluation
• Higher success rates: Improved success rates through enhanced support and guidance
• Larger investments: Increased investment amounts through enhanced funding ranges

Qualitative Impact

• Better quality proposals: Improved proposal quality through enhanced support and guidance
• Enhanced collaboration: Strengthened collaboration between innovation stakeholders
• Knowledge development: Enhanced knowledge development and sharing
• Innovation culture: Strengthened innovation culture across Europe

Strategic Impact

• European leadership: Strengthened European leadership in innovation and technology
• Strategic autonomy: Enhanced European strategic autonomy and independence
• Global competitiveness: Improved European global competitiveness
• Sustainable development: Contribution to sustainable development and green transition

Conclusion

The 2026 EIC Work Programme represents a landmark evolution in European innovation support, introducing comprehensive enhancements that will significantly strengthen Europe's innovation ecosystem while maintaining the highest standards of excellence and impact. Through strategic simplifications, enhanced funding mechanisms, expanded eligibility, and comprehensive support services, the Work Programme positions Europe for continued leadership in breakthrough innovation and technological advancement.

The introduction of the EIC STEP Scale Up call, enhanced economic security measures, strengthened EIC-EIT collaboration, and comprehensive process improvements demonstrate the EIC's commitment to supporting Europe's strategic autonomy and global competitiveness. The Work Programme's focus on critical technologies, enhanced support for women entrepreneurs and widening countries, and strengthened partnerships with national programmes reflects a comprehensive approach to building a more inclusive and effective European innovation ecosystem.

As Europe faces increasing global competition and technological challenges, the 2026 EIC Work Programme provides the tools, resources, and support needed to maintain European leadership in innovation while ensuring that the benefits of innovation are widely shared across the continent. The Work Programme's emphasis on quality, impact, and strategic alignment ensures that European innovation support continues to deliver maximum value for Europe's citizens, businesses, and research community.

The 2026 EIC Work Programme represents a significant step forward in Europe's innovation journey, providing a robust foundation for continued innovation leadership and strategic autonomy in an increasingly competitive global landscape.