EIC Transition
For whom?
Individual organisations in the EU (SMEs, spin-offs, start-ups, research organisations, universities) or consortia of 2 to 5 partners
For what?
Innovative activities in TRL 4 – 6 (validation)
Grant
Up to € 2.5 million
The EIC Transition is a grant programme that focuses on innovation activities that go beyond “Proof of Concept”. It supports both the development and validation of new technologies, from the laboratory to the relevant application environments. To be eligible for the EIC Transition, your application must be based on the results of previous grant projects such as the EIC Pathfinder, ERC PoC, Horizon Europe RIA or the EDF. Take your groundbreaking technology to the next level and get it ready for the market with the European Innovation Council (EIC) Transition instrument. This grant will reimburse 100% of your costs for further developing and validating your innovative technology, as well as for establishing a strong business case and model. In 2026, €100 million will be available for EIC Transition. Deadline for EIC Transition 2026 is 16 September 2026.
- EIC Transition 2026
- Who can apply?
- Application process
- About the EIC Programmes
- Take your novel technology to the next level!
EIC Transition 2026
The EIC Transition Open 2026 is open to project proposals regardless of the field of science, technology or application. There are no predefined thematic priorities. The EIC Transition funds novel technologies by innovators that are ready for maturation and validation in labs and other relevant application environments (by making use of prototyping, models, user testing, and so on). The activities must address market readiness towards commercialization and deployment as well as other relevant aspects of regulation, certification and standardisation. The main goal is getting both your technology and the business idea investment-ready. At the end of your Transition project you should be ready for the next stage towards market deployment: e.g. applying for the EIC Accelerator (if you are an SME), seeking investors, licensing, or collaboration agreements with third parties.
When to apply in 2026?
Applications for EIC Transition can be submitted until 16 September 2025.
EIC Transition application process
The EIC Transition has a 3-step application process:
- Writing and submitting the application
Assessment by the EIC jury
Face to face interview with the EIC jury
Who can apply?
The EIC Transition is open to proposals by single entities established in a Member State or Associated Country. Single entities can be either SMEs, start-ups, spin-offs or research performing organisations.
Proposals can also be submitted by a small consortium of minimum two and maximum five independent legal entities. This may include for example SMEs, larger companies, universities, research organisations, user/customer organisations or potential end users (such as hospitals, industry, public authorities).
You can only apply for EIC Transition if your proposal is build on results already achieved within an eligible project that are, at least, at experimental proof of concept (TRL 3), or even better, validated in the lab (TRL 4). To be eligible your proposal is based on a project that earlier got funded by:
- EIC Pathfinder (also under the previous Horizon 2020, FET-Open, FET-Proactive, CSA and CSA Lump sum FET Innovation Launchpad and FET Flagships calls)
- ERC Proof of Concept (under Horizon 2020 or Horizon Europe)
- Research and Innovation Actions under Horizon 2020 and Horizon Europe
- European Defence Fund (EDF)
Application process of EIC Transition
Your application will be evaluated by EIC expert evaluators during phase 1. You will be informed of the results, including feedback on your proposal, within 9 weeks after the call deadline. If your proposal passes the first evaluation phase, you will be invited for phase 2: a face to face interview scheduled to take place approximately 13 weeks after the call deadline. An EIC jury will assess your proposal during the interview. You will be informed of the results within 4 weeks from the start of the interviews.
Is your proposal a success? Then your grant agreement will be signed within approximately 6 months from the call deadline.
About the EIC Programmes
The EIC has three instruments, each offering funding during successive stages of the innovation process. The programme supports high-risk/high gain ideas that have the potential to scale up internationally. EIC offers the following three grant instruments, each is focussed on a different TRL level):
- EIC Pathfinder (for innovation with TRL levels up to 3/4)
- EIC Transition (for innovation with TRL levels from 3/4 up to 5/6)
- EIC Accelerator (for innovation with TRL levels from 5/6 up to 9)
- EIC Pre-Accelerator (SMEs and deep-tech startups in Widening countries)
- STEP Scale Up
Take your novel technology to the next level!
Our team of specialist has plenty of experience in supporting companies and universities in acquiring (European) grants. Additionally, our experts have a relevant background at either MSc or PhD level in a diversity of sectors and are familiar with the particular sector specific steps that need to be taken in order to bring the scientific basis of your breakthrough technology to the next phase. We provide full service: from identifying interesting grants to writing proposals and project management.
If you have any questions about the EIC Transition or one of the other EIC instruments or our services, please contact us via 088 495 20 00 or info@hezelburcht.com, or fill in the form below.
