The European Innovation Council (EIC) has introduced important updates to the EIC Accelerator for the 2026 Work Programme. Based on insights shared during a recent EIC webinar, the Accelerator, and especially the Challenges, will become more streamlined, faster and more aligned with Europe’s strategic priorities in 2026.

Key points:

• Challenge calls offer far higher success rates than the Open call;
• Application process significantly simplified and accelerated;
• Technology Expert Assessment adds a focused, early-stage technical review to improve evaluation quality;
• Five new thematic Challenges with a strong focus on climate, energy, food security and critical raw materials;
• A combined budget of € 220 million for Challenges, plus € 414 million for the Open call.

Why the EIC Accelerator Challenges exist

The Challenges focus EU funding on areas where Europe seeks strategic strength and innovation leadership, while building critical mass by directing top deep-tech companies into shared thematic domains.

What the EIC Accelerator is looking for

The Accelerator supports start-ups and SMEs developing breakthrough deep-tech innovations capable of creating or disrupting markets. Particularly when substantial funding is required over long timeframes and private investors are unwilling to take on the risk.

Funding options

Grant component for technological development (TRL 6–8) up to € 2.5 million, equity investment between € 0.5 million and € 10 million for deployment and scale-up (TRL 9), and the possibility to receive either component individually or both in combination, depending on the specific funding need.

What is new in 2026?

A simpler and more predictable application process

• Short proposal: A revised, more concise template with clearer evaluation criteria.
• Full proposal: Now limited to 20 pages instead of 50, with aligned questions and clearer links to the three evaluation criteria: Technology – Excellence; Market – Impact; Implementation – Need for EU support.

More evaluation rounds and shorter timelines

• Short proposal: continuous submission; monthly evaluation; response within 4–6 weeks.
• Full proposal: evaluated every two months (indicated deadlines: 7 Jan – 4 Mar – 6 May – 8 Jul – 2 Sep – 4 Nov); response within 8–9 weeks.
• Jury interviews: three sessions per year; decision within 2–3 weeks.

Technology Expert Assessment

A dedicated expert will perform a focused technical review and a short remote interview, giving evaluators an early and more consistent assessment of technological maturity and potential.

New thematic Challenges for 2026 — including budgets

The 2026 Challenges target strategic European priorities in climate transition, energy, food security and raw materials. Together, these five Challenges account for € 220 million, in addition to € 414 million available under the Open call.

Challenge themes and budgets:

• Advanced materials for renewable energy & energy storage systems: € 50 million
• Alternative concepts and key enabling technologies for fusion power plants: € 20 million
• Biotech for regenerating agricultural soils: € 50 million
• Boosting the European critical raw materials value chain: € 50 million
• Deep tech for climate adaptation: € 50 million

These themes reflect Europe’s ambition to invest in technologies that strengthen resilience, sustainability and technological sovereignty.

What this means for potential applicants

The updated 2026 programme offers more opportunities for well-positioned deep-tech companies, but also demands stronger technological narratives, strategic alignment with EU priorities and a compelling, concise proposal.

Hezelburcht closely follows all updates to the EIC Work Programme and supports companies throughout the entire process, from strategic positioning and short proposal submission to full proposal development and jury preparation. Would you like to get more information about the EIC Accelerator Challenges in 2026? Schedule a meeting with our specialists. Contact us via info@hezelburcht.com or call us on 088 495 20 00 we are happy to help!

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