EIC launches 2026 work programme: an overview of the EIC instruments for 2026
On 6 November 2025, the European Commission approved the 2026 Work Programme of the European Innovation Council (EIC). The programme opens grants and financial instruments worth more than €1.4 billion for research, developing groundbreaking technologies and the scale-up of innovative start-ups and scale-ups.
The EIC instruments for 2026
The 2026 EIC Work Programme contains five main instruments:
- EIC Pathfinder – € 262 million available for multidisciplinary research teams wishing to carry out visionary research that can lead to technological breakthroughs. Grants of up to € 4 million.
- EIC Transition – € 100 million to turn research results into concrete innovation opportunities, for example through market validation and preparation for commercialisation. Grants of up to € 2.5 million.
- New pilot: EIC Advanced Innovation Challenges – around € 6 million to support so-called “high-risk, high-reward” deep-tech projects in areas where Europe is strong in research but where commercial application is often lacking. Initial support via lump-sum funding of around € 300,000.
- EIC Accelerator – by far the largest part: € 634 million for start-ups and SMEs with very high potential to create new markets or disrupt existing ones. Grants of up to € 2.5 million, plus investments from € 0.5 to € 10 million.
- STEP Scale-Up (Strategic Technologies for Europe Platform) – around € 300 million in additional equity investments for promising deep-tech companies (SMEs, scale-ups, spin-offs, small mid-caps) to help them attract larger private investment rounds (from € 50 million upwards). Investment amounts between € 10 and € 30 million.
Deadlines and cut-off dates for EIC 2026 applications
- EIC Pathfinder:
- Open: deadline 12 May 2026
- Challenges: deadline 28 October 2026
- EIC Transition:
- Open: deadline 16 September 2026
- EIC Advanced Innovation Challenges:
- Stage 1: deadline 26 February 2026
- Stage 2: deadline 18 June 2027
- EIC Accelerator:
- Cut-off dates (Open and Challenges): 7 January, 4 March, 6 May, 8 July, 2 September and 4 November 2026
- EIC STEP:
- Deadlines: 11 February, 6 May, 9 September and 25 November 2026
Important improvements and changes
Compared to previous versions, the 2026 programme includes several notable improvements:
- The application procedure for the EIC Accelerator has been simplified: full proposal templates are being shortened (from around 50 to 20 pages), evaluations will take place more frequently (every 2 months instead of twice a year), and due diligence procedures will be more streamlined so that investment decisions can be taken more quickly.
- With the introduction of the Advanced Innovation Challenges, an ARPA-like approach is being tested: mission-driven, high-risk, transformative technology projects can receive support more quickly and in a more targeted way.
- The STEP Scale-Up route has been strengthened to close the so-called “scale-up gap”: companies that are already further along should gain better access to larger growth capital rounds and international market expansion.
- In addition, there is specific attention for diversity, international expansion and engagement of the full European innovation ecosystem — for example through a “Gender Index” to monitor women’s participation in deep-tech, and through a network of corporates to stimulate market opportunities and partnerships.
Questions about the EIC programmes or support with applying?
For entrepreneurs, researchers and organisations, the EIC instruments can be very attractive for further developing and internationalising groundbreaking ideas. Our specialists have extensive experience in applying for EIC funding; they will be happy to assess whether you are eligible and have a realistic chance of success in these highly competitive schemes. Schedule a meeting with a specialist via info@hezelburcht.com, call us on 088 495 20 00 or fill in the contact form:
