EIC Advanced Innovation Challenges – A New Funding Scheme for Deep-Tech Innovation

Updated on 8 July 2026

What are the EIC Advanced Innovation Challenges?

The EIC Advanced Innovation Challenges (AIC) are a new pilot funding scheme of the European Innovation Council (EIC) under Horizon Europe. Their objective is to accelerate the market uptake of high-risk deep-tech innovations with significant transformative potential. The programme focuses on technologies that are already based on substantial research but whose commercial exploitation remains limited.

The programme follows a new demand-driven innovation approach by involving end users and market stakeholders at an early stage. This helps ensure market relevance, validate innovative solutions and facilitate their successful deployment.

Funding objectives

The EIC Advanced Innovation Challenges aim to:

• accelerate the commercialisation of breakthrough deep-tech technologies;
• support the transition from research to market applications;
• strengthen Europe's technological sovereignty;
• foster collaboration between researchers, companies and end users;
• test new innovation models for future EU funding instruments. 

Funding scheme

The programme follows a two-stage funding model.

Stage 1 – Feasibility and market validation

• Funding: Lump sum of EUR 300,000
• Project duration: Up to 9 months
• Objective: Preparation, benchmarking and assessment of the technical and commercial feasibility of innovative solutions. 

Stage 2 – Development and demonstration

• Funding: Lump sum of up to EUR 2.5 million
• Project duration: Up to 2.5 years
• Objective: Further development of the most promising projects and demonstration under real-life conditions in collaboration with end users. 

Additional support

Funded projects also benefit from the EIC Business Acceleration Services (BAS), including:

• individual coaching and mentoring;
• training and expert advisory services;
• access to international partners;
• networking opportunities with investors, companies and European innovation ecosystems. 

Challenge topics in 2026

1. Accelerating Physical AI: Embodied Intelligence for the Next Frontier of AI-Powered Robotics

This challenge supports the development and commercialisation of Physical AI and intelligent robotics. It funds innovative solutions that strengthen Europe's competitiveness, sustainability and technological independence in AI-powered robotics.

2. Translating Disruptive New Approach Methodologies (NAMs) into Practice

This challenge focuses on New Approach Methodologies (NAMs) that can replace, reduce or refine animal testing in the development and assessment of medicinal products. Its objective is to accelerate the market uptake of innovative biomedical testing methods.

Who can apply?

Stage 1 (2026)

Single legal entities established in an EU Member State or a Horizon Europe Associated Country are eligible to apply, including:

• start-ups;  
• small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs);
• universities;  
• research and technology organisations;
• research teams;
• principal investigators and inventors. 

Large companies are not eligible to apply.

Stage 2 (2027)

Only projects that have successfully completed Stage 1 are eligible to apply.

In addition to single applicants, small consortia consisting of two or three independent partners from different EU Member States or Associated Countries may participate.

Why should you apply?

The EIC Advanced Innovation Challenges bridge the gap between excellent research and successful market deployment. The programme is particularly suited to organisations that already have promising research results and wish to further develop them into market-ready innovations together with potential users.

By combining substantial financial support, close end-user involvement and access to the EIC Business Acceleration Services, the programme offers excellent opportunities to scale European deep-tech innovations.