EIC Transition

Status: 2 December 2025

The EIC Transition funding instrument supports the further development and application of promising research results from leading European research programmes. Its objective is to advance novel technologies from an early development stage into application-oriented environments and to systematically validate their technological and market potential.

Projects building on results from the following programmes are eligible:

• EIC Pathfinder (Open & Challenges)
• ERC Proof of Concept (Horizon 2020 and Horizon Europe)
• Future and Emerging Technologies (FET)
• Research and Innovation Actions (RIA) under Horizon 2020 – particularly within Societal Challenges and Leadership in Industrial Technologies – as well as Horizon Europe
• European Defence Fund (EDF) – civil applications only
• RIAs in the field of Research Infrastructures

The focus lies on technologies at Technology Readiness Levels (TRL) 4 to 6 that require both technological validation and further commercial development. In addition to prototyping, testing and validation in relevant environments, EIC Transition supports the development of a robust business model and business plan to prepare for market entry.

Under the 2026 Work Programme, EIC Transition remains exclusively open (Transition Open). No predefined challenge topics are specified.
 

EIC Transition projects are expected to:

1. Demonstrate the reliability and performance of the technology for its intended application; and
2. Develop a validated business model and business plan for market entry.

In addition, intellectual property (IP) generated during the project is expected to be adequately protected and strategically exploited.
 

Who is eligible?

Organisations that have successfully completed an eligible precursor project and wish to further develop their results towards application and market readiness may apply. Applications are possible up to 24 months after the completion of the precursor project.

A comprehensive list of previously eligible projects can be found on the European Commission’s website.

Who may submit an application?

Applications may be submitted by:

• Single applicants (e.g. start-ups, SMEs, spin-offs, universities or research organisations); or
• Small consortia consisting of two to five partners from EU Member States or associated countries.

It is not mandatory to have participated in the original precursor project. New partners may be included.
 

Eligible activities

Funding is available in particular for:

• Technological validation and demonstration in relevant environments
• Prototyping and further development of demonstrators
• User and application testing
• Iterative market feedback
• Development of a business model and commercialisation plan

Projects should present clearly defined technical and commercial objectives, measurable milestones and a credible exploitation strategy.

Funding conditions

• Funding rate: 100% of eligible costs
• Project duration: 1 to 3 years
• Funding amount: €0.5 to €2.5 million per project (higher amounts possible in duly justified cases)
• Total 2026 budget: approximately €100 million

Additional support measures

• Booster grants of up to €50,000 for commercialisation-related portfolio activities
• Possibility to apply via the Fast Track scheme for the EIC Accelerator
• Access to tailored networking and coaching services within the EIC community
• Support through the EIC Tech2Market Business Acceleration Services
• Participation in additional EIC initiatives, such as the Women Leadership Programme
   

The application process is two-stage and conducted via the European Funding & Tenders Portal.

Proposal length

The full proposal must not exceed 22 A4 pages.

Stage 1: Written evaluation

Independent EIC experts evaluate proposals based on the following criteria:

• Excellence (60%)
• Impact (20%)
• Quality and efficiency of implementation (20%)

The overall score is calculated as the average across all three criteria.

Stage 2: Interview

Top-ranked applicants are invited to an interview with a jury of four to six EIC experts. Interviews take place in Brussels or online.

The jury delivers a clear “Go” or “No Go” decision.

Preference for women-led projects

Women-led SMEs or consortia receive preferential consideration in the evaluation process.

EIC Seal of Excellence

Applicants who successfully pass Stage 1 but are not selected in Stage 2 may receive an EIC Seal of Excellence under certain conditions.
 

Following the submission deadline, the typical timeline is:

• Approximately 9 weeks until the invitation decision for interviews
• Approximately 4 additional weeks until the interview
• Approximately 4 further weeks until the final funding decision

A Grant Agreement may therefore be signed at the earliest around four months after the submission deadline.

Submission deadline under the 2026 EIC Work Programme:
16 September 2026, 17:00 (Brussels time)
 

Enlarge graphic

Official European Commission website on EIC Transition
 

Would you like to know whether your project is eligible for EIC Transition funding? We would be pleased to assess your project idea together with you.

BayFOR’s SME advisory team supports you with:

• Assessing your project’s eligibility
• Strategic proposal preparation
• Identifying suitable partners

• Preparing for interviews and evaluation procedures

  Contact the BayFOR EIC team!