Updated on 9 September 2026

The European Innovation Council (EIC) is the European Union's flagship innovation initiative for Deep Tech and breakthrough and disruptive technologies. As part of Horizon Europe, the EU Framework Programme for Research and Innovation (2021–2027), the EIC supports researchers, start-ups, SMEs and scale-ups in developing visionary ideas from early-stage research to successful market uptake.

With a budget of around €10 billion, the EIC supports innovation across the entire value chain – from early-stage research and the development of innovations through technology validation to the scaling of high-growth companies. Its aim is to sustainably strengthen Europe’s innovation capacity and competitiveness.

Programme at a glance

Part of: Horizon Europe
Duration: 2021–2027
Budget: approximately €10 billion
Funding authority: European Commission
Target groups: Universities, research organisations, start-ups, SMEs and scale-ups

EIC funding instruments

The European Innovation Council supports innovation at different stages of development through a range of dedicated funding instruments.

EIC Pathfinder

The EIC Pathfinder supports visionary, high-risk research and innovation projects at an early stage of technology development. It funds breakthrough ideas, from scientific exploration and proof of concept to early technology development and first prototypes.

→ Learn more about the EIC Pathfinder

EIC Transition

The EIC Transition supports the further development of promising research results following the successful demonstration of a technological principle ("Proof of Principle"). Funding covers technology validation as well as the development of viable business models.

→ Learn more about EIC Transition

EIC Advanced Innovation Challenges

The EIC Advanced Innovation Challenges are a pilot funding instrument supporting market-oriented deep-tech innovations with high transformational potential. The programme addresses strategic technological challenges facing Europe and promotes the development and demonstration of innovative solutions together with potential end users.

→ Learn more about the EIC Advanced Innovation Challenges

EIC Accelerator

The EIC Accelerator supports highly innovative start-ups and SMEs in bringing breakthrough innovations to market.

Funding is available for individual companies through:

• grants of up to €2.5 million
• optional equity investment (Blended Finance) of up to €10 million

The programme is specifically designed for companies whose innovation projects are considered too high-risk for conventional financing.

→ Learn more about the EIC Accelerator

EIC STEP Scale-up

EIC STEP Scale-up supports Europe's most innovative technology companies in securing large-scale growth financing. The instrument aims to mobilise private investment and accelerate the scaling of strategic technologies across Europe.

→ Learn more about EIC STEP Scale-up

Who can apply?

The European Innovation Council is primarily aimed at:

• universities
• research organisations
• start-ups
• small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs)
• scale-ups

Eligibility criteria and application requirements vary depending on the funding instrument.

Objectives of the European Innovation Council

The EIC pursues three main objectives:

• supporting breakthrough and disruptive innovations
• accompanying innovation from frontier research to market deployment
• strengthening the European innovation ecosystem through funding, coaching, mentoring and international networking

In addition to financial support, the EIC offers comprehensive Business Acceleration Services, including coaching, mentoring, access to investors and networking opportunities with industry and innovation partners.

What's new in the EIC Work Programme 2026?

The 2026 EIC Work Programme introduces several important developments, including:

• launch of the EIC Advanced Innovation Challenges
• increase of the maximum EIC Pathfinder grant to €4 million
• broader eligibility under EIC Transition
• faster application procedures for the EIC Accelerator
• introduction of a Gender & Diversity Innovation Index
• relaunch of the Plug-in Scheme for national programmes
• EIC STEP Scale-up as a standalone funding instrument

BayFOR support

BayFOR advises companies, start-ups, SMEs, scale-ups, universities and research institutions in Bavaria on funding opportunities offered by the European Innovation Council (EIC). It supports them in assessing innovative and technology-based projects – including deep-tech innovations – and in selecting the most suitable EIC funding instrument.

Our advisory services include:

• assessing the eligibility of your project
• identifying the most suitable EIC funding instrument
• guidance on proposal preparation
• support for interviews and evaluation procedure

The European Commission publishes all current EIC calls on the EU Funding & Tenders Portal and in the respective EIC Work Programme.