European Innovation Council (EIC)
Under Horizon Europe the European Innovation Council (EIC) work programme aims at identifying and supporting breakthrough technologies and game-changing innovations with the potential to scale up internationally and become market leaders. The 2026 EIC Work Programme has a total budget of over €1.4 billion.
European Innovation Council (EIC) 2026 work programme
3 sub-programmes form the basis of the EIC work programme:
1. EIC Pathfinder
Funding research projects of consortia with a mix of partners from academia and companies, advancing research to develop the scientific basis to underpin breakthrough technologies. TRL1-4.
Upcoming deadlines: 12 May 2026 (Open Call); 28 October 2026 (Challenge Calls)
Read more about EIC Pathfinder or download our EIC Pathfinder 2026 Programme guide
2. EIC Transition
Funding consortia of academia and companies, to validate technologies and develop business plans for specific applications. Increase maturity of technology from TRL3 or TRL4 up to TRL5-6. Only grantees of ERC Proof of Concept or EIC Pathfinder or FET are eligible to submit an application to this instrument.
Upcoming deadlines: 16 September 2026
Read more about EIC Transition or download our EIC Transition 2026 Programme guide
3. EIC Accelerator
Focusing on supporting companies (SMEs, start-ups, spin-outs and in exceptional cases small mid-caps) to bring their innovations to market and scale up. Technologies must be at least TRL5 prior to commencement of an EIC Accelerator project.
Upcoming deadlines:
Short applications: anytime. Full applications: 7 January, 4 March, 6 May, 8 July, 2 September, 4 November 2026 (Open Call & Challenge Calls)
Read more about the EIC Accelerator or download our EIC Accelerator 2026 Programme guide
Both open topic calls and specific challenge-driven calls are available for EIC Pathfinder and EIC Accelerator, while EIC Transition will continue with only an Open Call. The challenge-driven approach provides funding to address specific technological and innovation breakthroughs. The challenges focus on EU priorities for transitioning to a green, digital and healthy society, as well as the overall strategic planning for Horizon Europe. Each instrument is divided over Open calls and Challenge-driven calls.
Visit the official EIC website
Catalyze is a trusted EIC Partner!
Catalyze is an official, trusted EIC Partner. All EIC supported projects and companies get access to coaching, mentoring, partnering and other EIC Business Acceleration Services.
About Catalyze
At Catalyze we commit ourselves to accelerate innovations that have a positive impact on the world. We are the driving force for innovations across the fields of Life Sciences and Sustainability. Our offering of strategic consulting services, funding consulting, project management and more, deliver impactful expertise for all development stages. With a proven track record and the highest quality and success rate in the industry, we aim to be the consulting partner of choice to drive the success of meaningful innovation projects.
Looking for EIC funding?
How can we help you on your innovation journey? Contact us today.
