- Piloting EIC Advanced Innovation Challenges: The 2026 EIC work programme will test a new approach inspired by the US ARPA model: bold, challenge-driven funding for breakthrough technologies. The Advanced Innovation Challenges will support high-risk, high-reward projects in areas where Europe is strong in research, but too often slow to turn ideas into actual products and businesses.
- Faster, simpler and more robust application process for the EIC Accelerator: From 2026, the application process will be simpler (for example reducing the application forms for full proposals from 50 to 20 pages), faster (e.g. evaluations every 2 months instead of every 6 months) and more robust (e.g. involving an in-depth assessment of the technology, anticipating the due diligence needed for investments).
- Supporting the Startup and Scaleup Strategy: The 2026 work programme includes support to implement a number of actions set out under the Startup and Scaleup Strategy. This includes support to the European Corporate Network, building on the successful EIC corporate days and strengthened services to support access to international markets and partners, and a Gender index to track the participation of women in the innovation ecosystem.
EIC Work Programme 2026 published
18.11.2025
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