European Innovation Council (EIC) Programme

The European Innovation Council (EIC) Programme (Pillar III of Horizon Europe) provides targeted funding for breakthrough and deep-tech innovation at different stages of development. The 2026 Work Programme includes five key schemes, each supporting different Technology Readiness Levels (TRLs).

The EIC supports high-risk, high-potential innovations:

• EIC Pathfinder funds early-stage R&D for pioneering technologies (through Open and Challenge calls), covering TRLs 1-4. This is targeted towards collaborative research projects with at least 3 entities (including universities, research organisations, SMEs, industry partners).
• EIC Transition seeks to turn research results (including those generated by EIC Pathfinder) into innovation opportunities, supporting the advancement of technologies from proof of concept to market readiness (TRLs 4-6). Both single applicants (‘mono-beneficiaries’) and consortiums (of up to 5 partners) are allowed.
• Advanced Innovation Challenges is a new pilot scheme in the 2026 Work Programme providing staged funding to validate and develop high-risk deep-tech innovations.
• EIC Accelerator targets projects with near-market-ready solutions (TRLs 6-8). It supports SMEs and start-ups to scale up high-impact innovations with the potential to create new markets or disrupt existing ones. Also available in Open and Challenge calls.
• STEP Scale Up provides large-scale investment support to help innovative companies (SMEs or small mid-caps) scale up strategic technologies.

• EIC Pathfinder: Grants of up to €4 million are typically available under both Pathfinder Open and Pathfinder Challenges.
• EIC Transition: Grants of up to €2.5 million, often a continuation of EU-funded projects and focuses on validating and maturing innovations.
• EIC Accelerator: Grants of up to €2.5 million and investments (blended finance or investment component only) ranging from €0.5 million to €10 million to help scale innovations.
• STEP Scale Up: Investment support between €10 million and €30 million, financed by the EIC Fund.

Applicants may be eligible for further support (De Minimis) provided by Xjenza Malta, the National Contact Point (NCP) for Horizon Europe:

• Proposal Development Grant: Up to €10,000 to engage a consultant (applicable to EIC Pathfinder, EIC Transition - Stage 1, Advanced Innovation Challenges – Stage 2, and EIC Accelerator - Stage 2).
• Business Coach Grant: Up to €5,000 for business coaching. This is available for EIC Accelerator - Stage 1 to prepare applicants for the final interview stage, which would involve pitching the business case in front of EU evaluators.
• Pitch Coach Grant: Up to €2,000 to support pitch development and interview readiness (available for EIC Transition - Stage 2, Advanced Innovation Challenges – Stage 2, and Accelerator - Stage 1).

Each scheme has its own deadlines. The EIC Accelerator operates on a continuous submission basis with regular cut-off dates. Deadlines are available on the EU Funding and Tenders Portal.

Navigating Horizon Europe and EIC funding requires expertise and experience. Through our international KPMG Global Credits, Grants & Incentives network, we bring extensive knowledge and a proven track record in securing Horizon Europe grants. 

To explore how the EIC can support your project or to learn more about the application process, contact us today for more information.