The European Innovation Council (EIC) funds breakthrough and deep-tech innovation through three main instruments. Accelerator supports startups and SMEs bringing high-potential innovations to market, with grant and equity funding. Pathfinder supports early-stage, high-risk research, typically through international consortia. Transition helps mature promising research into validated technologies and commercially viable applications.
Open calls, soonest deadline first
Questions founders ask about the EIC
When is the next deadline under the EIC?
28 Oct 2026, for Biotechnology for Healthy Ageing.
Can a single company apply to the EIC, or is a consortium required?
6 of the 9 open calls under the EIC accept a single company applying on its own.
How much does the EIC award per project?
The largest call open now awards €10M to €30M.
How much money is open under the EIC?
The open calls that publish a budget add up to €212.1M.
When is the next EIC Accelerator cut-off?
4 Nov 2026, for full proposals. Short proposals can be submitted at any time and are batched for evaluation on the first Tuesday of each month. The EIC Work Programme 2026 sets 6 cut-offs: 7 January, 4 March, 6 May, 8 July, 2 September and 4 November.
Other programmes and countries
Horizon EuropeEuropean Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT)Horizon Europe Cluster 4: Digital, Industry and SpaceHorizon Europe Cluster 5: Climate, Energy and MobilityHorizon Europe Cluster 6: Food, Bioeconomy and EnvironmentHorizon Europe Cluster 3: Civil Security for SocietyHorizon Europe Cluster 1: HealthHorizon Europe: EU MissionsDigital Europe ProgrammeLIFE ProgrammeEuropean Defence FundEurostarsInnovate UKItalyThe United KingdomThe NetherlandsPortugalSwedenSpain