The European Innovation Council (EIC) Work Programme for 2026, it is said, will introduce more streamlined processes, broader access, and new funding models. Backed by insights from the EIC Board and Horizon Europe mid-term review, it will undergo some significant changes in the next edition. The shift will impact startups, researchers and founders who are interested in accessing the €multi-million EIC R&D grant funding opportunities in 2026 onwards.
We have written three articles covering the expected changes ahead of the online EIC information days in November. This first article summarises the new R&D grant funding instruments that are expected, changes to EIC grant programmes from 2026 and other enhancements to support services and inclusivity within the European Innovation Council.
If you are completely new to all things EIC, feel free to check out our European Innovation Council (EIC) Funder Page or our blog specifically on the EIC Accelerator.
Without further ado, here are the changes to EIC Grant Funding in 2026.
What Are the New Funding Calls in the EIC 2026 Work Programme?
Advanced Innovation Challenges
This experimental funding track targets specific high-impact problems. Using a two stage approach, many of Stage 1 applications will also be successful for the Stage 2 funding – although it is not guaranteed.
- Stage 1 (2026): Small grants (~€300k) for feasibility studies
- Stage 2 (2027): Larger grants (~€2.5M) to build and test solutions
Why it matters
If you’re developing disruptive tech aligned with EU priorities, this pilot gives you a clear, focused pathway with an opportunity of follow-on funding.
What’s New in the EIC STEP Scale-Up Call for 2026 and Beyond?
Originally established in late 2024 and rolled out in 2025, it is now confirmed that STEP targets established deep-tech SMEs/small mid-caps (up to 499 employees), needing investments in the region of €10–30 million – focus on critical areas like digital health, clean tech and biotechnology
What’s new
There will be a change in eligibility criteria and application expectations.
How the EIC Plug-in Fast Track Works in 2026 – and What’s New
After a pilot in 2023-25, the scheme has been updated for 2026 to make it integrate more smoothly with the EIC Accelerator. There has been refined rules and a likely expanded recognition of local programs.
2026 brings broader recognition of national schemes and a smoother fast-track to EU funding.
How Have Pathfinder and Transition Funding Changed in 2026?
Changes to EIC Pathfinder in 2026 onwards
Early-stage researchers will be happy to read the budget for the EIC Pathfinder has been boosted to €4.5 million. They are also expanding their use of lump-sum funding, so the grants are disbursed upon milestone completion, which we are seeing more and more of across Horizon Europe.
Why it matters
More budget, changes to reporting and budget updates.
Changes to EIC Transition
The EIC Transition scheme helps innovators bridge the gap from lab results to innovation now has wider eligibility criteria. You can now apply using results from a wider set of EU-funded research projects than before – many EU funded research will be eligible to apply for funding.
Why it matters
This is great news if you have valuable IP from earlier EU programmes that previously didn’t qualify, check again soon and you might be eligible!
What’s New in the EIC Accelerator Application Process?
The EIC Accelerator offers blended financing (grant and equity) to high potential startups, there are going to be major process changes it has been confirmed already. Some of the changes we are expecting are the following:
- Shorter applications: Full application forms could be trimmed down, with the possibility of reusing content from Step 1 instead of rewriting everything.
- Due diligence before jury: Every full (Step 2) application will get an expert review for technical and business soundness.
- Fixed jury weeks: Full applications will be batched into around three fixed jury weeks per year.
There are so many changes, we could write a whole article on EIC Accelerator itself – we will just include the high level detail here. Feel free to reach out to get the full story.
What Extra Support Do EIC Grantees Receive in 2026?
Beyond monetary support, EIC Awardees benefit from Business Acceleration Services and 2026 promises more support for internationalisation and corporate partnerships.
Keep an eye out for an expanded international trade fair program, corporate days and other matchmaking events with industry
New Gender and Diversity Index: What It Means for EIC Applicants
A new Gender and Diversity Innovation Index will be launched to regularly track the participation of women and other underrepresented groups in EIC-funded projects. This could mean more emphasis on diversity in EIC programs.
Final Thoughts
The new EIC 2026 Work Programme is more than just an incremental change. It’s a shift toward a totally new Work Programme with profound implications for anyone looking to apply. With expanded access, mission-driven pilots, and new support mechanisms, we are looking forward to the Info Days in November.
If you’re planning to apply or exploring options, we would be happy to chat with you. Contact our team for help navigating the EIC 2026 work programme changes and preparing a competitive application.
Frequently Asked Questions
The EIC 2026 introduces Advanced Innovation Challenges, expands funding for Pathfinder and Transition, simplifies the Accelerator application process, and strengthens business acceleration and inclusivity measures.
It’s a new ARPA-style funding track in 2026 that supports bold, mission-focused projects through a two-stage process with grants up to €2.5M.
The Accelerator now features shorter applications, technical pre-screening before jury interviews, and fixed jury weeks to speed up feedback.
Later-stage deep-tech scale-ups in strategic areas (like biotech, digital, clean tech) that can attract private co-investment are the target for STEP funding.
Oliver Cressall
I help businesses unlock grant funding to fuel groundbreaking research and innovation. With expertise in both UK and European grants including Innovate UK (IUK), Eureka, Horizon Europe, UKRI, CINEA, and the European Research Council – I specialise in guiding research teams and innovation-led businesses through every stage of the grant process.
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