The European Innovation Council recently published their 2026 Work Programme with some exciting changes for start-ups, scale-ups and research-driven innovators across Europe.
So – what’s new?
Here’s our summary of the key changes you can expect for the year ahead.
1. A Streamlined EIC Accelerator Application Process
A reminder: the EIC Accelerator is Europe’s most powerful programme for ambitious SMEs and start-ups. Successful applicants can secure up to €2.5m of grant funding, and up to €10m of equity investment, to take exciting deep-tech technologies from prototype (TRL6-7) to market readiness.
Changes to expect in 2026:
- Shorter applications: full proposals down from 50 pages to 20.
- Faster evaluations: evaluations every 2 months instead of bi-annually.
- A more robust process: now involving an in-depth assessment of the innovative technology, anticipating the due diligence needed for investments.
2. The Advanced Innovation Challenges Pilot
What is it? – The Advanced Innovation Challenges aim to support startups, SMEs and research organisations developing high-risk, demand-driven deep tech innovations with transformative potential, especially in areas where there is extensive research but a lack of commercial uptake.
What are the benefits?
- A two-stage grant funding model: €300,000 lump sum at stage one, and up to €2.5m at stage two to develop and validate innovative solutions.
- Solo or collaborative: applications to open to mono-beneficiaries in 2026 and then expanding to include consortia in 2027.
- Clearer, challenge-driven funding pathways and more targeted support opportunities for innovations tackling strategic EU priorities.
3. STEP Scale Up: Enhanced Equity Financing Opportunities
A reminder: the STEP Scale Up provides financial support to startups and SMEs in Europe, offering investments between €10m to €30m to help scale up breakthrough innovations in digital tech, clean tech, and biotech.
What’s new?
- Larger Equity Investments: the EIC has signalled their commitment to deploy significantly larger equity investments into promising deep-tech scale-ups, reducing reliance on fragmented venture funding and preventing strategic European tech from being acquired too early or moving abroad.
- Increased Financing Flexibility: the STEP scheme provides equity-only, or equity combined with grant support when justified. This flexibility is meant to meet companies where they are — whether they need capital to expand production, build supply chains, or fund commercial deployment.
- Follow-On Investment: rather than ‘one-off’ funding, the 2026 programme puts greater emphasis on continuity. If a company shows traction and market readiness, the EIC can increase its investment in later rounds.
The 2026 Work Programme brings a clearer, faster, and more strategic funding pathway for deep-tech innovators. With streamlined applications, a new challenge-driven funding route, and stronger support for scale-ups, the EIC offers several fantastic opportunities for innovative European companies to grow and compete globally.
Read the full 2026 EIC Work Programme here.
Contact our team of innovation funding specialists to find out more about EIC funding opportunities in 2026