EIC Advanced Innovation Challenges

EIC Advanced Innovation Challenges: Accelerating High-Risk Deep Tech Through Demand-Driven Validation

Accelerates the path to market for high-risk, demand-driven deep tech through stage-gated support and early engagement with end users to speed validation and adoption.

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2026 deadlines: Stage 1- February 26, 2026, and Stage 2- June 18, 2027.

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EIC Advanced Innovation Challenges supports high-risk, demand-driven deep tech innovation in areas with a lack of commercial uptake.

Part of Horizon Europe’s EIC Work Programme 2026, the EIC Advanced Innovation Challenges pilot bridges the gap between research and deployment by supporting technologies from TRL 4 to TRL 6/7. Through two-stage, milestone-based funding, it helps innovators validate, develop, and demonstrate breakthrough solutions tackling Europe’s key technological and societal priorities.

Two-Stage Funding Model

Stage 1 funds technology validation (€300 000); Stage 2 supports large-scale development and demonstration (up to €2.5 million).

High Funding Rate

Projects receive 100% of eligible costs, provided as lump-sum contributions tied to milestones.

Flexible Participation

Open to startups, SMEs, spin-offs, universities, and research organisations — individually or in small consortia (only stage 2).

Hands-On Portfolio Management

Each challenge guided by an EIC Programme Manager, ensuring alignment with strategic EU priorities and fostering collaboration.

300k

Stage 1 grant

€2.5M

Stage 2 grant

100%

Funding Rate

What you need
to know before
applying

 

Start your eligibility check now

💡Tip: Start preparing your AIC proposal at least 2–3 months before the deadline.

More about the EIC Advanced Innovation Challenges

The EIC Advanced Innovation Challenges (AICs) are a new pilot under Horizon Europe’s EIC Work Programme 2026 that bridges the gap between research and real-world application.

They focus on demand-driven, high-impact innovation in strategic EU areas where breakthrough technologies lack of market uptake. Each challenge is guided by an EIC Programme Manager to ensure strong portfolio impact and industry relevance.

Through a two-stage funding model, innovators can receive €300,000 for validation and benchmarking and up to €2.5 million for development and demonstration.

Eligible Applicants Overview
Stage Applicant Type Who Can Apply Notes
Stage 1 – Mono-Beneficiary Only Single legal entity – Startups and SMEs
– Universities, research organisations, or technology institutes
– Research teams or potential spin-offs within eligible organisations		 Large companies cannot apply alone at Stage 1.
Stage 2 – Mono-Beneficiary or Small Consortium 1) Single beneficiary
2) Small consortium		 Single beneficiary: Same eligibility as Stage 1.

Small consortium:
– 2–3 independent legal entities
– Entities must be based in different EU Member States or Associated Countries

 Large companies may participate as consortium partners in Stage 2.
EIC AIC 2026 calls

For 2026, the programme launches two flagship calls:

1️⃣ Accelerating Physical AI: Embodied Intelligence for the Next Frontier of AI-Powered Robotics

2️⃣ Translating Disruptive New Approach Methodologies (NAMs) into Practice

How does it work? Stage 1 and Stage 2
  • Stage 1: Submit your proposal to validate and benchmark your technology.
  • Stage 2: If selected, receive a larger grant to develop and test your solution in real-world environments.

Projects are managed under proactive portfolio guidance for maximum synergies.

Funding

Projects under the EIC Advanced Innovation Challenges (AIC) can receive:

  • Stage 1: Up to €300 000 to validate and benchmark your innovation (starting around TRL 4).
  • Stage 2: Up to €2.5 million to further develop, test, and demonstrate the most promising solutions (target TRL 6–7).

Funding is provided at a 100% rate of eligible costs under a lump-sum model, meaning payments are tied to milestones instead of detailed cost reports.

Key deadlines

For the 2026 pilot, the EIC Advanced Innovation Challenges follow a two-stage process:

Stage 1 – Open Call:
🕒 Deadline: 26 February 2026: Applicants submit proposals for validation and benchmarking (TRL 4).

Stage 2 – Restricted Call:
🕒 Deadline: 18 June 2027: Only successful Stage 1 projects are invited to apply for larger-scale development and demonstration (TRL 6–7).

All submissions must be completed via the EU Funding & Tenders Portal by 17:00 (Brussels time).

Application process

Apply through the EU Funding & Tenders Portal.

A single-step evaluation is conducted by independent experts based on excellence, impact, and implementation.

Evaluation criteria
  • Excellence: Novelty, ambition, and scientific quality.
  • Impact: Potential to deliver breakthrough results with EU-wide relevance.
  • Implementation: Feasibility, resources, and applicant capacity.
Eligible costs

All essential research-related expenses—including personnel, equipment, travel, subcontracting, and 25% of indirect costs—are covered within the lump-sum framework.

How We Support Your EIC Advanced Innovation Challenges Application

  • Backed by PhDs, engineers, and finance experts, we guide you through every stage of the EIC Advanced Innovation Challenges application and project lifecycle.
  • We combine strategic insight with technical excellence to help innovators secure the right collaborative funding and manage their projects successfully.
Control de convocatorias (1)

1. Opportunity Scouting

We assess your technology, maturity, and market fit to identify the most relevant AIC challenge and Stage. Our team also continuously screens EU calls and other funding opportunities that match your profile, keeping you informed of any programme updates. When required for Stage 2, we additionally support partner scouting among SMEs, research centres, and universities.
Diagnóstico y preparación

2. Grant Application

We guide you through preparing your AIC proposal, helping define innovation potential, EU relevance, and market pathways. Our team supports the development and review of technical, impact, and financial documentation, ensuring alignment with challenge-specific criteria and strengthening your work plan and validation or demonstration strategy.

Obtención de ayuda (2)

3. Submission & Grant Agreement

We assist with the full submission process via the EU Funding & Tenders Portal and help you ensure compliance and completeness. If the project is approved, we guide you through Grant Agreement steps—validations, consortium setup, milestone planning, and adaptation to the lump-sum model—facilitating a smooth start to Stage 1 or Stage 2.

Gestión del proyecto (1)

4. Project Management

We support project implementation by monitoring compliance, validating milestones, and tracking progress. Our team helps prepare technical and financial reports, assists during audits and fund disbursements, and manages communication with the European Commission. We also advise on future funding options to continue accelerating your route to market.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions about the EIC Advanced Innovation Challenges.

What is the total budget for 2026?

The EIC Advanced Innovation Challenges (AICs) pilot has an indicative budget of €6 million for 2026, with expansion to around €25 million in 2027 as the programme scales.

What is the funding rate?

EIC Advanced Innovation Challenges (AICs) projects receive 100% of eligible costs, provided through a lump-sum model tied to milestones instead of detailed cost reporting.

How long are the projects?

Typical project duration of EIC Advanced Innovation Challenges (AICs) is 12–18 months for Stage 1 and 24–30 months for Stage 2, depending on complexity and milestones set in the grant agreement.

How long does it take to get funding?

Applicants are usually informed about results within 5 months of the call deadline, and grant agreements are signed within 8 months, meaning funding for the EIC Advanced Innovation Challenges (AICs) typically arrives 6–8 months after submission.

What is the funding model?

The EIC Advanced Innovation Challenges (AICs) uses a lump-sum funding model, meaning payments are made once milestones are achieved. This simplifies reporting and gives innovators more flexibility to focus on progress rather than paperwork.

What is the difference between the AIC, the EIC Pathfinder, EIC transition and the EIC Accelerator?

What is the difference between the AIC, the EIC Pathfinder, and the EIC Accelerator?

  • EIC Advanced Innovation Challenges (AICs): Bridges research and market application (TRL 4–6/7). Provides demand-driven, challenge-based funding through a two-stage, stage-gated model focused on validation (Stage 1) and demonstration (Stage 2).
  • EIC Pathfinder: Supports early-stage research and proof-of-concept (TRL 1–4).
  • EIC Transition: Funds the transition from proof-of-concept to early product development (TRL 3–6).
  • EIC Accelerator: Funds market-ready scale-ups and commercialization (TRL 6–9) through grants and blended finance.

Together, they form a complete EIC innovation pathway—from discovery to deployment.

What kind of support do awardees receive?

Beyond grants, projects gain access to EIC Business Acceleration Services, mentorship, networking, and international exposure.

What is the TRL required to apply to the EIC Advanced Innovation Challenges?

Projects should start at around Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 4, meaning the concept has already been validated in a lab setting.

The goal is to reach TRL 6–7 by the end of the project — demonstrating and testing the technology in relevant or operational environments.

This makes the AICs ideal for innovators who already have a proof of concept and are ready to move toward real-world validation and market uptake.

Need expert advice for your EIC Advanced Innovation Challenge proposal?

Our consultants guide you through everything you need to know about EIC calls, requirements, and winning strategies.

Contact our team

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“Evolution was pivotal in improving and refining our business model and go-to-market strategy. Besides, the writing of the proposal was elevated to a very high standard; we could not have achieved this without Evolution’s help.”

Fadhil Musa, co-founder of Delox

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“Evolution’s expertise and guidance were instrumental in securing our funding. Their support throughout the entire process, from crafting the proposal to preparing for the final pitch, was invaluable. It’s the most professional and comprehensive assistance we’ve ever received.”

Paul Kamoun, Director of Spacepharma

Other EIC funds that might
interest you

EIC Accelerator programme

EIC Accelerator

Bring your deep-tech innovation to market with blended EU funding and investment.

  • Get up to €2.5 million in grant and €0.5–15 million in equity (or blended finance).
  • For startups and SMEs with technologies at TRL 5–8, ready to scale and commercialise globally.
EIC Transition Programme

EIC Transition

Bridge the gap from proof of concept to market-ready innovation with EU support.

  • Get up to €2.5 million in grant funding to advance your technology and business model.
  • For startups, SMEs, spin-offs, and research teams with technologies at TRL 4–5, aiming to reach TRL 6–8 and validate market readiness.
EIC STEP Scale-UP Programme

EIC STEP Scale-Up

Scale your strategic tech company with major EU equity investment through the EIC STEP programme.

  • Get €10–30 million in equity to drive industrial deployment and growth in deep-tech or critical technologies.
  • For startups, SMEs, and small mid-caps, aiming to scale in key strategic areas for Europe.
EIC Pathfinder Programme

EIC Pathfinder

Turn visionary science into breakthrough technologies with EU support.

  • Receive up to €4 million (or more if justified) to develop radically new technologies and validate proof of principle (TRL 1–4).
  • For research consortia, universities, research organisations, start-ups and SMEs pursuing high-risk, high-gain deep-tech research.
EIC Pre-Accelerator programme

EIC Pre-Accelerator  (Widera)

Advance your deep-tech startup from lab validation to investor-ready innovation with EU support.

  • Receive €300,000–€500,000 (70% lump sum) to mature your technology and strengthen your business and investor readiness.
  • For early-stage deep-tech SMEs in Horizon Europe Widening countries with breakthrough innovations and a clear path to market.

magazine

The ultimate guide to
securing R&D funding in
Europe

  • How to identify the best funding opportunities for your project
  • Learn strategies top innovators use to secure grants, navigate complex
    applications, and maximize funding potential.
  • Proven tips for writing winning grant proposals

Download now and boost your funding success!

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