European Innovation Council: Pathfinder, Transition, and Accelerator 2026
Funding opportunities worth over €1.4 billion for strategic technologies and scaling up companies, with grants of up to €4m.
Key facts
- Funding amount
- Grants up to €4m
- Deadline
- 28 Oct 2026 · 17 days left
- Region
- UK-wide
- Business type
- Innovative businesses & R&D-led teams
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Plain English summary
The European Innovation Council (EIC) offers multiple funding opportunities with grants up to €4 million, targeting strategic technologies and scaling up businesses. Opportunities like the EIC Accelerator are specifically designed for startups and SMEs, including those from the UK, to develop and scale innovative solutions. While some programs are for research teams and require consortiums or prior EU funding, others like the Advanced Innovation Challenges and the Accelerator are open to UK SMEs and individuals.
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Who this is best for
- Innovative businesses & R&D-led teams
- Organisations based in UK-wide
- Projects aligned with innovation funding
- Teams seeking funding around Grants up to €4m
Who should not apply
- Individuals applying in a personal capacity (unless explicitly permitted)
- Applicants who cannot meet the official eligibility criteria below
Eligibility checklist
Tick what applies to your organisation before applying.
- Eligibility varies by program.
- EIC Accelerator is open to single startups and SMEs, or individuals intending to launch an SME, including UK applicants.
- Advanced Innovation Challenges are open to UK SMEs, academic organisations, and RTOs.
- Pathfinder and Transition have specific requirements, often involving consortia or prior EU funding, with UK participation details varying.
Official source
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