The Enterprise Europe Network announces:
November 5, 2026
The European Commission has adopted the European Innovation Council (EIC) work program for 2027. A total of 1.8 billion euros has been allocated to provide targeted support to Europe’s most promising deep-tech entrepreneurs and researchers
As the final EIC funding package under Horizon Europe (2021–2027), the program aims to help translate research results into marketable innovations and strengthen Europe’s capabilities in strategic technologies. The funding also aligns with the EU Strategy for Startups and Scale-ups as well as the Competitiveness Compass. The program provides for simpler and more targeted funding opportunities, as well as additional support for companies seeking to scale their technologies, including in the dual-use and defense sectors.
Key New Features and Priorities of the EIC Work Program 2027
- Focus on Scale-ups & Deep Tech: Full funding for the Scaleup Europe Fund (€1 billion), defense investments / dual-use (€200 million), and the growth of startups into global market leaders.
- Simplified application procedures: More efficient processing and streamlined processes for the EIC Pathfinder program for groundbreaking basic research.
- Strengthening EIC Transition: More targeted support for individual teams and companies rather than large, complex consortia.
- More women in the tech world: Doublingof grants under Women TechEU to €150,000 per startup, as well as a new quantum innovation prize for women.
- Better market access: Targeted measures (including through public procurement) to help EIC-funded companies attract customers.
Background and Achievements to Date
Under Horizon Europe, the EIC has a total budget of more than 10 billion euros for the period 2021–2027. According to the European Commission, it has supported more than 800 companies and nearly 700 research projects since its launch. The EIC Fund has invested nearly 2 billion euros in more than 375 deep-tech startups, thereby mobilizing additional co-investments amounting to 3.5 times that amount.
The pilot program launched in 2026 Advanced Innovation Challenges , launched in 2026, currently supports 20 feasibility projects. Ten of these are expected to move into the prototyping and demonstration phase in 2027. The Scaleup Europe Fund is intended to mobilize at least an additional 4 billion euros from other investors, in addition to the EIC’s commitment of 1 billion euros.
Source: European Commission
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