The European Commission officially adopted the €1.8 billion 2027 EIC Work Programme on 5 November -- the final Horizon Europe innovation budget -- completing the Scaleup Europe Fund at €1 billion, committing €200 million to defence deep tech, and doubling Women TechEU grants to €150,000 per startup.
EIC 2027 WORK PROGRAMME
Europe's final Horizon Europe innovation budget confirmed at €1.8 billion
On 5 November, the European Commission officially adopted the 2027 EIC Work Programme -- the last funding round under Horizon Europe 2021-2027. Total budget: €1.8 billion.
The largest single allocation, €1 billion, completes the Scaleup Europe Fund launched in 2026 and managed by EQT. The fund backs European companies at scale-up stage across all deep tech sectors. A further €200 million goes to STEP Scale Up Defence, providing €10-30 million per company in dual-use and defence technology. The Advanced Innovation Challenges pilot receives €25 million for breakthrough research tied to EU strategic priorities.
WHY IT MATTERS
What changes for founders in 2027
Two structural changes are confirmed. EIC Transition moves from consortia to single companies or teams -- a simpler route from breakthrough research to market. Women TechEU doubles its non-dilutive grant to €150,000 per startup and a new European Prize for Women Innovators in Quantum is introduced.
New for 2027: EIC-backed companies will receive formal support in testing technologies with public and private buyers, connecting innovation funding to procurement at scale.
For scale-up founders: The Scaleup Europe Fund is now fully capitalised at €1 billion. EQT manages the fund, backing European deep tech companies at growth stage. The 2027 programme is now open for applications.
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