Horizon Cluster 4
This is for deep-tech teams building hard technology in AI, robotics, advanced manufacturing, semiconductors, raw materials, or space, with something already working in the lab (roughly TRL 3-7) and a real appetite for c
InvestEU
Growth-stage SMEs and scale-ups that need debt, a guarantee, or VC/private-credit equity on better terms — and are willing to source it through a bank or fund rather than from a grant office.
EIC Accelerator
This is built for a venture-backable deep tech company with a genuine technological breakthrough already validated in the lab or field (TRL 5 or higher) and a clear, capital-hungry path to scaling across Europe and beyon
AI TEFs
This is built for one specific founder: you already have an AI or robotics product working in a relevant setting (TRL 6 to 8), you are based in the EU or an associated country, and your next real blocker is proving it wo
EIC Transition
EIC Transition is perfect if you came out of an EIC Pathfinder, ERC, FET, or Pillar II project with a result that works in the lab but is nowhere near a product. You have a validated proof of concept around TRL 3 or 4, y
STEP Platform
EU-based deep-tech, clean-tech, biotech or defence companies and consortia applying to Horizon Europe, Innovation Fund, Digital Europe, EDF or EU4Health calls who want a STEP Seal to unlock alternative funding — plus scale-ups raising EUR 50-150m rounds eligible for EIC STEP Scale Up equity.
Horizon Cluster 6
A research-intensive consortium (universities, RTOs, companies, NGOs, public bodies) from at least three EU/associated countries tackling agri-food, bioeconomy, biodiversity, circular-economy or pollution challenges at TRL 2-6.
Chips JU
A consortium of chipmakers, equipment vendors, research institutes and universities across several EU/associated countries advancing semiconductor, photonics, quantum or chip-design technology — not a solo startup.
Horizon Cluster 5
A research-led consortium (universities, RTOs, industry, SMEs) from 3+ EU/Associated Countries tackling a multi-year climate, clean-energy or mobility challenge.
EIT & the KICs
Early-stage European deep-tech and impact founders (pre-seed to Series A) in one of the ten KIC sectors.
Pathfinder Booster
Current or past EIC Pathfinder and Transition grantees (and legacy FET projects) whose research results show commercial promise — by Programme Manager invitation only.
Digital Europe AI
This is for organisations that already have working AI and a real place to deploy it: a company with a mature product, plus the hospital, manufacturer, or public body that will actually run it. If you can name your deplo
Innovation Fund
Companies and consortia ready to build the first commercial-scale clean-industrial plant in the EU, Iceland or Norway — capital expenditure from EUR 2.5M to over EUR 100M, with a credible path to large GHG cuts.
EIC Pathfinder
Pathfinder Open is for research teams chasing a genuine scientific breakthrough that has no product, no market, and no proof it even works yet. If you are a university group, a deep-tech spin-off, or a research-heavy sta
EIC Pathfinder Challenges
A research consortium with a credible, high-risk path to a breakthrough technology that fits one of the three 2026 Challenge topics.