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
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
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.
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
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.
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
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
EIT & the KICs
Early-stage European deep-tech and impact founders (pre-seed to Series A) in one of the ten KIC sectors.
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.
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