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Overview
This EIC pilot uses a staged challenge model to develop solutions in specific technology areas. The first 2026 cohort covers Physical AI and new approach methodologies, with an initial feasibility phase before a potential, more selective development stage.
A challenge programme rewards a close technical fit.
Is this for you?
Success rates — the honest picture
Roughly 1 in 36 applications gets funded. A sharp, evidence-backed proposal is what separates the funded from the rejected.
Eligibility
- 1Check the challenge's scope and applicant rules; eligible single applicants include startups, SMEs and research-performing organisations in eligible countries.
- 2The technology must be at the maturity required by the challenge.
- 3Follow-on support is restricted to the first-stage pathway and depends on the subsequent work programme.
A published Stage 2 deadline is not an opportunity for a startup that did not participate in Stage 1.
The pilot permits eligible SMEs and research organisations; Stage 2 can involve small consortia. Large companies cannot apply alone; verify the stage-specific conditions.
The official FAQ requires a TRL 4 solution, an appropriate testing/data infrastructure and stakeholder interest evidenced by a letter of intent. Stage 1 is mono-beneficiary; large companies cannot apply alone.
Only funded Stage 1 projects can enter Stage 2. Adding partners or a spin-off depends on the 2027 conditions; the indicative future stage is not a new public intake.
What the support covers
The first stage provides €300,000 for nine months. A potential second stage of up to €2.5 million depends on the 2027 work programme and further selection; it is not an assured award.
How to apply — step by step
- 1Check whether there is an entry routeBefore preparing an application
The 2026 Stage 1 deadline has passed; monitor official future calls.
Official instructions - 2For selected Stage 1 teams: deliver milestonesNine-month Stage 1
Carry out the feasibility work against the programme’s challenge objectives.
Official instructions - 3Prepare for restricted Stage 2Indicatively 18 June 2027
Only eligible Stage 1 projects can use the indicative 2027 deadline.
Official instructions
What evaluators look for
Challenge alignment
Address the specific physical-AI or new-approach-methodologies challenge and its milestones.
Stage-specific selection
Use the pilot’s published assessment and portfolio rules. Stage 2 follows Stage 1 and is not open to unrelated new applicants.
Documents you'll need
Pilot structure, application stages and published dates.
- Contains:
- Pilot structure, application stages and published dates.
- Why:
- Use the issuing body’s current version when preparing an application.
- When:
- Before submission
Eligibility, stages and practical programme questions.
- Contains:
- Eligibility, stages and practical programme questions.
- Why:
- Use the issuing body’s current version when preparing an application.
- When:
- Before submission
Official challenge scope, funding and selection conditions.
- Contains:
- Official challenge scope, funding and selection conditions.
- Why:
- Use the issuing body’s current version when preparing an application.
- When:
- Before submission
Official 10 September announcement: 20 projects selected; projects started 1 September 2026.
- Contains:
- Official 10 September announcement: 20 projects selected; projects started 1 September 2026.
- Why:
- Use the issuing body’s version; the submission portal controls current application documents.
- When:
- Before applying or preparing the relevant project milestone
Official information-day materials for the pilot.
- Contains:
- Official information-day materials for the pilot.
- Why:
- Use the issuing body’s current version when preparing an application.
- When:
- Before submission
Commission-linked project search for the Physical AI Stage 1 portfolio.
- Contains:
- Commission-linked project search for the Physical AI Stage 1 portfolio.
- Why:
- Use the issuing body’s version; the submission portal controls current application documents.
- When:
- Before applying or preparing the relevant project milestone
Commission-linked project search for the NAMs Stage 1 portfolio.
- Contains:
- Commission-linked project search for the NAMs Stage 1 portfolio.
- Why:
- Use the issuing body’s version; the submission portal controls current application documents.
- When:
- Before applying or preparing the relevant project milestone
2026 Deadlines
- 2026-02-262026-02-26Stage 1 closed
17:00 Brussels time; historical deadline.
- 2026-09-102026-09-10First selection announced
20 selected projects: ten physical AI and ten new approach methodologies.
- 9 months9 monthsStage 1 duration
From each project’s agreed start.
- 2027-06-182027-06-18Indicative Stage 2 deadline
17:00 Brussels time. Restricted to eligible Stage 1 projects; not a new open entry round.
After you're funded
Stage 1 offers €300,000 for nine months. Selected Stage 2 projects can receive up to €2.5M for up to 2.5 years, subject to the later selection and call conditions.
Practical notes
A challenge programme rewards a close technical fit. If the problem definition is different from your product, compare broader R&D programmes instead.
Official sources checked on 12 October 2026. Calls can be amended; confirm the current terms and exact submission time in the linked official documents.
Key Features
Official links & resources
Frequently Asked Questions
A startup, SME or research organisation whose work directly answers one of the published challenges. This is a focused competition, not an open-topic substitute for the Accelerator.
The first stage provides €300,000 for nine months. A potential second stage of up to €2.5 million depends on the 2027 work programme and further selection; it is not an assured award.
The first call is closed. Twenty first-stage projects were announced in September 2026. Do not treat the expected 2027 follow-on phase as a new open call for unrelated applicants.
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