EIC Advanced Innovation Challenges

EIC Advanced Innovation Challenges — Stage 2

Funds advanced innovation projects advancing robotics and physical AI deep-tech initiatives toward scalable outcomes.

Eligibility · EU member states

EIC Advanced Innovation Challenges Stage 2 is the second and final phase of the EIC's AIC pilot programme, open exclusively to companies and research performing organisations that successfully completed Stage 1 of the 2026 AIC call. Stage 1 closed 26 February 2026 and attracted 709 proposals across two challenge topics: Physical AI (full title: Accelerating Physical AI — Embodied Intelligence for the Next Frontier of AI-Powered Robotics) and New Approach Methodologies (NAMs) for biotech (full title: Translating Disruptive New Approach Methodologies into Practice). Only entities that passed Stage 1 evaluation may apply to Stage 2. The indicative Stage 2 deadline is 18 June 2027 at 17:00 Brussels time; this date is not yet confirmed and applicants must verify it on the EIC portal.

Stage 2 provides a lump sum grant of up to €2.5 million, with projects running for up to 2.5 years. Eligible applicants are start-ups, SMEs, and research performing organisations established in EU Member States or Horizon Europe Associated Countries. Larger companies cannot apply as solo beneficiaries. Universities are not eligible as lead applicants. No co-funding requirement applies; the award is paid as a lump sum at fixed budget, removing the need for detailed cost accounting. The Stage 1 award was €300,000 over up to nine months, so Stage 2 represents a significant step-up in scope and budget.

Because Stage 2 is gated on Stage 1 completion, preparation should begin during the Stage 1 project itself — teams should document results, refine their commercialisation roadmap, and engage EIC portfolio managers to signal readiness before the Stage 2 call opens. The AIC pilot is the EIC's experimental fast-track instrument for challenge-defined deep tech; future cycles beyond 2027 have not been confirmed. Applicants in both Physical AI robotics and NAMs biotech should treat the 2027 deadline as a high-stakes, non-renewable opportunity.