EIC Advanced Innovation Challenges

EIC Advanced Innovation Challenges is a pilot under the European Innovation Council for high-risk, demand-driven deep-tech innovations with transformative potential. It uses a two-stage structure. Stage 1 provides a €300,000 lump sum for up to nine months of feasibility and initial development, and Stage 2 provides up to €2.5 million as a lump sum for up to 2.5 years of deeper development. The 2026 pilot focused on Physical AI and New Approach Methodologies in biotech. The program is open to single legal entities only, including start-ups, SMEs, and research-performing organisations established in a Member State or associated country. Larger companies cannot apply solo. The Stage 1 call closed in February 2026, and the Stage 2 deadline is currently only indicative. The first call drew 709 proposals across the two challenge topics, which shows the level of demand for the pilot format. This is a fit for teams that can work inside a challenge-led structure and are prepared to prove that a difficult technical idea can move through a staged development path. Strong applicants will usually bring a sharp technical thesis, enough maturity to justify a lump-sum project, and a clear reason their work belongs inside one of the named challenge areas. The program is more selective by design than a broad open call, and it rewards specificity.

Each grant below is a distinct funding opportunity with its own eligibility, scope, and deliverables.