GrantEquity-free European Union
EIC Advanced Innovation Challenges
European Innovation Council (EIC)
Apply / official page ↗Typical funding
Lump sum grants around €300,000 per project, with a total 2026 budget around €6M.
Maximum
€300,000 lump sum per project.
Startup stage
Early‑stage deep‑tech innovators responding to specific EIC challenge topics.
Sector focus
Targeted challenge areas identified in the EIC work programme.
Overview
Challenge‑driven grants supporting high‑risk deep‑tech innovations in areas with strong research but limited commercial uptake.
Who's eligible
Innovators and SMEs tackling defined challenge‑areas with high‑risk, transformative solutions.
How to apply
Apply through challenge‑specific calls in the EU Funding & Tenders portal.
Good to know
Inspired by ARPA model with bold, challenge‑driven funding for breakthrough technologies.