Applications are now open for EIC Transition Open 2026, which aims to fund innovation activities that go beyond simple experimental validation. The program therefore supports the maturation and validation of technologies, from the laboratory to reference environments, as well as the exploration and development of a sustainable business plan and model for commercialization.
Proposed activities must include further technological development based on the results obtained in a previous project and follow user-centered methodologies to increase the likelihood of future commercial success of the innovation on the market.
EIC Transition projects should address, in a balanced manner, both technological and market/commercial development, possibly including iterative learning processes based on initial customer or user feedback. These activities should include, based on the level of maturity of the technology, an appropriate mix of development and technology validation activities to increase the maturity of the technology beyond the proof-of-concept stage, until reaching the feasibility of technology demonstrators in the intended field of application (from TRL 3-4 to TRL 5-6 at the end of the project).
Legal entities such as startups, SMEs, and research-performing organizations (universities, research teams, or research institutions) from EU Member States or associated with Horizon Europe are eligible to participate, either individually or in consortia of 2 to 5 members.
The overall budget amounts to EUR 100 million. A maximum contribution of EUR 2.5 million per project.
The deadline for submitting the application is set for September 16, 2026.
For more information: info@iniziativa.cc
