EIC Advanced Innovation Challenges 2026: Stage 1 closed, Stage 2 in 2027 for selected projects
Note, 30 October 2026. The EIC Advanced Innovation Challenges 2026 call is closed to new applications. The Stage 1 deadline was 26 February 2026, and Stage 2 is open only to projects selected in Stage 1. Croatian companies can submit a short proposal to the EIC Accelerator at any time, and the next full application cut-off is 4 November 2026. Which EIC programme suits which technology readiness level is shown in our guide Technology Readiness Levels (TRL) 1 to 9, and we track Croatian innovation calls in the guide Grants and EU funds for businesses 2026.
The European Innovation Council (EIC) has published EIC Advanced Innovation Challenges 2026, a pilot programme for the development of disruptive deep-tech technologies with the potential for global impact. Stage 1 closed on 26 February 2026, and Stage 2, with an indicative deadline of 18 June 2027, is open only to projects selected in Stage 1. The programme is part of the wider EIC Work Programme 2026, through which the European Union seeks to speed up the transition from scientific research to market-viable innovation.
In brief
- The EIC Advanced Innovation Challenges 2026 call is closed to new applications. The Stage 1 deadline was 26 February 2026 at 17:00 Brussels time, and the EIC selected 20 projects.
- Stage 1 provides a EUR 300,000 lump sum for up to nine months, and Stage 2 up to EUR 2.5 million for up to two and a half years.
- Stage 2 has an indicative deadline of 18 June 2027 and is open only to projects selected in Stage 1.
- There are two challenges, physical AI and robotics, and new approach methodologies for safety testing (NAMs). Projects start at TRL 4 and aim to reach TRL 5 or 6.
- Croatian companies can submit a short proposal to the EIC Accelerator at any time, and the next full application cut-off is 4 November 2026. The EIC Pre-Accelerator call for 2027 opens on 5 May 2027 with a deadline of 18 November 2027.
EIC Advanced Innovation Challenges 2026 covers projects whose initial technology maturity (TRL) is at least TRL 4 (technology validated in the laboratory), and the aim is to reach TRL 5 or TRL 6 through the project, that is, validation and demonstration in a relevant environment. The first phase of the project starts at TRL 4, while the second phase is intended for further development to TRL 5 or 6, depending on the challenge and the area of the application.
The aim of the programme is to encourage start-ups, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and research organisations to develop technological solutions to key global challenges, from artificial intelligence and robotics to advanced safety testing methods.
How are the funding phases structured?
EIC Advanced Innovation Challenges 2026 provided funding in two phases:
- Phase 1: EUR 300,000 as a lump sum for validation, feasibility assessment and technical development of the concept.
The application deadline was 26 February 2026 at 17:00 Brussels time, and the EIC selected 20 projects. - Phase 2: up to EUR 2.5 million for the development, demonstration and testing of the technology in real conditions.
The indicative deadline is 18 June 2027, only for projects selected in Stage 1.
EUROPEAN INNOVATION COUNCIL
EIC Advanced Innovation Challenges 2026 in two stages
What is open now
The EIC finances high-risk projects with a clear potential for market impact and global commercialisation. In addition to grants, the programme also provides access to the EIC investment platform and networking with venture capital funds and corporate investors.
What are the thematic areas of the call?
The 2026 programme covers two strategic areas of research and development:
- Embodied Intelligence & AI-powered Robotics: next-generation robotics, artificial intelligence for physical systems and autonomous platforms.
- Disruptive New Approach Methodologies (NAMs) for Safety Testing: innovative safety assessment methods based on in vitro, in silico and digital approaches, as an alternative to animal testing.
Who could apply and where does the funding come from?
Entities established in the following could apply to the call:
- member states of the European Union
- countries associated to the Horizon Europe programme, including Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Turkey, Serbia, Israel, Ukraine and others that have signed an association agreement
EIC funding comes from the Horizon Europe (Pillar III – Innovative Europe) budget and is managed by the European Commission through the European Innovation Council and SMEs Executive Agency (EISMEA).
How does Omnia Solutions help with an EIC application?
EIC calls are extremely competitive, so expert preparation of the project documentation, a clear definition of the market potential and the development of a credible commercial strategy are essential. Omnia Solutions helps innovators with:
- assessing whether the idea is aligned with the EIC criteria
- preparing the project application and the business plan
- advice on financial and market strategy
For more information and support in preparing the application, contact us at info@omniasolutions.hr
Frequently asked questions about the EIC Advanced Innovation Challenges
Is the EIC Advanced Innovation Challenges 2026 call still open?
No. The Stage 1 deadline was 26 February 2026 at 17:00 Brussels time, and the EIC selected 20 projects. The indicative Stage 2 deadline of 18 June 2027 applies only to projects selected in Stage 1.
How much funding do the EIC Advanced Innovation Challenges provide?
A EUR 300,000 lump sum for up to nine months in Stage 1, and up to EUR 2.5 million for up to two and a half years in Stage 2.
Which technology readiness level is required?
Projects start at TRL 4, technology validated in the laboratory, and aim to reach TRL 5 or 6, depending on the challenge. What the levels mean and which EU programme suits which level is explained in our guide Technology Readiness Levels (TRL) 1 to 9.
Which EIC call can a Croatian company apply to now?
The EIC Accelerator accepts short proposals at any time, and the next full application cut-off is 4 November 2026. The EIC Pre-Accelerator call for 2027 opens on 5 May 2027 with a deadline of 18 November 2027. It is open to companies from Croatia, with grants of EUR 500,000 to 1,000,000 per project.
About the author
Davor Nikolić, MSc in Political Science
Co-founder and director of Omnia Solutions. He prepares and implements projects co-financed by EU and national funds, mainly in innovation, entrepreneurship and industry. From 2012 to 2014 he was an advisor in the Cabinet of the Minister of Entrepreneurship and Crafts, and from 2014 to 2018 a senior expert advisor for the implementation, evaluation and contracting of EU business projects at the Ministry of Economy, Entrepreneurship and Crafts. As a project manager, he has worked on the preparation and implementation of European and international projects with a total value of more than EUR 60 million. Since 2025 he has been an external member of the European Affairs Committee of the Croatian Parliament. He is a doctoral candidate in International Relations at the Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Ljubljana.
