The European Innovation Council (EIC) was created to identify, develop and scale breakthrough technologies and companies, supporting Europe’s green and digital transitions. Its mission is to accelerate the emergence and growth of innovative companies, including deep tech businesses.
The 2026 EIC Work Programme introduces several updates and simplifications, based on learnings from the existing funding approach.
The EIC’s 2026 programme marks a shift in Europe’s innovation landscape. It sends a clear signal that Europe is ready to invest at the level required to turn deep tech research into competitive global businesses and companies in DTU Science Park are perfectly positioned to benefit from this momentum.
Steen Donner
CEO, DTU Science Park
Faster access to funding: EIC Accelerator
In 2026, the EIC Accelerator, the main instrument for startups and SMEs, introduces a simplified application process and six evaluation rounds per year (up from two in 2025).
Companies with technologies from TRL 6 to TRL 9 can apply for:
- Grants of up to €2.5 million per company
- Equity investments of €1–10 million via the EIC Fund to help scale and reach market readiness
For many companies in DTU Science Park, the Accelerator remains the most relevant and accessible entry point to EIC funding.
The updated framework is noticeably more flexible and accessible, “making it easier for deep tech companies to pursue funding and scale their technologies,” as Steen Donner explains. This will better support the needs of Danish deep tech startups who are ready to accelerate development and obtain growth capital.
New ARPA-inspired model for high-risk innovation
A central feature of the 2026 programme is the launch of EIC Advanced Innovation Challenges, inspired by the U.S. ARPA model.
This initiative supports high-risk, high-reward projects with strong scientific foundations but limited initial commercial uptake.
The programme introduces a two-stage approach:
- First stage: Up to €300,000 for up to nine months to validate breakthrough concepts
- Second stage: Up to €2.5 million for up to 2.5 years to develop and test the most promising solutions
The ARPA-inspired initiative offers a valuable opportunity for companies working on bold, research-driven deep tech with clear market potential.
EIC STEP Scale Up
For later-stage companies, the EIC STEP Scale Up scheme offers €10–30 million in investments to scale strategic technologies across digital, clean, and biotech fields.
The STEP may become the most relevant route for mature scaleups in DTU Science Park to significant late-stage capital.
EIC Pathfinder & EIC Transition
Despite Accelerator being the most relevant opportunity for many companies in DTU Science Park, two other programmes may also be relevant:
- EIC Pathfinder supports radically new technological concepts at the earliest stages
- EIC Transition helps teams move from proof-of-concept toward early commercial validation
For research-intensive spinoffs and technology teams emerging from early-stage programmes, Pathfinder and Transition provide foundational support before reaching Accelerator readiness.
Opportunities for deep tech companies in DTU Science Park
The 2026 EIC Work Programme represents a significant opportunity for many companies in DTU Science Park to:
- Secure non-dilutive EU funding for developing and scaling new technologies
- Access investment capital directly from the EIC Fund
- Join pan-European growth networks for deep tech scale-ups
- Gain visibility and collaboration opportunities with corporates, investors, and research partners
This is a great opportunity for companies in DTU Science Park to get access to substantial EU funding and investment opportunities. We can of course help either by connecting companies to our funding partners or by assisting directly. I want to encourage all to seek out the opportunities.
Jan Rosenbom
Investor Relations, DTU Science Park
Applications open via the EU Funding & Tenders Portal in January 2026, with multiple deadlines throughout the year.
Next steps: Get support for your EIC application
Navigating the EIC’s funding instruments, from Pathfinder and Transition to the Accelerator and STEP, can be complex. Fortunately, several companies based in DTU Science Park, including Gate2Growth and 1st Mile, specialise in guiding deep tech startups and scale-ups through the application process. They can help identify the right EIC pathway, strengthen your proposal, and support you before and throughout the submission process.
👉 Learn more about the full European Innovation Council (EIC) Work Programme 2026 here
