EIT Higher Education Initiative 2026: up to €1.25 million for consortia of universities and business for innovation and entrepreneurship in deep tech and manufacturing, apply by 13 January 2027

The European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT) has launched the EIT Higher Education Initiative Call for Proposals 2026. This funding opportunity is designed to strengthen the innovation and entrepreneurial capacities of higher education institutions, placing specific emphasis on manufacturing and deep-tech sectors.

The overall call budget is €40 million, offering grants of up to €1.25 million per project over an 18-month execution period. Consortia of universities, businesses, and research partners must submit their proposals before the deadline on 13 January 2027.

What is funded

The call supports collaborative projects focused on developing innovation and entrepreneurship skills, enhancing technology transfer services, and establishing stronger ties with industry. Funded actions are structured across three main thematic areas: developing STEM talent, building institutional capacity for knowledge valorisation, and integrating universities into regional innovation ecosystems.

Supported activities include training students and academic staff in intellectual property management and entrepreneurship within science, technology, engineering, and mathematics disciplines. Funding also covers institutional mechanisms that convert academic research into commercial applications, such as startup support schemes, improved technology transfer offices, and cross-sector partnerships in deep tech.

Who can apply

Applications must be submitted by cross-border consortia composed of at least five funded partner organisations. The partnership must include a minimum of three higher education institutions based in three different countries eligible for Horizon Europe, with at least one institution situated in an European Union Member State.

The consortium must also include at least two business or industry partners, or business representative organisations. Eligible non-academic entities include startups, small and medium-sized enterprises, large corporations, and industry associations, with priority encouraged for enterprises operating directly in deep tech or manufacturing.

Conditions and requirements

Specific restrictions govern applicant eligibility to prevent overlap across funding cycles. Organisations that received funding under the previous EIT HEI Call 2025 are strictly excluded from participating in this 2026 call.

Additionally, any single organisation is permitted to take part as a funded beneficiary in only one application under the 2026 call. Approved projects are expected to implement their planned work programme over an 18-month duration with a maximum budget allocation of €1.25 million.

How to apply

Consortia consisting of higher education institutions, businesses, research organisations, and public bodies must prepare and submit their applications in accordance with the official call guidelines. Interested organisations can identify prospective partners through the dedicated matchmaking platform before finalising their submissions ahead of the January 2027 deadline.

Practical tip. Because an organisation can be included as a funded partner in only one 2026 proposal, vet potential consortium members early to confirm they are not already committed to another bid and were not funded under the 2025 call. Securing written commitments on eligibility prevents disqualification during administrative checks.

Applications are submitted on the donor’s page: eit.europa.eu.