SOFT Innovation Prize 2026 (EURATOM-2026-SOFT-PRIZE)
Applications closed 03.06.2025. This call is closed.
The SOFT Innovation Prize 2026 is a European Commission prize under the EURATOM Research and Training Programme. It recognises and rewards outstanding innovation and excellence in fusion research and technology. Moreover, the prize highlights dynamic and forward-looking researchers, teams or industrial participants whose innovations show strong potential for scientific and industrial impact.
Purpose and expected outcomes
The SOFT Innovation Prize showcases innovative solutions in nuclear fusion research and helps raise visibility for promising scientific and technological advances. As a result, it aims to strengthen innovation culture across the fusion research sector and, in addition, encourage wide valorisation of new discoveries and technologies.
Applicants may come from diverse backgrounds, including researchers and industrial actors. In particular, the organisers welcome participation by women to support gender balance in the nuclear research field.
Eligibility and participation
The competition is open to researchers, research teams and industrial participants who meet the eligibility rules under the Euratom Research and Training Programme. This includes participants working within national programmes, as well as partners associated with fusion research collaborations.
Prize and funding
The total budget for the SOFT Innovation Prize 2026 is approximately 100 000 EUR, and the organisers award it across multiple prize tiers. Importantly, the prize rewards achievements rather than providing traditional project funding.
First prize: 50 000 EUR;
Second prize: 30 000 EUR;
Third prize: 20 000 EUR.
For clarity, the official prize rules specify the exact prize amounts and the final award structure.
Key dates
Opening date: 3 June 2025;
Deadline for submissions: 3 March 2026, 17:00 Brussels time.
How to apply
Prospective participants must submit their entries through the EU Funding & Tenders Portal. Additionally, the portal provides detailed rules of contest, eligibility criteria and step-by-step submission instructions in the official prize documentation. Official details about the SOFT Innovation Prize and the rules of contest appear on the European Commission’s research and funding portals.
More opportunities and details on EU research prizes and funding calls can be found in the grants section of the GetGrant service.
Frequently asked questions
Short answers based on the facts of this call
