European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT) Higher Education Initiative (HEI) 2026 Call

Status: Upcoming

Call Opening:
Fourth quarter of 2026

Application Deadline:
To be announced.

Objective:
The European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT) Higher Education Initiative (HEI) 2026 Call aims to strengthen the capacity of higher education institutions to transform their talent, knowledge, and research capabilities in STEM fields into deep-tech and manufacturing-driven innovation and entrepreneurship.

Scope:
The programme will support:

• The development of innovation, entrepreneurship, and intellectual property skills in STEM fields;

• The strengthening of knowledge valorisation, technology transfer, and institutional innovation capacity;

• Enhanced collaboration between higher education institutions, industry, research organisations, and European innovation ecosystems.

Applications are expected to be submitted by consortia comprising at least five funded partners. Each consortium must include at least three higher education institutions from three different Horizon Europe eligible countries and at least two industry partners or organisations representing industry.

An organisation may participate as a funded beneficiary in only one application under the 2026 call. Organisations funded under the 2025 EIT HEI Call will not be eligible to apply for the 2026 call.

Budget and Duration:
A budget of €1.25 million per project and a project duration of 18 months are envisaged.

Institutions seeking partners ahead of the call may begin preparing their consortia by connecting with potential project partners through the EIT HEI matchmaking platform.

Further Information and Consortium Preparation