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The EIC Transition is the missing link between early breakthrough research and full market scale up. Under the EIC Work Programme 2026, it focuses on turning strong EU funded research results into validated technologies and credible business opportunities, with a dedicated budget of €100 million for 2026.
What is EIC Transition for?
EIC Transition supports innovation activities that go beyond experimental proof of principle in the lab. The aim is to:
Projects typically start at TRL 3–4 and should reach TRL 5–6, with a clear line of sight towards commercial deployment.
Who can apply?
Eligible applicants include:
UK entities can participate according to the Horizon Europe association and eligibility rules in force at the time of submission.
Eligible originating projects
Your EIC Transition proposal must build on results generated by one or more of the following:
Results should be at least at TRL 3 (experimental proof of concept) or ideally TRL 4 (technology validated in the lab). Results at other TRLs are not eligible.
Funding available
EIC Transition provides:
2026 timeline and process
The EIC Transition 2026 call follows a three-step process:
For 2026, the indicative deadline for submissions is 16 September. All eligible applicants receive an Evaluation Summary Report. Proposals that meet all quality thresholds but are not funded receive a Seal of Excellence, which can be used to seek alternative funding at national or regional level.
How Inventya can help
Inventya works with research organisations, spin outs and innovation driven SMEs that are ready to take their EU funded results to the next stage. For EIC Transition 2026, we can support you at every step:
1. Eligibility check
We assess your originating project, TRL readiness and team profile to confirm fit and determine whether Transition or another EIC instrument, is the right route.
2. Shaping a clear Transition vision
We help articulate the specific technology results you are building on, the market need you aim to address and the TRL and business milestones you will achieve during the project.
3. Proposal development
Our team structures and drafts a strong, focused narrative covering innovation excellence, technology maturation, business and market strategy, work packages, milestones and risk, within the strict 22-page limit.
4. Market and IP strategy
We refine your value proposition, competitor landscape, IP position and commercial pathway, preparing you for future EIC Accelerator or investor discussions.
5. Interview readiness
If invited to the EIC Jury, we run tailored mock interviews to strengthen your pitch, clarify messages and ensure team alignment.
With Inventya by your side, your EIC Transition proposal is not just technically sound. It is framed as a compelling, investment minded story that clearly shows how EU research results can become future European deep tech success stories.
