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Find similar grantsEIC STEP Scale Up Defence call is sponsored by European Innovation Council and SMEs Executive Agency (EISMEA). Supports the scaling up of innovative defence technologies and solutions developed by European SMEs and mid-caps.
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STEP Scale Up - European Innovation Council - European Commission EIC Strategic Technologies for Europe Platform (STEP) Scale Up scheme What for Scaling up strategic technologies Catalysing major funding rounds to scale up breakthrough innovations in the fields of digital, deep tech, clean tech & biotech. Who can apply Startups, SMEs and investors Single startups and SMEs, small mid-caps, investors on behalf of eligible companies.
What you get Major investments Investment component of EUR 10 - 30 million. What is the EIC STEP Scale Up scheme? The EIC STEP Scale Up scheme is part of the Strategic Technologies for Europe Platform (STEP), offering financial support in the form of investments to startups, SMEs, and small mid-caps, between EUR 10 to 30 million.
Its goal is to scale-up innovation in Europe's strategic technology sectors, particularly in quantum technologies and semiconductors, thereby enhancing the EU´s economic and technological competitiveness. The EIC Step Up scheme will catalyze larger funding rounds, amplifying the impact of the initial investment. Total 2026 budget of EUR 300 million .
Minimum investment EUR 10 million , maximum EUR 30 million in 2026. Managed by the EIC Fund , the STEP Scale Up scheme aims to bridge the funding gap for high-risk innovations that cannot be fully financed by other investors.
For details see the Guidance Note on STEP Access Business Acceleration Services (BAS) : Access to global partners Access to coaches, mentors, expertise and training Access to innovation ecosystem and peers A STEP Seal for companies that meet the evaluation threshold, facilitating access to additional funding programs and investors.
This document presents the 2026 European Innovation Council (EIC) Work Programme funded by the European Union’s Horizon Europe Framework Programme for Research and Innovation. It sets out how the EIC will allocate its funding of for the year 2026 and has been prepared following the advice of the EIC Board.
A single SME or small mid-cap (fewer than 500 employees) established in an EU Member State or in an eligible Associated Country (excluding the UK) An investor may submit a proposal on behalf of an eligible SME or small mid-cap as defined above, Note: This scheme targets companies seeking major funding rounds, requiring proof of initial market interest from a qualified investor covering at least 20% of the total target funding round, You can apply anytime via the Funding & Tenders Portal.
To be deemed admissible and eligible, proposals must consist of: a full business plan , including information on the company’s ownership and financial structure and a justification on the STEP related objectives (maximum 50 pages); a pitch-deck (maximum 15 pages) in pdf format (this version will be presented to the jury if invited to interview); a pre-commitment from a single qualified investor (according to the official template on the Funding and Tenders Portal and also available on the EIC website); The pre-commitment must represent at least 20% of the total target funding round, which must range between EUR 50 to 150 million, and be at least 3-5 times the EIC investment); a financial plan and agreement document (according to the template available on the EIC website).
Results of the freedom to operate (FTO) analysis. If you do not have one, please upload a note of maximum 2 pages outlining your freedom to operate and providing as much information as possible on this issue. In cases where the FTO is not relevant (e.g. software), please upload a simple statement.
If your application meets the eligibility requirements, you will be invited to attend a jury interview. You will be informed about the interview in 4-6 weeks from the start of the evaluation process. At the interview, you will be assessed by a Jury of maximum six members.
You will be informed about the result of the interview in 2 weeks from the date of the interview. Companies, irrespective of whether they are retained for funding or not, that meet all evaluation criteria will be awarded the Sovereignty Seal and gain access to Business Acceleration Services . Furthermore, if your proposal does not meet the criteria, you will receive feedback to help improve future applications.
STEP application guidance document Pre-commitment template (STEP) The network of National Contact Points (NCPs) is the main structure to provide guidance, practical information and assistance on all aspects of participation in Horizon Europe.
Find your National Contact Point Find answers to questions frequently asked by applicants about types of funding, eligibility, submission of proposals and much more Check the frequently asked questions All EIC supported projects and companies get access to coaching, mentoring, partnering and other EIC Business Acceleration Services (BAS).
The EIC selects new European scale-ups for STEP Scale Up investments Six companies are now put forward for investment decisions by the EIC Fund. EIC STEP Scale Up Defence call opens today Apply by 28 October 2026.
The European Innovation Council opens to defence and dual-use technologies As from today, the European Innovation Council (EIC) will provide investments in defence and dual-use technologies, marking a strategic pivot in Europe’s innovation policy.
EIC Impact Report 2026: Europe strengthens its position as a global deep tech scaling hub The European Innovation Council (EIC) today published its Impact Report 2026 Eight European startups set to receive scale-up funding from the EIC under the STEP Scale Up scheme The Commission announced a new group of eight companies to receive €10 and €30 million investments to support them in the crucial scale-up phase to establish a market position...
Congratulations to Axelera AI, securing more than €200 million funding on global commercial growth Axelera AI has been supported by the EIC since 2023, first under the EIC Accelerator, then under the EIC STEP Scale Up call.
According to the current listing, eligibility includes: SMEs and mid-caps from EU Member States and Horizon Europe-associated countries. Confirm the full requirements in the official notice before applying.
Applications for EIC STEP Scale Up Defence call are due October 28, 2026. Build your timeline backwards from this date to cover registrations, approvals, and final submission checks.
EIC STEP Scale Up Defence call is funded by European Innovation Council and SMEs Executive Agency (EISMEA). Verify program details on the funder's official page before applying.
Start from the official opportunity page linked in this listing — it carries the sponsor's submission instructions.
Past winners and funding trends for this program
Biotech routes for valorisation of residual biomass is sponsored by European Commission — Horizon Europe. Expected Outcome: Successful proposals will contribute to the implementation of the EU initiative on Biotechnology and Biomanufacturing and the EU Life Sciences Strategy as well as the updated EU Bioeconomy Strategy, the Clean Industrial Deal, the European Chemical Industry Action Plan, the upcoming EU Biotechnology and Circular Economy Acts. Projects results are expected to contribute to the following expected outcomes: Increased added value of residual biomass for biorefinery applications. Availability of a wider portfolio of sustainable bio-based products via industrial biotech. Robust, scalable and efficient biotech process(es) applicable to residual biomass. Scope: Diversifying biomass feedstock resources for bio-based products is key to contribute to resilience and strategic autonomy of bio-based operations. Industrial biotechnologies have showcased that they can play a key role to address residual biomass into valuable bio-based products. However, scaling up from research to demo scale requires addressing systemic and technical challenges. This entails the integration of adequate pretreatment and conversion processes, tailored to the targeted residual biomass and its composition variability, in order to achieve high yield, titre and selectivity. At the same time, it requires that these processes are scalable and sustainable. Moreover, effective logistics are needed to mobilise the residual biomass, requiring cooperation with primary producers, waste management operators and other biomass providers. Proposals under this topic should: Demonstrate (at least TRL 6) efficient biotechnology based processes to convert residual biomass streams into bio-based chemicals, intermediates, polymers, materials, ingredients [1] and/or enzymes. The topic focuses on processes in which biotechnology is the key enabling technology; the integration of supporting unit operations based on technologies other than biotechnology is in scope. Optimisation of selected cells, enzymes and/or microorganisms, including microbiomes, is also in scope. The feedstock in scope includes: Forestry and agricultural residues and/or side streams from the processing of forestry and agricultural biomass (including livestock-based ones such as manure and animal byproducts), residues from aquatic biomass, including from fisheries, micro/macro algae production and aquaculture, urban and/or industrial bio-based waste and side-streams (including food industry waste and side-streams, cellulose from post-consumer and post-industrial waste, urban biowaste and sewage sludge, and other bio-based waste/side-streams from industrial operations including wood and pulp and paper industry), mixed streams from the above. Integrate optimised biomass pretreatment/fractionation processes tailored to selected residual biomass and optimise (energy)-efficient separation and/or purification process step(s) across the value chain. The valorisation of by-products and side streams across the value chain via the cascading approach is in scope. Validate (at TRL 5 and above) conversion (or use) of biorefinery product(s) into end-products proving to fulfil market requirements for selected applications sectors. Address resource efficiency and circularity. When pursuing circular models, ensure that neither pathogens nor contaminants are injected back in the loop, to avoid negative effects on human health and the environment. In addition to the specific requirements applicable for the type of action, as described in section 2.2.3.1 of the CBE JU Annual Work Programme 2026 [2] , proposals under this topic should: Under the multi-actor approach (MAA), ensure the sufficient involvement of feedstock producers/managers for residual feedstock supply. Optimise logistic models (including sourcing, storage and transport) of residual feedstock, minimising distances and costs. Ensure seamless integration with biomass providers, while promoting win-win business models. Perform a risk assessment on impacts, p Programme areas: Global Challenges and European Industrial Competitiveness, Food, Bioeconomy Natural Resources, Agriculture and Environment, Bio-based Innovation Systems in the EU Bioeconomy, Horizon Europe (HORIZON) Keywords: Applied and industrial chemistry, Bioprocessing technologies (industrial processes relying on biological agents to drive the process) biocatalysis, fermentation, Industrial bioengineering, Industrial biotechnology, bio-based chemicals, bio-based ingredients, bio-based materials, bio-based polymers, bio-based products, bio-conversions, biotechnology, STEP-Biotech
Diversification of nutritional food ingredient sources for increased EU resilience and strategic autonomy is sponsored by European Commission — Horizon Europe. Expected Outcome: Successful proposals will contribute to the implementation of the EU initiative on Biotechnology and Biomanufacturing and the EU Life Sciences Strategy as well as the updated EU Bioeconomy Strategy, the upcoming EU Biotechnology Act and EU Circular Economy Act. Projects’ results are expected to contribute to the following expected outcomes: Full industrial scale biorefinery and related value chain(s) for the production of nutritional food ingredients. Resilience and strategic autonomy of EU food sectors via diversification of nutritional food ingredient sources. Increased environmental sustainability of food sectors (e.g. addressing issues like land use, water use, energy consumption, nitrogen cycle, other nutrients, etc.). Improved consumers awareness and acceptance of nutritional food ingredients from alternative sources, contributing to sustainable healthy diets. Scope: Human nutrition is a key area where the bio-based industries can play an important role in addressing the present societal and climate challenges. Considerable attention is given to the utilisation of alternative sources of proteins, fibres and oils/fats, due to the increasing world population and the pressure on finite natural resources. Many sources for food ingredients, alternative to agricultural crops, exist and have been successfully piloted across the EU. However, efforts are needed to scale up sustainable processes to achieve adequate or even improved nutritional properties, ensure safety and consumers/end users acceptance, while achieving cost competitiveness. Proposals under this topic should: Demonstrate (at TRL 8) the efficient production of nutritional ingredients for food applications. Proteins, lipids, specialty carbohydrates, and fibres are in scope. Target at least one of these as the main product driving the business case. Structural or functional ingredients such as colourants, preservatives, stabilisers, texturisers, enzymes are not in scope as the main product. Synergistic co-production of multiple and different food and feed ingredients and other bio-based products is also in scope following the cascading approach. All sources of bio-based feedstock [1] are in scope. Direct production of food from food crops, livestock, fisheries and aquaculture is not in scope. The use of industrial grade feedstock [2] from agricultural crops is in scope for conversion into food grade ingredients. Validate (at TRL 6 and above) the use of the obtained nutritional food ingredient(s) into the formulation of at least 1 food product proving quality, stability, nutritional and sensorial properties. Additional aspects related to prevention of intolerances/allergies, improved palatability and digestibility, health benefits, etc. are also in scope depending on the ingredient(s), formulation(s) and product(s) developed. Address resource efficiency and circularity aspects to increase economic and socio-environmental added value. When pursuing circular models, ensure that neither pathogens nor contaminants are injected back in the loop, to avoid negative toxicological effects. In addition to the specific requirements applicable for the type of action, as described in section 2.2.3.1 of the CBE JU Annual Work Programme 2026 [3] , proposals under this topic should: Assess the safety of developed nutritional food ingredients, in line with EU regulatory requirements and EFSA guidance documents. Moreover, identify potential EU regulatory gaps and propose recommendations to relevant EU policymakers on how to better support food ingredient companies (including startups and scaleups) in addressing EFSA risk assessment. As part of the multi-actor approach (MAA), involve end-users (including consumers) and other relevant actors starting from the early stages to gather input, raise awareness and ultimately foster market acceptance of the targeted end-products and incorporate insights into product development. Ensure complementarities and avoid overlaps with Programme areas: Global Challenges and European Industrial Competitiveness, Food, Bioeconomy Natural Resources, Agriculture and Environment, Bio-based Innovation Systems in the EU Bioeconomy, Horizon Europe (HORIZON) Keywords: Agricultural biotechnology and food biotechnology, Agricultural engineering, food safety, Food biotechnology, alternative sources, carbohydrates, circular economy, fibres, food ingredients, food products, food safety, lipids, nutrition, proteins, STEP-Biotech
High-performance, circular-by-design, bio-based thermosets is sponsored by European Commission — Horizon Europe. Expected Outcome: Successful proposals will contribute to the Circular Economy Action Plan, the Chemicals Strategy for Sustainability, the Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation, the Chemical Industry Action Plan, and the Clean Industrial Deal. Projects results are expected to contribute to the following expected outcomes: Wider availability of bio-based thermoset materials meeting high technical performance requirements. Improved circularity of thermosets and downstream application(s) against specified market benchmarks taking into account production, use and EoL. Scope: Bio-based thermosets have a proven capability to achieve challenging technical performances for high demanding applications including transport, energy, electronics, among others. However, due to their cross-linking nature, the recycling of thermoset materials (including composites) is more challenging without compromising the technical performances. Thus, eco-designing bio-based thermoset materials to be both circular and high-performing remains a significant challenge in scaling-up towards competitiveness and higher sustainability. Some of the key challenges to address for bio-based thermosets include processability during manufacturing (including aspects of thermal stability), technical performance (e.g., mechanical properties, fire resistance, corrosion resistance, durability) of the end-product along its life cycle, durability, EoL and circularity, including recycling, re-using or upcycling solutions. Proposals under this topic should: Demonstrate (at least at TRL 6) the resource-efficient production of innovative bio-based thermosets, targeting both high performances and circularity. Functionalisation by introducing bio- or non-bio-based additives is also in scope. Demonstrate (at least at TRL 6) the developed bio-based thermosets conversion into circular end-products, proving that technical performance (e.g., mechanical and thermal stability properties, fire resistance, corrosion resistance, durability, etc.) meets market requirements and is compatible with existing manufacturing equipment. Apply eco-design principles, in line with the Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation , to enable circularity of the thermoset materials, addressing major challenges of EoL for the targeted end-use. Test the selected EoL alternatives (at TRL 5 and above). Landfilling or incineration are out of scope. In addition to the specific requirements applicable for the type of action, as described in section 2.2.3.1 of the CBE JU Annual Work Programme 2026 [1] , proposals under this topic should: As part of the multi-actor approach (MAA), involve end-users, including consumers when applicable, starting from the early stages to assess market acceptance of the targeted end-products and incorporate insights into product development. Include a task to apply the SSbD framework, developed by the European Commission for the assessment of targeted bio-based thermosets and derived products. For more information on the SSbD framework and criteria, refer to Safe and sustainable by design . Ensure complementarities with past and ongoing R&I projects addressing similar challenges, including projects funded under Horizon 2020/Horizon Europe (under Cluster 6 and other Clusters of Horizon Europe) and BBI JU/CBE JU projects. [1] https://www.cbe.europa.eu/reference-documents Programme areas: Global Challenges and European Industrial Competitiveness, Food, Bioeconomy Natural Resources, Agriculture and Environment, Bio-based Innovation Systems in the EU Bioeconomy, Horizon Europe (HORIZON) Keywords: Composites (including laminates, reinforced plastics, cermets, combined natural and synthetic fibre fabrics filled composites), Materials engineering (biomaterials, metals, ceramics, polymers, composites, etc.), New materials: oxides, alloys, composite, organic-inorganic hybrid, nanoparticles, Polymers and plastics, bio-based products, bio-based thermosets, circularity, composites, eco-design, recycling, safe and sustainable by design, upcycling, STEP-Biotech
The June 2, 2026 White House executive order on Promoting Advanced Artificial Intelligence Innovation and Security has been read primarily as a frontier-model regulation document. The provision likely to shape grantmaking over the next eighteen months is buried in the implementation section: OMB is directed to identify existing federal grant programs that can be redirected toward AI vulnerability detection, with explicit beneficiary categories naming rural hospitals, community banks, and local utilities. The order does not create a new grant program — it instructs existing programs to fund a new use of their existing dollars. The mechanics, the deadlines, and what eligible recipients should be doing now.
Read articleA draft executive order would have put OMB Director Russell Vought on a commission with final say over NIH awards after peer review. Sen. Collins killed it by pointing at a provision Congress already passed. Here is what the episode teaches applicants about the December 11 cliff.
Read articleThe FY2026 Bus Safety, Accessibility, and Innovation Research Program closes September 28. Universities, agencies, and startups are all eligible to lead — but every team must include a transit vehicle manufacturer in a prominent role, and FTA already cancelled a nearly identical NOFO in 2024 without making a single award.
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