The European Institute of Innovation and Technology has launched the 2026 EIT Higher Education Initiative Call for Proposals.
The call aims to strengthen how higher education institutions turn research into innovation in manufacturing and deep tech. Selected projects are expected to build innovation, entrepreneurship and intellectual property skills among students and staff, improve knowledge sharing and technology transfer, and strengthen links with industry partners, investors and innovation networks.
Eligible consortia must include at least five funded partners: at least three higher education institutions from three different Horizon Europe-eligible countries, including at least one EU Member State, and at least two business or industry partners or representative organisations. Organisations funded under the 2025 EIT Higher Education Initiative call are not eligible, and each organisation may take part as a funded beneficiary in only one 2026 application.
The call has a €40 million budget and offers up to €1.25 million per selected project over 18 months. Applications are open to consortia of higher education institutions, businesses, research organisations, public bodies and other non-academic partners.
The deadline for submission is 13 January 2027 at 17:00 CET, and selected projects are expected to be announced later in 2027. Further information is available here.