Open calls › European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT)
EIT Culture & Creativity Innovation Projects Open Call
European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT)
Two-stage funding for startups, scale-ups and SMEs in fashion, architecture and audiovisual media to validate, pilot and scale innovations.
This call is closed. The page stays online for reference.
What is this call about?
The call funds startups, scale-ups and SMEs in fashion, architecture and audiovisual media to validate, pilot and scale innovations from TRL 7 to TRL 9. Funding is awarded in two stages: €20,000 for a business development plan, then up to €900,000 for implementation.
What does this call fund?
Scope
The call supports startups, scale-ups and SMEs in fashion, architecture and audiovisual media. Thematic priorities include circular textile technologies, bio-based building materials and responsible AI for content creation, together with other innovations relevant to the EU's green, digital and social transition goals.
Maturity of innovations
The programme concentrates on market validation, pilot deployment and scaling. Innovations enter at TRL 7 (system prototype demonstrated in an operational environment) and progress to TRL 9 (actual system proven in an operational environment).
Two-stage process
- Stage 1: a single company submits a concept proposal. Selected applicants receive €20,000 to prepare a full Business Development Plan, strengthen market and customer validation, define the go-to-market pathway and assess the financing needed for implementation and scale, including external investment where relevant.
- Stage 2: the strongest plans move to an implementation phase of up to 18 months, with up to €900,000 per project to carry out the go-to-market plan, accelerate market adoption and prepare the solution for scale.
Additional support
Selected projects gain access to a pan-European ecosystem of industry partners, customers, investors and distribution networks in more than 30 countries. Support includes matchmaking with customers, investors and strategic partners, visibility through Demo Days and the Innovation Forum, and, where relevant, help in connecting with external capital and improving investment readiness.
What are the key facts?
- Programme
- European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT)
- Funder
- EIT Culture & Creativity
- Eligible applicants
- legal entities established in a country eligible under Horizon Europe; the call targets startups, scale-ups and SMEs
- Funding per project
- €20,000 in stage 1; up to €900,000 in the stage 2 implementation phase
- Duration
- implementation phase of up to 18 months
- Expected number of projects
- up to 11 in the implementation phase
Who can apply for this call?
- The call targets startups, scale-ups and SMEs.
- Applicants must be legal entities established in a country eligible under Horizon Europe: EU Member States (including outermost regions), linked Overseas Countries and Territories, Horizon Europe Associated Countries, or certain low- and middle-income countries, unless the call guidelines specify otherwise.
- Third countries associated to Horizon Europe must already be formally associated when the calls are launched.
- The stage 1 concept proposal is submitted by a single company.
Check your eligibility and how your project fits
In your free account, we check the eligibility conditions against the call documents for your organisation and assess how well your project fits this call.
When is the deadline?
Stage 1 applications close on 30 October 2026, 17:00 CET. Stage 2 applications close on 15 March 2027; the stage 2 application form is made available only to applicants selected in stage 1.
Interested in this call? Summary written with AI from the official call documents. Details can differ, so check the official call page before you apply. Read the official call documents before you decide. The official text is always binding.
Source: the official call page and the official call documents. Always check them before you apply. Official call page Last updated 15 October 2026.