EIT Culture & Creativity Innovation Projects Open Call 2026

¿De qué trata esta convocatoria?

The call funds close-to-market innovations at TRL 7 in architecture, audiovisual media and fashion to reach TRL 9 and market deployment. It runs in two stages, with a funded preparatory phase followed by an 18-month implementation phase.

¿Qué financia esta convocatoria?

Scope

The call supports high-impact, close-to-market innovations at TRL 7 in the architecture, audiovisual media and fashion sectors, helping them advance to TRL 9 and full market deployment. Projects should show a credible path to commercialisation and contribute to the objectives and KPIs of EIT Culture & Creativity, including market deployment and generation of intellectual property.

Stage 1: preparatory phase

Selected Stage 1 applicants (up to 30) receive a fixed lump sum of €20,000 for a six-week preparatory phase to develop a Business Development Plan, covering areas such as market validation, intellectual property and regulatory mapping, and commercialisation strategy.

Stage 2: implementation phase

After the Stage 2 evaluation, up to 11 projects may receive up to €900,000 each for an 18-month implementation phase. This phase focuses on technical development to TRL 9, validation and pilot deployment, market entry, commercialisation, investment readiness and scaling. Funding may cover up to 70% of the eligible project costs used to set the project-based lump sum.

Evaluation

Stage 1 proposals are assessed by two external experts on excellence, impact, quality and efficiency of implementation, and EU dimension; they must meet all thresholds and score at least 23/30. Stage 2 full proposals are assessed by four external experts (two technical/thematic, two business/financial) and need at least 70/90 to reach the internal portfolio selection, which includes a hearing and carries up to 40 additional points, with a minimum of 24/40. The final ranking combines both scores, subject to available budget.

Information session

An online information session takes place on 7 October 2026, 10:00 to 12:00 CEST; registration is needed and the session will be recorded.

¿Cuándo termina el plazo?

Two-stage call: Stage 1 applications by 30 October 2026, 17:00 CET; Stage 2 full proposals by 15 March 2027, 17:00 CET.