Open call for proposals Innovation projects
European Commission
Deadline
30 October 2026
Maximum amount
10.500.000 €
Description
Open call for proposals Innovation projects Topic: EITCULTURE Business Plan 2026 Identifier: HORIZON-EIT-2025-KIC-IBA-CC Kind: bando a cascata (competitive call) Status: aperto Opening date: 2026-09-25 Deadline: 2026-10-30 All deadlines: 2026-10-30, 2027-03-15 Deadline model: multiple cut-off Budget: 10500000 Duration: 18 months Programme period: 2021 - 2027 Description The Innovation Projects call supports high-impact, close-to-market innovations at TRL 7, enabling their progression towards TRL 9 and full market deployment in the Architecture, Audio-Visual Media and Fashion sectors. Projects should demonstrate a credible commercialisation pathway and contribute to EIT Culture & Creativity objectives and KPIs, including market deployment and intellectual property generation. Selected Stage 1 applicants receive a EUR 20,000 fixed lump sum during a six-week preparatory phase to develop a Business Development Plan covering areas such as market validation, IP and regulatory mapping and commercialisation strategy. Following Stage 2 evaluation, up to 11 projects may receive up to EUR 900,000 each for an 18-month implementation phase focused on technical development to TRL 9, validation and pilot deployment, market entry, commercialisation, investment readiness and scaling. EIT Culture & Creativity financial support may cover up to 70% of the eligible project costs used to establish the project-based lump sum. Who can apply and how Applications follow a two-stage process. Stage 1 applications must be submitted through the EIT Culture & Creativity online submission platform by 30 October 2026, 17:00 CET. Following admissibility and eligibility checks, eligible Stage 1 proposals are independently evaluated by two external experts against Excellence, Impact, Quality and efficiency of implementation, and EU dimension. Proposals must meet all individual thresholds and achieve at least 23/30 points. Up to 30 selected applicants will be invited to Stage 2 and receive a EUR 20,000 fixed lump sum to prepare a Business Development Plan. Stage 2 is open only to applicants selected following Stage 1. Full proposals must be submitted by 15 March 2027, 17:00 CET and are evaluated by four independent external experts: two technical/thematic and two business/financial experts. Proposals must achieve all applicable thresholds and at least 70/90 points to proceed to the internal portfolio selection, which includes a hearing and carries up to 40 additional points. Projects must obtain at least 24/40 points in portfolio selection. Final ranking is based on the combined external quality evaluation and portfolio selection scores, subject to available budget. Further information Applicants may submit questions through the EIT Culture & Creativity Contact Form. Questions received during the submission period may be anonymised and published on the call webpage to ensure equal access to information. An online information session will take place on 7 October 2026, 10:00–12:00 CEST, covering the call scope, topics, requirements, submission process and evaluation procedure. Registration is required and the session will be recorded and subsequently published on the EIT Culture & Creativity website. Applicants are encouraged to consult the call webpage regularly for updates.
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