March 10, 2026

EIC Transition: Funding for Further Development of Novel Technologies

– Written by Helena Grantham – Grants Consultant.

The EIC Transition Funding programme is in place to support maturation and validation of novel technologies. It aims to take them from laboratory proof-of-concept (Technology Readiness Level- TRL 4) to the application in relevant environments (TRL 6). This funding scheme is designed to support projects that not only have innovative technological potential but also showcase a credible route towards commercialisation. Projects applying to this call must build upon results previously achieved in other EIC calls.  

The programme is designed to reduce the risks associated with taking innovative research results through validation and to commercialisation. While Pathfinder focuses on exploring uncertain research ideas that may or may not work, EIC Transition supports already established scientific feasibility. The aim is to help take this knowledge and further develop it to assess their technological and market readiness.  

The scheme is open to both single applicants and multidisciplinary teams which can include researchers, technology transfer professionals, start-ups, and SMEs. Assessors are keen to see collaborations that allow research results to move closer to deployment in the real world. Applicants will need to show that they have a plan in place and the resources to validate their technology, demonstrate its potential application, and identify suitable market opportunities or end users. 

Success in the EIC Transition funding call enables promising discoveries to progress towards EIC Accelerator funding or other commercialisation pathways. In doing so, projects contribute to addressing major societal and economic challenges while reinforcing Europe’s technological leadership and competitiveness. 

Who Can Apply for EIC Transition?

To apply for EIC Transition, your proposal must build on results from a previous eligible project. Importantly, these results must already have reached at least the experimental proof-of-concept stage (TRL 3), and ideally should be validated in a laboratory environment (TRL 4). 

Projects that are based on results below or above these TRL levels are not eligible for EIC Transition funding. 

Eligible Project Origins 

EIC Transition proposals must be based on results generated through one of the following funding programmes: 

  • EIC Pathfinder projects, including those funded under the Horizon 2020 EIC pilot such as FET-Open, FET-Proactive, CSA, and the FET Innovation Launchpad (CSA Lump Sum).
  • European Research Council (ERC) Proof of Concept projects funded under Horizon 2020 or Horizon Europe. 
  • Research and Innovation Actions (RIA) funded under Horizon 2020 (Societal Challenges or Leadership in Industrial Technologies) or Horizon Europe Pillar II, provided the project results fall within the required TRL range. 
  • European Defence Fund (EDF) research projects, including those from the Preparatory Action on Defence Research, as long as the proposed work focuses on civil or dual-use applications. 
  • Research and Innovation Actions funded under the Research Infrastructures part of Horizon Europe or Horizon 2020. 

What Does EIC Transition Fund?

EIC Transition provides substantial funding (between €0.5 and €2.5 million, 100% funding rate) to support applicants in maturing their technology/innovation from early-stage research towards market readiness. Funding can be used for activities such as: 

  • Further development of tech beyond proof of concept.
  • Validation of the tech in relevant environments.
  • Development and optimisation of prototypes, models, or demonstrators.
  • Market exploration including end user engagement, and assessment of commercial potential.
  • Development of a business case, IP strategy, and commercialisation pathway .

Beyond financial support, EIC Transition projects also gain access to the wider EIC Business Acceleration Services, including coaching, mentoring, investor connections, and networking opportunities.  

Expected Project Outputs:

  • A technology that is demonstrated to be effective for its intended application.
  • A validated business model and solid business plan for market development.
  • Formal protection of your technology through IP.

Eligibility Criteria:

EIC Transition accepts applications from the following: 

  • A single legal entity.
  • A small consortium of two independent legal entities from two different Member States or Associated Countries.
  • A consortium of minimum 3 and maximum 5 eligible (for funding) independent legal entities.

Projects must build upon results generated from previously funded projects including EIC Pathfinder, European Research Council Proof of Concept, and Research and Innovation Actions. However, you do not need to have been a participant, Principal Investigator or result owner in the previous project. New applicants can simply obtain a commitment letter from the owner(s) of the relevant result(s).  

EIC Transition is a highly competitive programme and Streets Innovation can offer comprehensive end-to-end support, ensuring your application is in scope, compelling and clearly differentiated from others applying. With a deadline of 16th September 2026, early engagement is critical. 

How We Can Help

If you would like to arrange a meeting to discuss EIC or explore any of the other funding support services Streets offers, please use the link below to book a time that suits you.