At a glance
- Calls:
- Calls and deadlines run throughout 2026 and 2027. Dates vary by action and topic.
- Opportunity type:
- Collaboration, innovation support, funding
- Award:
- Funding levels and reimbursement rates vary by call and type of action. Check the European Innovation Ecosystems Work Programme and individual call conditions for the available budget and funding rate.
- Sectors:
- Business support, entrepreneurship, global, innovation, regional development
Overview
European Innovation Ecosystems, known as EIE, is part of Horizon Europe’s Pillar 3: Innovative Europe.
It supports more connected, inclusive and effective innovation ecosystems by bringing together organisations that fund, develop and support innovation at local, regional, national and European levels.
The programme helps organisations share knowledge, coordinate investment and create stronger connections between regions. It also helps innovative businesses access support, collaborate internationally and scale.
EIE complements the European Innovation Council, the European Institute of Innovation and Technology and other innovation activities across Horizon Europe.
What EIE funds
EIE funds collaboration between innovation organisations and support for innovative SMEs through 2 main areas.
Who this is for
EIE funding is mainly for organisations that support businesses, entrepreneurship and innovation.
It may be relevant for:
- national and regional innovation agencies
- research and innovation funding organisations
- local and regional public authorities
- universities and higher education institutions
- research and technology organisations
- technology transfer offices
- incubators and accelerators
- business support organisations
- clusters and innovation networks
- investors and financial organisations
- businesses and SMEs
- organisations supporting start-ups and scale-ups
Direct applicants are often public authorities, funding bodies, universities, research organisations or innovation intermediaries.
Businesses may participate directly where the individual call allows it. They may also receive financial or non-financial support through funded intermediary organisations.
The partners needed will depend on the individual topic. Some calls may require organisations from particular countries or regions, public authorities, technology transfer organisations, investors or business support providers.
Most calls are not intended for individuals applying alone.
Eligibility
Eligibility varies between EIE actions.
Most calls require organisations to work through an international consortium. Unless the topic states otherwise, this usually includes at least 3 independent legal entities:
- at least one established in an EU Member State
- at least 2 others established in different EU Member States or Horizon Europe associated countries
The UK is associated to Horizon Europe, so eligible UK organisations can participate and receive funding.
Individual topics may include additional requirements relating to:
- the types of innovation organisations involved
- the countries or regions represented
- regional or national authority participation
- support for SMEs, start-ups or scale-ups
- technology transfer or commercialisation expertise
- links to national or regional funding
- financial support provided to third parties
- the type of action and funding rate
Eurostars has a separate application and eligibility process managed through the Eureka network and participating national funding bodies.
Always check the EIE Work Programme and individual call conditions before applying.
Next steps and support
- Read the European Innovation Ecosystems Work Programme 2026–2027 (PDF) and the relevant call topic for the latest priorities, eligibility rules, budgets and deadlines.
- Explore the European Innovation Ecosystems programme guidance and identify the opportunity that best matches your organisation and proposed activity.
- Check whether the opportunity is funded directly through Horizon Europe, delivered through an intermediary or managed separately through Eurostars.
- Build or join an eligible international consortium — find partners and build a consortium — and agree partner roles, activities, responsibilities and costs.
- Contact the European Innovation Ecosystems NCP for further guidance and support with your application.
The EISMEA website also provides current opportunities, guidance for applicants, information sessions and details of funded projects.
Registering for EU Login and a PIC
To apply for funding through the EU Funding & Tenders Portal, you need an EU Login account. If you do not already have one, register for an EU Login account on the EU Funding and Tenders portal.
Your organisation also needs a Participant Identification Code (PIC) to be included as a participant in a funding application and to manage the grant if the application is successful. If your organisation does not yet have one, find out how to register your organisation and get a PIC on the EU Funding and Tenders portal.