The European Innovation Council opens to defence and dual-use technologies
Verified by the editorial team 29 September 2026
Updated Source switched to the EIC news release; clarified: business news, not a call for NGOs
Summary
A news item on a change in EIC rules, not a separate call for civic organisations. Start-ups and SMEs with dual-use technologies can get grants of up to EUR 2.5 million and equity of up to EUR 30 million; the new EIC STEP Scale Up Defence call accepts applications until 28 October 2026.
About the call
On 17 June 2026 the European Commission amended the EIC Work Programme 2026. From now on the EIC Accelerator and STEP Scale Up support companies developing dual-use technologies (for example AI, quantum, advanced materials, robotics): grants of up to EUR 2.5 million and equity investments of up to EUR 30 million under those instruments' rules.
At the same time a separate EUR 100 million EIC STEP Scale Up Defence call was launched: companies in the EU, EEA countries associated to Horizon Europe and Ukraine can receive up to EUR 30 million in direct equity to scale air and missile defence, drones and counter-drones and other critical defence technologies. Support for defence innovation is expected to continue in 2027.
Who can apply
- Start-ups and SMEs with dual-use technologies
- For the defence call: companies in the EU, Horizon Europe associated EEA countries and Ukraine
Who cannot apply
- Civic and charitable organisations
- Individuals
What the funds are for
- Developing dual-use technologies (grants up to EUR 2.5 million)
- Scaling companies (equity up to EUR 30 million)
How to apply
- 1Apply under the EIC Accelerator or STEP Scale Up rules
- 2Defence companies: EIC STEP Scale Up Defence call by 28 October 2026
Questions and answers
- Is this a separate grant call?
- No, it is a news item on the amended EIC Work Programme 2026. The EIC Accelerator and STEP Scale Up now support companies developing dual-use technologies under those instruments' rules.
- Can Ukrainian companies take part in the EIC defence call?
- Yes. Under EIC STEP Scale Up Defence, companies in the EU, EEA countries associated to Horizon Europe and Ukraine can receive up to EUR 30 million in direct equity. Applications are accepted until 28 October 2026.
Change history
- Updated: Source switched to the EIC news release; clarified: business news, not a call for NGOs
