EIC Transition

EIC Transition Grant
Which projects qualify for funding?

Funding is provided for research projects that apply scientific research (TRL 1-4) to develop a market breakthrough innovation. Proposals in EIC Transition should include in their scope the development of technologies from TRL 4 to TRL 5/6.

industrial research
(TRL 4-5/6)

Research from TRL 4 to TRL 5/6 involves moving from demostrating the technology under laboratory conditions to testing and evaluating performance under near real-world conditions.

EIC Transition Funding
Who can apply?

SMEs and scientific entities can apply for funding individually. Consortia (2 to 5 partners - independent of each other, based in different member states) can also apply. Large entrepreneurs may only apply for a grant in a consortium.

SME'S

Employing < 250 persons
and balance sheet assets < EUR 43 million
or revenues < EUR 50 million
(calculated for the entire capital group and related entities)

Scientific units

universities, research institutions.

International consortia

Members can be all types of enterprises from SMEs, mid-caps and large, as well as research units, universities.

Securing EIC Transition Grant
What costs are eligible for funding?

remuneration of the R&D team

subcontracting of R&D work

fixed assets as part of a prototype

purchase of laboratory equipment

research materials and raw materials

depreciation or costs of using WNIP

rental of laboratory space

delegation costs

indirect costs

EIC Transition Grant
What is the project funding level?

In EIC Transition, the funding intensity is 100%. A maximum of €2.5 million can be applied for.

Guide to the
EIC Transition

READ

EIC Transition 2026
Current calls for applications

You can follow the current competition schedules on the KPK (National Contact Point) websites.

FAQ.

How much funding is available in EIC Transition?

Funding intensity is 100%. The maximum amount is EUR 2.5 million.

What costs qualify for funding in EIC Transition?

Eligible costs include: salaries of the R&D team, subcontracting of research works, fixed assets being elements of the prototype, materials and raw materials, depreciation of apparatus and intangible assets, rental of laboratory space, travel costs and indirect costs.

Must the project derive from a previous EIC or ERC project?

Yes. EIC Transition is designed with continuation of research results financed by ERC (European Research Council), EIC Pathfinder or similar European instruments in mind. The application should clearly indicate these links.

What TRL must one be at to apply for EIC Transition?

The project should start from TRL 4 (technology demonstration in laboratory conditions) and develop to TRL 5 or 6 (tests in conditions close to real ones). This is the stage between the research phase of Pathfinder and the commercialization phase of Accelerator.

Can SMEs apply for EIC Transition independently?

Yes. SMEs can apply independently or as part of a consortium. Independent application is possible for SMEs and research institutions. Large companies can participate only as consortium partners.

How does EIC Transition differ from EIC Pathfinder and EIC Accelerator?

EIC Pathfinder finances the earliest research (TRL 1–4). EIC Transition constitutes a bridge — it finances validation and demonstration of technology at TRL 4–6. EIC Accelerator finances the most advanced projects (TRL 5–8) aimed directly at commercialization. Transition is therefore a natural step between Pathfinder and Accelerator.

Where to track the call schedule of EIC Transition?

Current schedules of EIC Transition calls are available on the website of the National Contact Point (kpk.gov.pl) in the Horizon Europe program calls section.

What is EIC Transition?

EIC Transition is a European grant program under Horizon Europe financing projects that transform research results (TRL 1–4 from ERC or EIC Pathfinder programs) into innovations with breakthrough potential for the market. It finances works at the TRL 4–5/6 stage.

Which projects qualify for EIC Transition?

Qualifying projects are those developing technology from TRL 4 to TRL 5 or 6 — i.e. the transition from demonstration in laboratory conditions to tests and effectiveness evaluation in conditions close to real ones. The project must be based on research results previously financed by ERC, EIC Pathfinder or similar European research programs.

Who can apply for EIC Transition funding?

SMEs, research institutions and universities can apply for the grant — independently or in a consortium. The consortium may consist of 2 to 5 partners being independent entities based in different Horizon Europe countries. Large enterprises can apply for a grant only as consortium members.

Why
innology?

The R&D application process requires a rare combination of technical expertise, formal regulatory knowledge, and an understanding of evaluation logic. Errors often lead to rejection—rejection rates in the EIC Transition exceed 90%. .