EIT Culture & Creativity Innovation Projects Open Call

The call targets startups, scale-ups and SMEs in three of Europe’s most strategically important creative sectors: fashion, architecture and audiovisual media. Up to 11 projects will be funded in the implementation phase, with up to €900,000 available per project.

Thematic priorities for the call include circular textile technologies, bio-based building materials, and responsible AI for content creation, alongside other innovations directly relevant to the EU’s green, digital and social transition goals.

From validated innovation to market and scale

Focused on market validation, pilot deployment and scaling, the programme supports innovations entering the programme at TRL 7, where a system prototype has been demonstrated in an operational environment, and progressing to TRL 9, where the actual system is proven in an operational environment.

The call runs in two stages, allowing both applicants and EIT Culture & Creativity to build evidence before committing to full implementation:

• Stage 1: A single company submits a concept proposal. Selected applicants receive €20,000 to develop a full Business Development Plan, strengthen market and customer validation, define the go-to-market pathway and assess the financing required for implementation and scale, including external investment where relevant.

• Stage 2: The strongest plans proceed to a full implementation phase of up to 18 months, with funding of up to €900,000 per project to execute the go-to-market plan, accelerate market adoption and prepare the solution for scale.

Access to EIT Culture & Creativity's pan-European ecosystem – industry partners, customers, investors and distribution networks across 30+ countries – is central to how selected projects enter the market. The programme provides high-level matchmaking to connect companies with customers, investors and strategic partners, as well as commercial visibility through Demo Days and the network's flagship Innovation Forum. Where relevant, support will also be provided to connect companies with external capital and strengthen investment readiness.

Who can apply

This call is open to legal entities established in an eligible country under Horizon Europe – EU Member States (including outermost regions), linked Overseas Countries and Territories, Horizon Europe Associated Countries, or certain low- and middle-income countries – unless otherwise specified in the call guidelines. Third countries associated to Horizon Europe must already be formally associated by the launch time of the calls.

Applications close on 30 October 2026 for stage 1 and on 15 March 2027 for stage 2. The stage 2 application form will be made available to applicants selected following stage 1.

Full eligibility criteria, timelines and application details are available here

Apply now