EIT Higher Education Call: €40 Million for Innovation in Universities

The 2026 call of the EIT Higher Education Initiative has been open since 20 October 2026 and makes €40 million available. Through this initiative the EIT, the European Institute of Innovation and Technology, supports strengthening the innovation and entrepreneurship capacity of higher education institutions. The focus is directed in particular at advanced technologies and industrial applications. Projects must in fact connect education, research and entrepreneurial activities, all the way to the creation of new companies. Applications close on 13 January 2027.

What the EIT Higher Education Initiative Call Provides

The stated objective of the call is to consolidate the role of academic institutions in innovation ecosystems. According to the call text, projects must foster the connection between education, research and entrepreneurial activities. They must also develop scientific and technological skills. Finally, they must strengthen ties with the productive system.

The call gives specific attention to advanced technologies and manufacturing, with a focus on applied research rather than teaching alone.

Another distinctive element is the requirement for an institutional change strategy. The funded activities must produce lasting results. These results must endure even beyond the end of the funding. The call aims at lasting institutional change, not isolated projects.

Thematic Priorities and Funded Activities

The areas of intervention indicated by the EIT HEI call touch every point of the academic innovation chain. First, the improvement of skills in innovation, entrepreneurship and intellectual property management, especially in the fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

Second, the call supports the transformation of research results into products, services and processes usable by companies. The framework includes strengthening university structures dedicated to technology transfer. It also includes the creation and development of start-ups and collaboration with businesses. The collaboration includes access to investments, infrastructure and research networks.

Who Can Apply and How

Consortia composed of at least five beneficiary entities may apply, with an eligible higher education institution in the role of coordinator. The organisations potentially involved fall into several categories. These include universities, vocational training providers, research institutes and companies. The list is completed by technology transfer offices and public bodies or civil society organisations.

Funding and Deadlines

The EIT Higher Education Initiative call makes €40 million available in total. The maximum contribution is €1,250,000 per project. Applications must be submitted by 13 January 2027 at 17:00 CET, according to the call page on the EIT website.

Sources:

• eit.europa.eu
• EIT Higher Education Initiative: al via la call 2027 a sostegno… | europainnovazione.com