Trial run anticipates European Innovation Council reforms expected in next Horizon Europe programme and budget hike to €34.5 billion
Photo credits: Mauro Bottaro / European Union
The European Innovation Council (EIC) will pilot a new funding instrument next year based on the US Advanced Research Projects Agency (ARPA) model, according to a draft 2026 work programme.
Called advanced innovation challenges, the idea is to test ARPA-style mechanisms ahead of changes to the EIC proposed by the European Commission under the post-2027 Horizon Europe programme. These would also see the EIC’s budget more than tripled to €34.5 billion.
Next year’s pilot challenges will aim to support high-risk, deep-tech innovation with a two-stage funding model. In 2026, an open call for stage one will be launched, with successful applicants receiving a lump sum of up to €300,000 to undertake a feasibility study…
Discover the latest in research funding every Tuesday with Funding Newswire. Dive into detailed articles with our monthly or yearly subscriptions or start with a free trial
NOTE: if you're a part of one of our Network member organisations, you get free access by signing up with your institutional email. Verify your eligibility here.
Receive the Funding Newswire [full access requires a subscription] each Tuesday, our Policy Bulletin each Thursday, and news about bridging Europe’s east-west innovation gap twice a month in The Widening. 
A unique international forum for public research organisations and companies to connect their external engagement with strategic interests around their R&D system.