European Innovation Council expands funding to defence and dual-use technologies
By
European Innovation Council and SMEs Executive Agency
Crisp on the outside, thoughtful on the inside. A keeper.
Summary
The European Innovation Council (EIC) has opened its investment programs to defence and dual-use technologies, marking a strategic shift in EU innovation policy. Following an amendment to the EIC work programme 2026, the EIC Accelerator and STEP Scaleup will now support startups and SMEs developing technologies with both civilian and defence applications, including AI, quantum, advanced materials, and robotics. This change implements the Defence Mini-Omnibus adopted by the European Commission.
Key quotes
· 4 pulledAs from today, the European Innovation Council (EIC) will provide investments in defence and dual-use technologies, marking a strategic pivot in Europe's innovation policy.
The change is the result of an amendment to the EIC work programme 2026, adopted today by the Commission to implement the Defence Mini-Omnibus.
From now on, the EIC Accelerator and STEP Scaleup will support companies developing dual-use technologies.
Start-ups and SMEs developing technologies with a focus on dual-use business cases, both civilian and defence applications (e.g. AI, quantum, advanced materials, robotics) ca
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