EITCULTURE Business Plan 2026

The Innovation Projects call supports high-impact, close-to-market innovations at TRL 7 , enabling their progression towards TRL 9 and full market deployment in the Architecture, Audio-Visual Media and Fashion sectors. Projects should demonstrate a credible commercialisation pathway and contribute to EIT Culture & Creativity objectives and KPIs, including market deployment and intellectual property generation. Selected Stage 1 applicants receive a EUR 20,000 fixed lump sum during a six-week preparatory phase to develop a Business Development Plan covering areas such as market validation, IP and regulatory mapping and commercialisation strategy. Following Stage 2 evaluation, up to 11 projects may receive up to EUR 900,000 each for an 18-month implementation phase focused on technical development to TRL 9, validation and pilot deployment, market entry, commercialisation, investment readiness and scaling. EIT Culture & Creativity financial support may cover up to 70% of the eligible project costs used to establish the project-based lump sum .