On 24 June 2026, the European Innovation Council (EIC) held an information session on the amendment to the 2026 Work Programme, which expands funding opportunities for dual-use and defence technologies. The updated programme opens the EIC Accelerator to dual-use innovations and introduces a dedicated STEP Scale Up call for defence technologies.  Presentation available here. 

The EIC STEP Scale Up scheme is part of the Strategic Technologies for Europe Platform (STEP) and provides financial support through investments ranging from EUR 10 to 30 million to startups, SMEs, and small mid-caps.Its aim is to scale innovations in Europe’s strategic technology sectors, particularly in quantum technologies and semiconductors, thereby boosting the EU's economic and technological competitiveness. The EIC STEP Scale Up will help catalyze larger funding rounds, magnifying the impact of the initial investment.On January 15th, a Training Access2EIC was held for EIC NCPs, during which EISMEA provided a more detailed presentation of various aspects of the...