The new Access2eic Annotated Proposal Template for EIC Transition 2026 has been published, providing applicants with comprehensive guidance for preparing high-quality proposals under the European Innovation Council (EIC) Transition programme.
The document offers detailed explanations and practical recommendations for every section of the proposal, helping applicants better understand the evaluation criteria and develop stronger project narratives. Covering topics from technological excellence and innovation potential to business validation and implementation, the guide supports applicants in transforming promising research results into market-ready innovations.
This publication is the result of the collaborative work carried out within the Access2EIC project by the European network of EIC National Contact Points (NCPs) for the European Innovation Council and European Innovation Ecosystems. Drawing on their extensive experience in supporting applicants across Europe, NCPs have combined their expertise to produce a practical resource that reflects both the requirements of the EIC Transition programme and the most common challenges encountered during proposal preparation.
The guide demonstrates the added value of the NCP network: beyond providing individual advice and training, NCPs work together to develop high-quality tools that strengthen the European innovation ecosystem, facilitate access to Horizon Europe funding opportunities, and contribute to increasing the quality and competitiveness of project proposals.
The Annotated Proposal Template is recommended reading for startups, SMEs, research organisations, universities, and innovators planning to submit an application to the EIC Transition 2026 call. By offering practical insights, expert annotations, and proposal-writing tips, it serves as a valuable companion throughout the proposal development process.
We encourage all prospective applicants to make full use of this resource when preparing their EIC Transition proposals and to contact their National Contact Point for tailored advice and support.
Download the document here