EIT Culture & Creativity has launched the Innovation Projects 2026 open call, targeting companies developing innovative solutions in fashion, architecture and audiovisual media. The call supports the market introduction and scaling of mature innovations that contribute to the digital and green transitions and strengthen the competitiveness of Europe's cultural and creative sectors.
The call is also open to Slovenian companies. The first stage of the call is open until 30 October 2026.
Who can apply?
The call is open to:
- startups,
- scaleups,
- micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs),
- larger companies operating in or developing solutions for the sectors targeted by the call.
Applicants must have an innovative solution that has already reached Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 7, meaning that the solution has been demonstrated in an operational environment. The call aims to support further development towards TRL 9 and successful market entry.
In the first stage, companies apply individually. For the subsequent implementation phase, a consortium of two or three independent organisations must be established.
Which areas does the call support?
The call focuses on three key sectors.
Fashion and textile industry:
- circular textile technologies and sustainable materials,
- Digital Product Passports (DPP),
- the use of artificial intelligence in design,
- circular business models, such as rental, resale and repair,
- sustainable supply chains.
Architecture:
- innovative and bio-based building materials,
- circular design and solutions for material reuse,
- solutions for adapting buildings to climate change,
- digital tools and platforms for the architecture sector.
Audiovisual sector:
- responsible use of generative artificial intelligence in content creation,
- innovative digital monetisation models,
- GDPR-compliant audience analytics,
- digital identity and sovereignty technologies,
- tools for intellectual property protection.
What support is available to companies?
The call consists of two application stages, followed by the implementation of selected projects.
Stage 1 – Submission of an innovation proposal
Companies submit a short proposal outlining their innovation, technological readiness, market potential and commercialisation plan.
Stage 2 – Development of a Business Development Plan
Selected applicants receive EUR 20,000 in lump-sum funding to prepare a detailed Business Development Plan, including market potential validation, a market entry strategy, and a financing and growth plan.
Innovation project implementation
The most successful projects may receive up to EUR 900,000 in funding for activities such as:
- further technological development and validation of solutions,
- pilot implementation and testing in real-world environments,
- business model refinement,
- commercialisation and entry into new markets,
- business scaling and expansion of market presence.
Funding can cover up to 70% of eligible project costs. The planned duration of implementation projects is up to 18 months.
Selected companies will also gain access to the European EIT Culture & Creativity innovation ecosystem, enabling them to connect with potential business partners, investors and customers.
Application deadline
30 October 2026, by 17:00
The deadline for applications to the second stage is 15 March 2027. Only applicants selected in the first stage are eligible to proceed.
More information about the call:
https://eit-culture-creativity.eu/your-opportunities/calls-funding/innovation-projects
Applications and call documentation are available on the official call website.
https://cascadefunding.eu/open-call/eit-culture-creativity-oc-innovation-projects-stage-1/
Take advantage of this opportunity to develop and bring innovative solutions to market while strengthening your company's competitiveness in the European market.
