The European Innovation Council (EIC) Summit 2026, held on 3–4 June in Brussels, brought together Europe’s leading innovators, research excellence, investors, policymakers, and corporates for the EU’s flagship deep-tech event. Hosted at the Tour & Taxis venue, the Summit showcased cutting-edge technologies while reinforcing Europe’s ambition to scale globally competitive innovation.
The EIC Summit is designed to bridge the gap between research and market success, providing a unique platform for EIC-funded researchers, startups and scale-ups to connect with investors, strategic partners and policy makers. Across two days, participants engaged in workshops, keynote sessions, exhibitions, and networking activities, all centred on driving innovation to scale.
Showcasing Innovation and Building Connections
A key highlight was the exhibition of EIC-funded companies, with over 20 projects presenting breakthrough innovations across health, climate, digital, and advanced materials. Ireland was well represented by both UCD spin-out company and EIC Accelerator awardee, Equal1, and Dr Pau Farras, University of Galway (EIC Ambassador and EIC Pathfinder project coordinator).
EIC Summit 2026. Pictured L to R: James Walsh, EIC National Contact Point, Enterprise Ireland; Kevin Jordan, Equal 1; Helen McBreen, Partner, Atlantic Bridge; Daniela Angione, EIC National Delegate, Enterprise Ireland; Liam Cronin, Director of Innovation, UCD; Patrick McNally, CCO, Quantum Computing.
Other notable themes and announcements included –
- Bring breakthrough technologies from lab to market. Increased focus on speed, flexibility and an appetite for risk. The EIC Summit exhibition showcased the quality of European innovation from quantum, AI, clean energy, health and space. Excellent to see strong Irish research and companies representation across cleantech, health, semi-conductors to name a few.
- New EIC Impact Report 2026: showing a maturing EU deep-tech ecosystem with €15.5 billion raised by EIC-backed companies with 12 equity rounds above €100 million. Growing cross-border scaling activity across Member States.
- The Scaleup Europe Fund: €5 billion in institutional capital — public (via EIC) and private — to help European champions scale globally while staying rooted in Europe.
- Defence and dual-use technologies are firmly on the agenda, reflecting Europe’s evolving priorities around sovereignty and competitiveness.
- EU Inc. One framework. One market. Harmonised tax laws, consistent employee stock options, standardised SAFE notes and convertible loan notes — simple, transparent and founder-friendly.
- Several panel discussions on the future of the EIC past 2027. Proposals for significant changes in both budget scale, strategic autonomy and increased focus on European security.
Ireland’s Strong Position in the EIC Ecosystem
Ireland continues to perform strongly under the EIC, with 86 projects funded across EIC Pathfinder, EIC Transition and the EIC Accelerator. Enterprise Ireland, as National Contact Point for Horizon Europe, plays a critical role in supporting Irish researchers and companies to engage successfully with EIC opportunities and maximise visibility at European level.
For more info contact eicprogramme@enterprise-ireland.com
Building on the momentum from the Summit, a range of EIC funding calls remain open throughout 2026, offering significant opportunities for Irish innovators.
Upcoming EIC Funding Opportunities (2026)
EIC Accelerator (Startups & SMEs)
Funding: up to €2.5m grant + €0.5m–€10m equity
Next cut-off dates (2026): 8 July 2026, 2 September 2026, 4 November 2026
Short proposals can be submitted at any time, with full proposals invited to these deadlines.
EIC Pathfinder (Early-stage research)
Funding: up to €4m grant
Deadlines: Challenges: 28 October 2026
EIC Transition (Commercialisation of research)
Funding: up to €2.5m
Deadline: 16 September 2026
STEP Scale-Up (Large equity investments)
Funding: €10m–€30m equity
Next deadlines: 9 September 2026 , 25 November 2026
