EIT Culture & Creativity: Innovation Projects 2026

EIT Culture & Creativity is backing close-to-market innovations that are ready to move from TRL 7 to full market deployment. The call covers three sectors. In architecture, it looks at circular construction, climate adaptation and socially inclusive design. In audio-visual media, it looks at responsible AI, IP monetisation and European competitiveness. In fashion, it looks at circularity, digitalisation and competitiveness.

The process has two stages. At stage 1, you submit a short proposal setting out your innovation concept, your TRL 7 maturity, and early market, IP and regulatory considerations. Up to 30 companies are then selected to receive a fixed lump sum of €20,000. You use it to build a Business Development Plan covering market validation, IP and regulatory mapping, and a commercialisation strategy.

At stage 2, you submit that plan with a full project proposal. Up to 11 projects can then receive up to 70% of eligible costs, to a maximum of €900,000 per project over 18 months. You must cover the remaining costs yourselves. Funding at this point includes Revenue Sharing or SAFE mechanisms.

UK companies are eligible. Stage 1 suits a single startup, scale-up, SME or larger company working in or serving these sectors. Universities, research organisations and cultural institutions cannot apply on their own.

The call opened on 25 September 2026 and closes at 5pm on 30 October 2026. One practical point: stage 2 needs a consortium of two to three organisations, including a commercialisation partner. The page encourages you to find that partner early. If you need help forming a consortium, you can contact Innovate UK Business Connect's Global or Creative Industries teams.

Official source: https://iuk-business-connect.org.uk/opportunities/eit-culture-creativity-innovation-projects-2026/. Last checked by GrantMatch on 16 October 2026.