The European Innovation Council (EIC) will provide investments in defence and dual-use technologies. This is the result of an amendment to the EIC work programme 2026, adopted today by the Commission to implement the Defence Mini-Omnibus.
Both the EIC Accelerator and STEP Scaleup will support companies developing dual-use technologies. Start-ups and SMEs developing technologies with a focus on dual-use business cases, both civilian and defence applications (e.g. AI, quantum, advanced materials, robotics) can apply for grants up to €2.5 million and equity investments up to €30 million. Companies can apply in line with the EIC Accelerator and STEP Scaleup rules.
At the same time, the EIC is launching a new €100 million EIC STEP Defence Scale Up call. Companies in the EU Member States, in countries from the European Economic Area that are associated to Horizon Europe and in Ukraine can receive up to €30 million in direct equity financing to accelerate the scale-up of their industrial capabilities on, among others, air and missile defence, drones and counter drones, and other critical defence technologies. This is the first time any EU funding programme will ever invest direct equity in defence companies. The EIC will co-invest in major funding rounds typically ranging from €50 million to €150 million or more, with total round sizes expected to be at least three to five times the requested EIC investment. They can apply from 30 June until 28 October 2026, and the results are expected in early 2027.
For more information, see the dedicated info session (24 June 2026), consult the factsheet, and review the amended EIC Work Programme 2026.