Higher Education Initiative Business Plan 2026

Overview

Supports higher education institutions (HEIs) in strengthening innovation and entrepreneurship capacity, with a focus on STEM talent development and synergies between EIT Knowledge and Innovation Communities (KICs) and European Universities alliances. Targets HEIs, consortia, and innovation ecosystem stakeholders aiming to integrate education, research, and business for systemic change.

Who Can Apply

Higher education institutions (HEIs), consortia of HEIs, and partnerships involving HEIs, businesses, investors, and other innovation ecosystem stakeholders. Applicants must align with the Knowledge Triangle Model and contribute to the initiative’s objectives.

Funding Details

Details on grant amounts, total budget, funding rates, or co-funding requirements are not specified in the provided information.

What Is Funded

Topic 1 (EIT-HEI-2025-STEM-CAPACITY-BUILDING):

• Strengthening innovation and entrepreneurship capacity in STEM education.
• Enhancing skills and employability for innovation-driven careers.
• Building institutional capacity to attract talent and form strategic partnerships.

Topic 2 (EIT-HEI-2025-BUILDING-SYNERGIES):

• Fostering long-term collaboration between EIT KICs and European Universities alliances.
• Supporting the transition of academic innovations into market-ready solutions, including start-up creation.
• Promoting systemic change in HEIs to integrate into regional and European innovation networks.

Technology / Maturity Requirements

No specific Technology Readiness Level (TRL) or maturity requirements are mentioned.

Key Dates

• Open date: 2025-12-02
• Deadline: 2026-03-03

Application Process (High-Level)

Details on the application process (e.g., single-stage or multi-stage, submission portal) are not specified.

Post-Award Obligations

No explicit post-award or reporting obligations are mentioned.

Geographic Scope & Language

• Eligible countries: EU Member States and associated countries (specific list not provided).
• Application language: English.

Notes

• Proposals must avoid duplication of activities funded under other EU calls (e.g., European Excellence Initiative or Erasmus+ European Universities alliances) to prevent exclusion due to double funding.
• Projects must align with the EIT Strategic Innovation Agenda 2021-2027 and the Knowledge Triangle Model.