EIC Opens to Dual-Use and Defence Technologies
The European Innovation Council (EIC) is now open to dual-use and defence technologies, marking a strategic pivot in Europe’s innovation policy.
Swiss Start-ups and SMEs developing dual-use technologies can now submit to both the EIC Accelerator and EIC STEP Scale up calls.
In practical terms:
- EIC Accelerator Short proposals can now be submitted with civilian only or dual-use applications.
- EIC Accelerator Full proposals with dual-use applications will be allowed for submission as from 9 July 2026.
- EIC STEP Scale up proposals can now be submitted with civilian only or dual-use applications.
Please note that the EIC is also launching a new EIC STEP Scale up Defence call to which Swiss companies are NOT eligible.
For more information, join the dedicated info session on 24 June 2026 (registration will end on 23 June 2026, 15:30 CEST), consult the factsheet, and review the amended EIC Work Programme 2026.