Thematic priorities for the call include circular textile technologies, bio-based building materials, and responsible AI for content creation, alongside other innovations directly relevant to the EU’s green, digital and social transition goals.

The call is open to legal entities established in EU Member States and Horizon Europe associated countries. Eligible innovations must already have a technically validated prototype or solution at TRL7. Focused on market validation, pilot deployment and scaling, the programme supports innovations entering at TRL 7, where a system prototype has been demonstrated in an operational environment, and progressing to TRL 9, where the actual system is proven in an operational environment. The programme provides high-level matchmaking to connect companies with customers, investors and strategic partners, as well as commercial visibility through Demo Days and the network’s flagship Innovation Forum. Where relevant, support will also be provided to connect companies with external capital and strengthen investment readiness.

The call has two stages:

• Stage 1: A single company submits a concept proposal. Selected applicants receive €20,000 to develop a full Business Development Plan, strengthen market and customer validation, define the go-to-market pathway and assess the financing required for implementation and scale, including external investment where relevant.
• Stage 2: The strongest plans proceed to a full implementation phase of up to 18 months, with funding of up to €900,000 per project to execute the go-to-market plan, accelerate market adoption and prepare the solution for scale.

Applications close on 30 October 2026 for stage 1. The application form for stage 2 will be shared with selected applicants in mid-December 2026 and will be open until 15 March 2027.