On 10 February 2026, the European Innovation Council (EIC) Information Day will be held in İstanbul, hosted by TÜBİTAK National Contact Points within the framework of the Technical Assistance for Türkiye in Horizon Europe Project.
The European Innovation Council (EIC) is the flagship initiative of the Innovative Europe pillar of Horizon Europe. As we look toward the 2026 Work Programme, this Information Day will provide first-hand insights into new priorities, including the Advanced Innovation Challenges Pilot Call, and practical strategies for navigating the Pathfinders, Transition, and Accelerator schemes.
Who is it for?
The EIC programmes are specifically designed for those pushing the boundaries of science and technology. This event is highly recommended for:
Deep-Tech Innovators: Startups and SMEs developing high-risk, high-impact technologies with the potential to create new markets or disrupt existing ones.
Academic Researchers & Scientists: We strongly encourage participation from researchers in academia who are working on breakthrough scientific discoveries and have a clear vision for commercialization and market entry.
Research Organizations & TTOs: Technology Transfer Offices and research institutions looking to transition lab-scale innovations into scalable business models.
Why Attend?
This Information Day is a high-impact, practical training session designed to provide you with the technical edge and strategic insights needed to secure EIC funding. We focus on delivering actionable knowledge that moves your project from idea to impact, featuring:
Expert-Led Guidance: Direct interaction with International Non-Key Experts and Senior Project Experts.
Deep Dives: Specific sessions on the "ARPA-style" application approach for the new Advanced Innovation Challenges.
Networking and One-to-One Consultations: Structured networking opportunities among participants to foster potential collaborations, dedicated slots for one-to-one Q&A with TÜBİTAK National Contact Points (NCPs) for EIC and project experts.
Event Details
Date: 10 February 2026
Location: İstanbul (Venue to be confirmed to registered participants)
Format: Hybrid (Physical attendance is limited)
Language: English (No interpretation will be provided)
Agenda Highlights
Strategic Framework: The position of EIC within the Horizon Europe ecosystem.
EIC 2026 Vision: Detailed look at the budget structure and the new Pilot Call.
Pathfinder & Transition: Moving from research to technology development.
- Advanced Innovation Challenges Pilot: Deep dive into the fast-track application roadmap and staged budgeting.
EIC Accelerator & STEP Scale Up: Strategies for scaling, grant-equity balance, and meeting investor expectations.
- Case Study Analysis: Practical insights and proposal writing strategies based on successful examples.
For the agenda: TRinHE-EIC Info Day- Agenda.pdf
Registration
Participation is free of charge; however, pre-registration is mandatory. During registration, participants are required to select their preferred mode of participation (physical or online). Please note that for physical attendance, your registration must be formally confirmed by the Project Team via email. Participants who register for online attendance will receive the access link via email three (3) days prior to the event.
Register here: https://forms.gle/Ew4TNUuD3P1kd1Th8
Please Note: Given the format of the event, participants are expected to cover their own travel and accommodation expenses. Detailed venue information will be shared with confirmed attendees.
We look forward to welcoming you in İstanbul and supporting your journey from idea to global impact.
For technical inquiries: ncpeic@tubitak.gov.tr
For registration inquiries: horizoneurope.events@sistemglobal.com.tr