About the event
EIC is Europe’s flagship innovation programme to identify, develop and scale-up breakthrough technologies and game-changing innovations.
Hear from EIC representatives as they share insights into how to navigate the application process. We will give an overview of 2026 EIC funding opportunities including EIC Pathfinder, EIC Transition, EIC Advanced Innovation Challenges, and EIC Accelerator.
Panel sessions throughout the day will support you on how to prepare your application and highlight best practice, as well as hints and tips on how to improve your project proposals. You will also learn about the networks and support available from EIC National Contact Points and Innovate UK Business Growth advisors on how you can improve your chances of success in EIC programmes and elevate your innovation. There will also be a session on open and forthcoming opportunities in EUREKA and EIT.
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(all times GMT)
09:30 Registration and networking
10:00 Opening remarks
10:05 EIC Introductory talk
Ana Barjasic, Connectology – CEO, Global Entrepreneurship Network, Global Advisor European Innovation Council (EIC)
10:15 Format and agenda for the day
Claire Griffin, National Contact Point (NCP) and Global Innovation Lead, Innovate UK
10:20 Audience exercise
10:30 Overview of EIC funding opportunities 2026
Claire Griffin, National Contact Point (NCP) and Global Innovation Lead, Innovate UK
11:00 Refreshment break and networking
11:15 Continued Overview of EIC funding opportunities 2026
Claire Griffin, National Contact Point (NCP) and Global Innovation Lead, Innovate UK
11:45 Audience Exercise
11:50 Applications – How do I complete them?
Ben Morris, Eureka Programme Manager, Innovate UK and Eureka Association
Claire Griffin, National Contact Point (NCP) and Global Innovation Lead, Innovate UK
12:00 Evaluators and Jury, Q&A
Melina Zempila, Evaluator for Accelerator
David Talbot, Evaluator, DKT Consultants
Christina Nesheva, Founder, Ideas Curated
13:00 Networking lunch
14:00 How to prepare for an EIC Interview
Claire Griffin, National Contact Point (NCP) and Global Innovation Lead, Innovate UK
14:10 How can IUK Business Growth help businesses
Andy Bates, Innovation Lead – International Ecosystems, Innovate UK Business Growth
14:40 Opportunities in Eureka and EIT followed by Q&A
Ben Morris, Eureka Programme Manager, Innovate UK and Eureka Association
Teresa Arumardi, Horizon Europe UK National Contact Point (NCP) European Institute of Innovation & Technology (EIT), Innovate UK
15:30 Refreshment break and networking
15:45 Audience Q&A
Claire Griffin, National Contact Point (NCP) and Global Innovation Lead, Innovate UK
Ben Morris, Eureka Programme Manager, Innovate UK and Eureka Association
Teresa Arumardi, Horizon Europe UK National Contact Point (NCP) European Institute of Innovation & Technology (EIT), Innovate UK
16:15 Closing remarks
Claire Griffin, National Contact Point (NCP) and Global Innovation Lead, Innovate UK
16:30 Informal networking
17:00 Close
Who should attend?
This event is ideal for researchers, innovators, and organisations interested in applying to the EIC funding and support.
Please register your interest below. Priority will be given to potential applicants.