Higher Education Initiative Business Plan 2026

The EIT Higher Education Initiative Call for Proposals 2025 is aimed at consortia of European higher education institutions in cooperation with companies, research organizations, and public authorities, to systematically strengthen innovation and entrepreneurial skills at universities. Over a funding period of up to 24 months, grants of up to €2,000,000 per project are available. Eligible costs include personnel expenses, material costs, travel and subsistence expenses, as well as costs for workshops and events. A prerequisite for application is a consortium with at least five partner organizations from Horizon Europe-eligible countries, including three universities from three different countries, at least one business partner, and one additional non-HEI partner. Applications must be submitted by March 4, 2026, 17:00 CET, with project start possible from September 1, 2026.

The initiative aims to firmly integrate European universities into innovation ecosystems, promote their institutional innovation culture, and intensify knowledge transfer between education, research, and industry. Evaluation criteria include the relevance and excellence of the project, quality and efficiency of implementation, experience and capacities of the partners, as well as the potential for Europe-wide dissemination and impact. Applicants must submit, in addition to the full call text and budget tables, templates such as the Part B template, Top Management Commitment Letter, accreditation certificates, and a Declaration of Honour. Selection will be conducted through a single-stage submission procedure with independent expert evaluation. This call encourages universities to develop innovative structures and programs, expand strategic partnerships, and bring academic innovations to market readiness.