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From 17 June 2026, the EIC Accelerator supports dual-use and defence tech companies. Find out what's changed, what funding is available, and how to apply.
The European Innovation Council has extended its mandate to cover defence and dual-use technologies. From 17 June 2026, start-ups and SMEs developing technologies with both civilian and defence applications can apply for EIC Accelerator grants and equity investment for the first time.
Alongside that change, a new €100 million EIC STEP Defence Scale Up call has been launched specifically for companies scaling critical defence capabilities.
The update is the result of a change to the EIC Work Programme 2026, adopted by the Commission on 17 June to implement the Defence Mini-Omnibus regulation.
The reasoning is straightforward. Russia's war against Ukraine has exposed significant capability gaps in European defence and an over-reliance on non-EU technologies. Fragmented investment has historically limited the growth of innovative defence companies, and no EU programme previously had the ability to invest direct equity in that sector. This change is the Commission's direct response to that structural gap.
As European Commissioner for Startups, Research, and Innovation Ekaterina Zaharieva stated: “The European Innovation Council was built to take risks, and we need to take risks when it comes to developing European technologies that keep us safe.”
The EIC Accelerator and STEP Scaleup programmes now support companies developing dual-use technologies: technologies with a focus on dual-use business cases spanning civilian and defence applications. Sectors explicitly in scope include AI, quantum, advanced materials, and robotics.
If your company works in these areas, you can now apply for:
Applications are assessed under the existing EIC Accelerator and STEP Scaleup rules. If your company has engaged with the EIC before, the process and evaluation criteria will be familiar.
The EIC is also launching a dedicated €100 million EIC STEP Defence Scale Up call, a purpose-built instrument for defence-focused companies at scale-up stage. This is separate from the expanded Accelerator access and has its own application window and criteria.
Key details:
Worth noting: this is the first time any EU funding programme has committed to investing direct equity in defence companies. This is a structural change to European innovation funding.
If your company operates in dual-use technology and you've previously assumed EIC funding wasn't available, it’s time to take another look.
The scope now explicitly covers technologies with demonstrable civilian and defence applications. AI, quantum computing, advanced materials, and robotics are the most obvious categories, but "dual-use" covers a broad range of technology areas. It's worth reviewing your technology against the amended Work Programme before ruling yourself out.
The EIC has also indicated that support for defence innovation is expected to continue in 2027, so this isn't a one-off call. Companies that engage now, and build familiarity with the process, will be better placed for future rounds.
An online info session takes place on 24 June 2026, covering the dual-use and defence changes in detail. If you're considering applying, that session is a useful starting point. Registration is available on the EIC events page.
The full amended EIC Work Programme 2026 and a summary factsheet are available via the EIC's news announcement.
Preparing a strong EIC Accelerator application requires careful positioning of your technology, market, and team. The dual-use framing adds a specific requirement: you'll need to articulate both the civilian and the defence application clearly, and demonstrate credibly why your company is placed to scale in that space. Applications that do this well tend to have done the groundwork well in advance of the deadline.
If you're considering an EIC Accelerator application under the new dual-use and defence categories, contact Myriad to discuss your position and what a competitive application would look like.
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