The European Innovation Council (EIC) and the EU Mission on Adaptation to Climate Change are joining forces to accelerate breakthrough climate resilience solutions across Europe. A total of €50 million – including €25 million contributed by the Mission – has been earmarked under the EIC Accelerator to support a dozen pioneering start-ups and SMEs developing deep-tech innovations that address the continent’s most urgent climate challenges.
This new Accelerator Challenge targets four key priorities requiring rapid innovation: keeping cities cool during extreme heatwaves, building climate-smart agriculture for resilient food systems, addressing growing water scarcity, and improving protection of communities threatened by floods and coastal hazards.
Who can apply
The call is open to individual companies ready to scale breakthrough climate adaptation solutions. The EIC strongly encourages female-led ventures to apply.
Interested applicants can learn more during the EIC Info Days on 13–14 November 2025, which will feature dedicated sessions on support services for successful applicants, the Access2EIC network of national contact points, and a full presentation of the challenge Deep Tech for Climate Adaptation.
Funding and support
Successful applicants can receive up to €2.5 million in grants combined with equity investments of up to €10 million, as well as tailored coaching, mentoring and access to a European-wide innovation network. Whether focused on new materials, frontier technologies or nature-based solutions, companies will have the opportunity to turn innovation into large-scale climate impact.
How to apply
The application process is detailed on the EIC Accelerator portal and follows three stages: a short proposal with pitch deck and short video; a full proposal with a comprehensive business plan; and a final pitch before an expert jury. Selected companies then negotiate the funding and investment package to scale their solutions.
Further information
More information is available on Deep Tech for Climate Adaptation, as well as in the EIC Work Programme 2026 factsheets for companies and researchers and the EIC Accelerator Guide for Applicants.
