EIC Summit 2026

The European Innovation Council (EIC) will explore critical themes shaping European competitiveness and technological sovereignty. It will also mark the official launch of the €5 billion Scaleup Europe Fund designed to support Europe's most promising strategic companies.

The EIC Summit will open with an opening address by President Ursula von der Leyen via video message. Immediately after, Commissioner for Startups, Research and Innovation, Ekaterina Zaharieva, will officially launch the Scaleup Europe Fund and present the Fund's manager, which was chosen after a rigorous and highly competitive selection process.

On the second day of the Summit, Commissioner Zaharieva will also present the European Prize for Women Innovators, recognising outstanding women founders. Ensuing discussions will focus on the future of the EIC and the EU Inc. proposal. Financing of Europe's future will also be on the agenda, featuring Commissioner for Financial Services and the Savings and Investments Union, Maria Luis Albuquerque.

Lastly, the event will see the presentation of the latest EIC Impact Report highlighting the EIC's significant achievements, as well as the launch of a brand-new EU Innovation Platform – the single digital entry point for EU funded innovators, investor community, and service providers to find, compare and access funding, services and clients.