04 Dec 2025
EIT launches new HEI Call to boost STEM education
The European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT) has launched a new call under its Higher Education Initiative (HEI) to boost STEM education, strengthen innovation capacity, and support Europe’s future workforce. For the first time, the call will also deepen cooperation between EIT’s Knowledge and Innovation Communities (KICs) and the European Universities alliances.
This call was launched on 3 December 2025 and is the EIT's largest HEI Call to date. It has a budget of up to € 70 million, and up to €2 million available per project over 24 months (2026-2028). The call aims to reinforce Europe’s innovation and entrepreneurship capacity in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM), supporting the EU’s Union of Skills and the STEM Education Strategic Plan. The initiative will train 200,000 students, academics and non-academic staff in innovation, entrepreneurship and intellectual property management by 2028.
In order to apply, consortia of higher education institutions, businesses, research organisations, public bodies and other non-academic partners are invited to consult the full call text and begin preparing applications. A dedicated matchmaking platform is available to support partner search, and a new interactive guide will help applicants assess their eligibility and readiness. The EIT will also provide two info sessions in December 2025 and January 2026 for practical guidance on the application process, project priorities and collaboration opportunities. Applications are open until 4 March 2026 (17:00 CET), with selected projects to be announced later in 2026.
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