Open Calls

EIT Community Launches €1 Million ‘Catalyse NEB 2026’ Programme to Empower Europe’s Next Generation of Impact-Driven Startups

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

The EIT Community New European Bauhaus (NEB) has launched the €1 million Catalyse NEB 2026 programme, a major European funding call to support 20 impact-driven startups across Europe. The initiative is part of the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT) and aims to accelerate ventures that blend sustainability, design, and inclusion,  the core values of the New European Bauhaus movement.

Overview

Through Catalyse NEB 2026, selected startups will gain the tools, funding, and European network needed to scale their solutions responsibly. The programme supports innovators working at the crossroads of creativity, technology, and sustainability, from climate and circular economy, to food, manufacturing, urban mobility, and wellbeing.

Delivered by EIT Climate-KIC, with partners including EIT Food, EIT Manufacturing, and EIT Urban Mobility, the call strengthens cross-sector collaboration and fosters startups that help turn the European Green Deal into reality through human-centred design.

Benefits

Each of the 20 selected startups will receive a €50,000 support package, including a combination of financial support, in-kind services, and mentoring, as well as an additional €22,000 grant for travel, dissemination, and participation costs.

Startups will also benefit from:

  • Tailored business and communication mentoring aligned with NEB values
  • Training workshops on strategy, storytelling, and impact measurement
  • Visibility and investor exposure through EIT events and pan-European platforms
  • Integration into the EIT Community network of over 2,000 partners and 60 innovation hubs

Who Can Apply

Startups must be:

  • Legally registered in an EU Member State or Horizon Europe–Associated Country
  • Founded on or after 1 January 2021
  • At pre-seed, seed, or early-stage (up to Series A)
  • Have raised less than €1 million in total
  • Led by at least one founder who will actively participate in the programme
  • Ready to sign a SAFE (Simple Agreement for Future Equity) with the EIT

Startups must also demonstrate one of the following:

  • ≥ €15,000 in revenue in 2024
  • ≥ €40,000 in external investment
  • Participation in the Grow NEB programme

Projects must address at least one New European Bauhaus challenge:

  • Reconnecting with nature
  • Regaining a sense of belonging
  • Prioritising places and people most in need
  • Fostering long-term, circular thinking and life-cycle design

How to Apply

  • Call opens: 27 October 2025
  • Information session: 26 November 2025, Register here.
  • Deadline: 19 January 2026, 17:00 CEST
  • Evaluation period: January – April 2026
  • Programme start: 25 May 2026

Applications must be submitted via the official EIT NEB Awards Platform

RIF Launches €500,000 BRIDGE2HORIZON Call To Help Cypriot Consortia Leaders Prepare For Horizon Europe 

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

The Research and Innovation Foundation (RIF) has opened a new call under BRIDGE2HORIZON/0326, with a total budget of €500,000 and funding of up to €100,000 per project. The programme is intended to strengthen Cyprus-registered research and innovation organisations in areas aligned with the country’s Smart Specialisation Strategy 2023–2030 and upcoming Horizon Europe work programmes.

RIF says the call is also designed to increase the number of Cypriot organisations that coordinate collaborative projects and lead pan-European research networks under Horizon Europe Pillar II and the programme’s European Missions.

Benefits

  • Total call budget: €500,000. 
  • Maximum funding per project: €100,000. 
  • The call is co-funded by the Republic of Cyprus and the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) under the THALEIA 2021–2027 programme. 

Who can apply

The host organisation may be a:

  • Research Organisation 
  • Enterprise 
  • Other Organisation. 

Eligible partner organisations may also include Research Organisations, Enterprises, and Other Organisations. 

Criteria

The collaboration network must include at least one Enterprise (Category B) and one Research Organisation (Category A). 

The call is aimed at projects in thematic areas relevant both to Cyprus’ Smart Specialisation Strategy and to future Horizon Europe priorities.

How to apply

  • Deadline: 29 May 2026, 13:00, or earlier if the budget is exhausted. 
  • Submission portal: proposals must be submitted through the IRIS Portal. 
  • Call documents: available under the call announcement in IRIS. 

RIF will also hold an online information webinar on Friday, 3 April 2026, 12:00–13:00 local time. Interested applicants must register in advance through the link provided on the call page, and may submit questions ahead of time during registration. 

For further information, applicants can contact RIF’s Partner Support Centre at 22205000 or support@research.org.cy. 

About the programme

BRIDGE2HORIZON is part of RIF’s effort to help Cypriot organisations build the capacity needed to compete more successfully in Horizon Europe, particularly in collaborative projects where Cyprus-based entities take on a stronger coordinating role.

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