InnoNext call to connect businesses with innovation talents

Up to €30,000 support for hosting businesses

The European Innovation Council (EIC) invites startups and SMEs to join the new InnoNext programme, connecting them with top researchers and innovators.

This programme offers fully funded internships, valued up to €30,000, to help your business solve technical challenges and drive growth.

Why Join InnoNext?

By hosting a visiting intern, you can:

• access expert knowledge to solve complex technical challenges
• collaborate with leading researchers and innovators
• scale your business without the financial burden – internships are fully funded

There are two types of internships available:

Deep-Tech Talents

Research internships (three to six months) with PhD candidates and postdoctoral researchers from EU-funded programmes. These interns will help tackle advanced technical challenges.

Aspiring Innovators

Entrepreneurship internships (up to six months) for students and graduates from the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT) Label Masters and Doctoral programmes. These interns gain hands-on experience and support for innovation.

Whether you need help solving a technical problem, improving your product, or scaling your business, InnoNext connects you with the right talent.

Eligibility criteria

To apply, your business must be:

• a start-up or SME supported by the EIC Accelerator (including Horizon 2020 SME Instrument)
• a company awarded the EIC Seal of Excellence
• a start-up or SME supported by EIC Transition
• a start-up or SME created through support from Knowledge and Innovation Communities (KICs)
• a start-up or SME supported by EIT-KIC innovation and business creation services
• a start-up, scale-up, or SME that has partnered with KICs for innovation activities
• a start-up or scale-up with at least one co-founder who is an EIT Alumni member

Find out more and check your eligibility now.

First published 9 December 2024