The EIC International Trade Fairs Programme 3.0 is inviting EIC-backed companies to showcase their innovations as part of the EIC Pavilion at CES 2026, happening from 6-9 January, 2026 in Las Vegas, USA. In the run-up to this key trade fair, the selected beneficiaries will get continued to support to prepare and get the most out of this opportunity. This is your chance to be part of one of the world's largest and most influential tech trade fairs!
Application deadline: 23 May 2025
What’s in it for you?
A delegation of 15 SMEs, start-ups, and scale-ups will be selected to attend CES 2026 supported by the EIC. The selected recipients will receive exclusive business services such as matchmaking, pitching, and mentorship support, as well as a free booth to showcase their inventions in the EIC Pavilion. The programme is structured in the following blocks:
Networking and mentorship:
- Access customised capacity building and support based on your company’s specific needs and targets.
- Identify partners that align with your objectives and connect with leading tech industry experts.
- Mentoring and coaching sessions with experts onsite.
International visibility:
- Maximise visibility as part of the EIC Pavilion.
- Access pitching and speaking opportunities at the EIC Pavilion or the main conference programme.
- Receive customised promotion materials to communicate about your participation and gain traction.
Market awareness:
- Participate in workshops led by market experts to gain insights into market trends and best practices.
- Attend training sessions to learn from industry leaders, share knowledge, and engage in meaningful conversations.
Why CES 2026 is a must-attend event for EIC-backed innovators
CES 2026 is where innovation, creativity, and industry leaders come together to shape the future of tech. It is a unique opportunity to explore the latest tech advancements and experience firsthand the innovations that will drive tomorrow's world. With over 141 000 attendees from more than 150 countries in 2025, CES is the ideal environment for international networking and collaboration.
This year, CES featured 4,500+ exhibitors, including 1,400 startups, showcasing a wide range of products and services across various industries. From artificial intelligence and smart home technologies to digital health and automotive advancements, CES has something for you. With over 6,000 media attendees present, your innovations are in a platform for global exposure.
See how the journey of the EIC delegation at CES 2025 was.
Highlights of CES 2026
- Discover the latest tech advancements in consumer electronics, smart home devices, automotive technology, digital health solutions, and more.
- Network with leading tech experts and innovators from across the globe. Build new partnerships and explore business opportunities on this unparalleled international platform.
- Attend a wide range of forums covering topics such as generative AI and big data, robotics, XR and digital twins, mobile health technologies, medical wearables, 3D printing innovations, IoT solutions for smart cities and homes.
Get ready for CES 2026 at CES Unveiled Amsterdam
On their road to CES 2026, the EIC delegation will also attend CES Unveiled in Amsterdam: an exclusive preview event that will allow participants to engage in exclusive demonstrations and networking opportunities. This event provides a platform for start-ups to announce their latest innovations to media representatives ahead of the main CES event, and meet other startups, industry leaders and investors to best prepare for CES 2026.
Are you ready to make an impact? Join us at CES 2026!
Is this programme for you?
For CES 2026, the EIC is looking for EIC-backed SMEs, start-ups and scale-ups looking to develop their business in Europe and beyond by:
- Identifying business opportunities;
- Increasing sales and revenue;
- Expanding product reach and distribution networks;
- Building meaningful business relationships with potential investors, distributors, customers, etc.;
- Gaining insights into industry trends and current market conditions.
Working on:
- Smart home and appliances
- Smart cities and resilience
- Artificial intelligence
- Mobile hardware
- Sport tech
- Gaming
- IoT/Structure
- Digital health
- Space tech
- FinTech
Application process
After logging in with your EU-Login credentials, please fill in the application form and answer all the questions.
You will be assessed on the following criteria:
- The expected impact of your participation to the trade fair.
- The fit of your innovative products and services with the trade fair.
- Your commitment of financial and human resources for participation to a trade fair.
- Your contribution to EU strategic autonomy and/or the image of the EU as technology powerhouse.
Please note that you are required to submit a 4-slide pitch deck as part of your application (see instructions in the online application form). The information you provide will be shared with external experts to maximise potential benefits and the impact of your participation.
The EIC team will then contact all applicants once the selection process has been concluded and inform each applicant of the outcome of their application.
Cancellation policy
Cancellations will only be considered in duly documented cases of “force majeure”. Unjustified cancellation can lead to exclusion from future EIC Business Acceleration Services initiatives.
About the EIC International Trade Fairs Programme 3.0
The EIC International Trade Fairs Programme 3.0 supports the internationalisation of European SMEs, scale-ups and start-ups, building on the success of its predecessor, the EIC Overseas Trade Fairs Programme (OTF) 2.0. If you’re interested in knowing more about the programme and our open calls, please visit our page in the EIC Community.
The EIC International Trade Fairs Programme 3.0 is an initiative of the EIC Business Acceleration Services. Stay tuned on upcoming calls and find additional information through our news, stories, and programme-related trade fairs available via the EIC Community Platform and the EIC Business Acceleration Services newsletter.
Need help?
Contact us through the EIC Community Helpdesk (select the category EVENT- EIC ITF Programme – CES 2026 as the subject).
DISCLAIMER: This information is provided in the interest of knowledge sharing and should not be interpreted as the official view of the European Commission, or any other organisation.