Open call – Take the leap from research to entrepreneurship with InnoNext

Are you an EIC beneficiary looking for talents to join your start-up, or for a company to bring your own research skills towards the entrepreneurship stage? InnoNext is a unique initiative of the EIC Business Acceleration Services that bridges the gap between research and business through fully-funded innovation internships available to all EIC beneficiaries. What makes InnoNext different is its tailored, scalable, and tech-driven approach, designed to connect Europe’s top research talents and professionals with start-ups and SMEs looking to innovate and grow.  

Apply here now. 

Application Deadline: July 2026 

Discover the InnoNext approach 

InnoNext offers fully-funded internships lasting from 3 to 6 months, ensuring zero cost for hosting startups and SMEs. We combine a human-centered approach, ensured by our team who are always available to support and guide beneficiaries, with an Innovative one powered by AI to identify the best matches between talents and companies. 

To guarantee a successful experience for both parties, InnoNext provides personalised onboarding and dedicated mentoring support throughout the internship period. Additionally, the initiative has been co-designed in collaboration with leading EU Research and Innovation programmes, ensuring seamless integration within existing ecosystems. A dedicated coordination team is also available, providing continuous support to participants at every step. 

For talents 
InnoNext empowers researchers, graduates, and young innovators by enabling them to apply their academic expertise in high-impact contexts, collaborate directly with founders and innovation teams, and gain valuable entrepreneurial experience while building a strong European network.  

For companies 
Start-ups and SMEs benefit from access to specialised research skills without any financial burden, allowing them to accelerate their internal R&D processes, product validation, and market testing. Additionally, participating companies enhance their visibility and credibility by becoming part of a coordinated European initiative. 

More than a matchmaking tool 
InnoNext is not just a digital platform, it's a broader operational model designed to empower the next generation of innovators. 
The programme goes beyond matching talent and startups, offering a dedicated space for entrepreneurship workshops, mentoring, and skill-building activities. 
Its cross-sector and cross-programme approach makes InnoNext a unique catalyst for collaboration, learning, and long-term innovation across the European ecosystem. 

Who is it for?  

EIC visiting talents can be: 

• EIC Pathfinder PhD candidates 

• EIC Pathfinder Postdoctoral researchers 

• EIC Transition researchers 

EIC hosting companies can be: 

• Start-ups and SMEs supported by the EIC Accelerator (including H2020 SME instrument) 

• EIC awarded Seal of Excellence companies 

• Start-ups and SMEs supported by EIC Transition 

• Start-ups and SMEs supported by EIC Pathfinder 

InnoNext is also open to talents from the following EU programmes: 

• European Institute of Innovation & Technology  

• European Research Council 

• Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions 

• Research Infrastructures part of Horizon Europe 

And companies related to European Institute for Innovation & Technology 

Building bridges with EIT Community 

The European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT) Community joined forces with InnoNext in April 2025, expanding access to Europe-wide innovation opportunities through a dynamic new collaboration. Thanks to the involvement of the EIT programme, EIC beneficiaries participating in InnoNext will have access to a wider range of opportunities and expertise, helping them accelerate growth and strengthen the European innovation ecosystem. 

Want to learn more before applying? 

Watch the recordings of our info session webinars and Q&A sessions at the links below. It’s a great opportunity to discover everything you need to know about InnoNext directly from our team. 

The webinars allow you to: 

• Learn how the InnoNext platform works 

• Understand the application and matching process 

• Discover what makes InnoNext a unique opportunity 

• Hear FAQs answered by the team 

Watch the recordings: 

• Webinar for visiting talents (https://youtu.be/5EQ25V8fwpo) 

• Webinar for hosting companies (https://youtu.be/AN1AOX9YbsU) 
 

About InnoNext  

InnoNext is an initiative designed to bridge the gap between research and industry by offering fully-funded innovation internships. Open to both talents and companies supported by prominent EU-funded programmes—including EIC, EIT, European Research Council (ERC), Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA), and Horizon Europe Research Infrastructures. 
InnoNext stands out due to its tailored, scalable, and tech-driven approach. Its purpose is to effectively connect Europe’s leading research talents and professionals with startups and SMEs seeking innovation and growth.  
For more information and to apply, visit www.innonext-project.eu. 
 

Stay up to date! 

InnoNext is an initiative of the wider EIC Business Acceleration Services available to all EIC-backed innovators.  

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