20 pioneering projects are now starting work on technologies with the potential to transform healthcare, robotics and industry. The EIC tests a new, challenge-driven approach to turning breakthrough ideas into real-world impact.
The first Advanced Innovation Challenges call attracted strong interest from innovators across Europe and beyond, with 709 proposals submitted from 39 countries. Following a competitive and rapid evaluation, 20 projects have been selected to enter the first stage of the pilot, with 10 projects addressing each of the two challenges: Accelerating Physical AI and Translating Disruptive New Approach Methodologies (NAMs) into Practice.
Each project will receive €300,000 for up to nine months to develop and validate its solution, benchmark its performance and demonstrate its potential to address the challenge.
Addressing challenges with high potential impact
Projects under Accelerating Physical AI are developing AI systems capable of operating in complex physical environments. The portfolio includes solutions for logistics, maritime applications, industrial and rescue environments, as well as autonomous scientific laboratories. Their potential impact ranges from safer and more productive workplaces and more autonomous industrial processes to faster scientific discovery, while contributing to Europe’s capabilities in strategic AI and robotics.
Projects under Translating Disruptive New Approach Methodologies into Practice are developing innovative alternatives to traditional animal-based research and testing, with the aim of bringing these methods closer to real-world use. The selected technologies include tumour-on-chip models, digital twins for stroke treatment, new approaches to gene-therapy safety and computational tools supporting the use of new approach methodologies. Their ambition is to make biomedical research and development more predictive and human-relevant, while supporting faster innovation and the transition towards reduced reliance on animal testing.
Next steps
All projects started on 1 September 2026. Over the coming months, the selected teams will work with users and other relevant stakeholders to demonstrate the potential of their solutions. Kick-off meetings will take place shortly, bringing together the projects funded under each Challenge to identify common challenges, explore synergies and share opportunities for collaboration. Projects that successfully meet the milestones of the first stage will be able to compete for further support to develop and test their technologies in real-world settings.
The Advanced Innovation Challenges pilot is designed not only to fund individual projects, but to test a new way of supporting breakthrough innovation in Europe using a portfolio approach - combining ambitious challenges, competition, early engagement with users and funding that follows demonstrated progress.
More information
EIC Advanced Innovation Challenges pilot