About
As part of Horizon Europe, the European Innovation Ecosystems (EIE) programme aims to create more connected, inclusive, and efficient innovation ecosystems and support the scaling of companies, as laid out in the New European Innovation Agenda. Pulling together the resources at regional, national and European level, as with the Regional Innovation Valleys (RIVs), the EIE aims at improving the innovation environment in Europe. The programme is also contributing to the implementation of the European Start-up and Scale-up strategy through the Startup Europe initiative.
Regional Innovation Valleys
Regional Innovation Valleys (RIVs) is a flagship initiative of the New European Innovation Agenda, connecting regions with complementary innovation strengths to address Europe's most pressing challenges. Through interregional collaboration, RIVs help build stronger innovation ecosystems, reduce regional disparities, and scale innovative solutions for a more competitive and sustainable Europe .
For further information about the application process please check the info session's recordings below, under "Guidelines for applicants".
Destinations
The European Innovation Ecosystems actions are grouped under two destinations: CONNECT and INNOVSMES. In the 2021–2022 Work Programme, SCALEUP was a separate destination; it has since been merged into CONNECT.
CONNECT
CONNECT supports more interconnected and inclusive innovation ecosystems across Europe. It builds on national, regional and local strengths, while involving new and underrepresented actors and territories to help address societal challenges, including the green, digital and social transitions. It also strengthens links within and between ecosystems to support sustainable business growth with high societal value. One example is the Women TechEU project, originally funded under SCALEUP, which supports women-led deep-tech start-ups across Europe.
European Partnership on Innovative SMEs/EUROSTARS
The INNOVSMES destination supports the European Partnership on Innovative SMEs/Eurostars.
This Partnership helps innovative SMEs and project partners (such us large companies, universities and research organisations) by funding international collaborative R&D and innovation projects. By participating, organisations can increase their research and innovation (R&I) capacity, their productivity and successfully embed in global value chains and new markets.
This action is led by the Eureka Secretariat with the co-fund provided by the Member States. More information here.
Get support
- Frequently asked questions
For detailed guidance on eligibility, application procedures, and funding rules, consult the FAQs on the Funding and Tenders Portal.
- Guidelines for applicants
The European Innovation Council and SMEs Executive Agency (EISMEA) regularly organises info sessions for ongoing and forthcoming EIE calls.
- Communication for funded projects
Effectively promote your actions and results. Plan, tailor your messaging and learn about your obligations as a EU grant recipient.
Publications
The present report features of a series of country factsheets analysing Member States’ and Ukraine’s participation in EIE for the relevant calls for proposals of the 2021–2025 period (information is based on projects implementation up to 1 November 2025). It provides a structured overview of national involvement in the programme, highlighting participation patterns and engagement across relevant calls.
News
The UNITE initiative has selected its first three joint interregional projects, marking a significant milestone in building a borderless European digital health ecosystem
ECIV project connects 12 European regions with a shared objective: accelerating the development, testing and scaling of circular solutions that reinforce the continent’s environmental and industrial resilience
Implemented between 2023 and 2025 with a total budget of €2 million, EmpoWomen was delivered by a consortium combining operational, investment and ecosystem expertise -Sploro, Startup Wise Guys, Business Angels Europe and TechUkraine