Now Open: EIT STEM Tech Talent Induction Call for Proposals 2026

The EIT STEM Tech Talent Induction Call for Proposals 2026 provides funding for organisations to develop STEM induction activities that can respond to real-world needs, build practical skills, and help learners progress towards further learning in STEM, training and careers. €2 million in total funding is available, with up to €80,000 per selected project and up to 25 projects expected to be supported.

The Call

The Call for Proposals 2026 is designed to support flexible approaches to STEM induction training, from introductory and exploratory experiences to practical skills development, delivered online, offline or in blended formats. It may include modular programmes, industry challenge-based learning, regional STEM initiatives, transition or re-induction programmes and platform-integrated learning.

Proposals should connect induction training with real-world skills needs, strengthen pathways into STEM and widen participation, especially with women and girls, learners from EIT’s Regional Innovation Scheme (RIS) countries and diverse backgrounds.

The Call places a primary focus on learners at ISCED Levels 3–5, with particular attention to Vocational Education and Training (VET) pathways.

Who can apply?

The Call is designed to engage a wide array of organisations – from education providers and universities to startups, innovation hubs and large enterprises – committed to pioneering the future of STEM education and skills across Europe. It is open for any legal entity provided that the conditions in the Horizon Europe Regulation are met.

However, proposals must involve at least one education provider (such as schools, VET provider networks, universities or NGOs) and at least one business or industry partner.

Proposals are also encouraged to include:

• Regional/public actors
• Partners from another region or country for transnational implementation, if and where feasible

What makes a successful application?

The proposed training should contribute to the development of STEM talent by equipping learners with the skills, confidence and awareness to pursue further education, employment, entrepreneurship or innovation opportunities in STEM.

A successful proposal addresses a clear STEM skills gap based on industry and regional/sectoral needs and features real-world applications. It should set clear learning outcomes, demonstrate how learners will develop relevant competences, and show how the induction training can encourage progression towards further education, employment, entrepreneurship or innovation opportunities. Proposed activities should aim to train at least 1,200 participants, including 30% learners from RIS countries and 40% women and girls.

All proposals need to comply with the Initiative’s Quality Requirements described in the Call Document.

Application evaluation

Every proposal will undergo a structured evaluation process comprising several distinct steps, with each step in the process superseding the previous one:

Experts Review: First assessment by independent external experts following specific evaluation criteria.

Review Gate: Experts assigned to the same proposal form an Evaluation Panel and provide a consensus evaluation.

Selection Committee: The consensus evaluation process is reviewed for integrity and consistency and proposals are ranked based on the final scores.

Award Decision: The Management Committee of 28Digital takes the award decision, selecting proposals for funding in ranking order, placing others on the reserve list, or rejecting them.

For complete information on the evaluation process, please read the Call for Proposals 2026 official text