EIT STEM Tech Talent Induction launches

Connecting people with new opportunities in science, tech, engineering and mathematics as EIT STEM Tech Talent Induction launches

Budapest, 14 October 2026

The European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT) today launches EIT STEM Tech Talent Induction (EIT STEM Talent), a new training initiative that will connect people with science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) learning and career opportunities across Europe. As part of the launch, the EIT is opening a €2 million call to develop or expand STEM training programmes.

Building a stronger and more inclusive EU STEM talent pipeline is increasingly important for Europe, as on the one hand, nearly 80% of EU small and medium-sized enterprises struggle to find workers with the necessary skills needed, including in information and communication technology, engineering and other technical and skilled manufacturing occupations. and on the other, according to the latest PISA results 35% of EU students do not reach basic proficiency in mathematics and 27% fall short in science.

EIT STEM Talent will bring together education and training providers, research institutions, non-governmental organisations and industry partners across Europe to jointly develop science and technology skills that respond to the rapidly changing needs and opportunities created by emerging technologies. These partner organisations, known as Pledgers, will deliver learning opportunities along with projects selected under the new Call for Proposals. The initiative will focus particularly on young people, women and people from diverse backgrounds, and support them to enter or progress in STEM education and training at different stages of their lives and careers. Stefan Dobrev, Chairperson of the EIT Governing Board, said:

Funded by the EIT and delivered through its Knowledge and Innovation Communities, the EIT STEM Talent is part of the European Commission’s STEM Education Strategic Plan, a key element of the Union of Skills. The initiative draws on the EIT Community’s networks and partners across Europe. Through practical learning activities, EIT STEM Talent will combine technical knowledge, problem-solving skills and an entrepreneurial mindset, connecting STEM learning with real-world challenges and opportunities for innovation.

As defined in the Commission’s STEM Education Strategic Plan, ‘induction’ refers to activities that introduce and attract young people to STEM careers, helping learners take their first steps towards STEM study and work, rather than delivering technical training itself.

€2 million call for new STEM training programmes

The EIT STEM Talent 2026 Call for Proposals will provide up to €2 million to organisations developing new or expanding existing STEM induction activities across Europe. The call will support 25 projects with grants of up to €80 000 each, with a focus on diverse learners and groups underrepresented in STEM. Funding will support structured learning and engagement activities that introduce learners to STEM subjects, technologies, entrepreneurship and other skills and careers, and help them progress towards further learning, training or employment.  Activities may range from raising awareness and interest in STEM to practical learning and focused technical or skills development. Each consortium must include at least one education provider and one business or industry partner, while the involvement of regional or public actors and partners from other regions or countries is also encouraged. Full call details and application information are available here.

ABOUT THE EUROPEAN INSTITUTE OF INNOVATION AND TECHNOLOGY (EIT)

The EIT strengthens Europe’s ability to innovate by powering solutions to pressing global challenges and by nurturing entrepreneurial talent to create sustainable growth and skilled jobs in Europe. The EIT is an EU body and an integral part of Horizon Europe, tEU Framework Programme for Research and Innovation. The Institute supports dynamic pan-European partnerships, EIT Knowledge and Innovation Communities (KICs), which bring together leading companies, research labs and universities. Currently, nine EIT KICs are supported: Climate KIC (formerly EIT Climate-KIC), 28DIGITAL (formerly EIT Digital), InnoEnergy (formerly EIT InnoEnergy), EIT Health, EIT RawMaterials, EIT Food,  EIT Urban Mobility, EIT Culture & Creativity and EIT Water. Together with their leading partners, the EIT Community offers a wide range of innovation and entrepreneurship activities across Europe: entrepreneurial education courses, business creation and acceleration services, and innovation-driven research projects. The EIT was designated by the European Commission to deliver the STEM Tech Talent Induction under the EU’s STEM Education Strategic Plan.