More than 250 people attend EIT STEM Talent Call for Proposals Info Session: 5 key questions answered

Over 250 people attended the first EIT STEM Tech Talent Induction (EIT STEMTalent) Call for Proposals 2026 Info Session on 26 October, exploring the funding opportunity and what it takes to turn an idea into a strong project proposal.

Who can apply? What kinds of STEM training can be funded? How can organisations demonstrate that their projects will reach learners and deliver meaningful learning outcomes?

These were the key questions raised during the session, reflecting the practical decisions organisations need to make before submitting a proposal.

Launched on 14 October 2026, the Call offers €2 million in funding for up to 25 projects, with a maximum of €80,000 per project. Selected projects will run from 1 April to 31 December 2027, supporting the development or expansion of STEM induction activities that connect learning with real-world applications and industry needs.

For organisations considering applying, the challenge is to turn these objectives into a feasible project: bringing together the right partners, designing relevant training(s), reaching the intended learners and planning for effective delivery. The questions raised during the first Info Session offer a useful starting point.

Five key questions for prospective applicants

1. Who can apply for the EIT STEM Talent Call, and what makes a strong consortium?

A strong proposal starts with the right combination of expertise. Attendees asked whether NGOs and non-formal science centres could participate, what role public and regional actors could play, and how partners should work together across a consortium.

The call requires at least one education provider and one business or industry partner as beneficiaries. Eligible education providers include schools, vocational education and training (VET) providers, universities, NGOs and other training organisations.

Beyond meeting the eligibility requirements, applicants should demonstrate how each partner will contribute to designing, delivering or strengthening the proposed learning activities. A clear rationale for the partnership helps show how the consortium’s combined expertise will support the project’s objectives.

2. What kinds of STEM training can the EIT STEM Talent Call support?

Once the right partnership is in place, the next question is what the project will offer learners. Can organisations build on existing courses, combine learning modules or use technologies such as virtual reality and extended reality?

The call supports a range of training approaches, including online, in-person and blended learning, STEM content embedded in existing curricula, industry challenge-based activities and virtual labs. Whatever the format, proposals must have a clear STEM focus and align with the Call’s objectives and requirements.

The key is to show how the proposed activities will develop relevant competences and connect learning with practical applications and real-world skills needs. Applicants should clearly explain what learners will gain and how the training responds to the needs of its intended audience.

3. Which target groups should projects reach, and how can applicants meet the participation targets?

A relevant training programme also needs a clear audience and a credible plan to reach it. Questions about eligible learner groups, university students, recruitment and evidence of participation highlighted the importance of planning outreach from the outset.

The Call focuses on learners at ISCED levels 3-5, with particular attention to vocational education and training. However, ISCED Levels 6–7 – Bachelor’s and Master’s Education as well as Adult Learning and Lifelong Learning are also accepted. Each project must reach at least 1,200 successful learners. Projects must also meet the Call’s inclusion targets: at least 40% women and girls and 30% learners from EIT Regional Innovation Scheme (RIS) countries among those trained.

Applicants should consider how they will reach the intended learners, encourage participation and document successful completion in line with the Call requirements. Integrating these considerations into the project design from the beginning can help make participation targets more achievable and measurable.

4. How should courses be structured, and how will learning outcomes be demonstrated?

A well-designed training programme needs clear learning outcomes, practical components and a way to assess what learners have achieved. Questions about online learning hours, course completion and certification highlighted the importance of these elements.

The Call requires at least 10 hours of structured learning per course, including practical components, with the duration proportionate to the expected learning outcomes. Courses can be delivered online, in person or in a blended format, using synchronous, asynchronous or semi-synchronous learning. Each learning outcome must be assessed through a pass/fail mechanism or stronger, and successful learners must receive a verifiable certificate or credential.

The EIT STEM Competence Framework covers three dimensions: conceptual foundations (knowledge), procedural application (practical, tool- and method-based skills) and an innovation mindset (transversal, interdisciplinary and entrepreneurial skills). Courses must address all three dimensions and align with a named ISCED level.

Applicants should define the intended learning outcomes, assessment methods and certification arrangements from the outset, ensuring that the course design reflects the skills learners are expected to develop.

5. How should applicants plan their budget and project delivery?

Final consideration is whether the project can be delivered within the available resources and timeframe.
Attendees raised questions about equipment costs, financial reporting, partner responsibilities, implementation timelines and application requirements.

With up to €80,000 per project and a delivery period of nine months, applicants need a realistic work plan, clearly allocated responsibilities and a budget aligned with the proposed activities. Understanding the funding arrangements and reporting requirements early can help organisations assess feasibility and prepare for effective implementation.

Taken together, these five topics highlight important considerations for developing a successful proposal: building the right partnership, designing relevant training, reaching the intended learners, demonstrating learning outcomes, and planning budget delivery. For prospective applicants, they provide a practical starting point for assessing eligibility, refining a project idea, and identifying what needs to be addressed before submission.

EIT STEM Talent Call: Resources and Next Steps

Whether you attended the session or are discovering the opportunity for the first time, the presentation, recording, and official Call documentation can help you understand the requirements and decide how to move forward.

Explore the presentation slides

Watch the recording

Check the Call requirements and FAQs

Use these resources to revisit the topics discussed, check the requirements in detail, and assess how your organisation’s expertise and project ideas fit the opportunity.

Still have questions? Join the next Info Session

The next EIT STEM Talent Call for Proposals 2026 Info Session will take place on 19 November 2026. It offers another opportunity to learn more about the Call and clarify outstanding questions while developing a proposal.

Register for the second Info Session.

The deadline for applications is 14 December 2026 at 17:00 CET. Organisations considering applying should review the Call documentation, confirm their eligibility, identify potential partners, and allow sufficient time to prepare their submissions. Please note that the portal to apply is available in Section 2 (Overview of Key Information) of the Call document.

Stay connected with EIT STEM Talent

Whether you are preparing a proposal or want to keep up with future opportunities, stay connected with EIT STEM Talent for updates on calls, events, resources and activities.

• Subscribe to the EIT STEM Talent newsletter
• Join the EIT STEM Talent Pledge waitlist

By Rachel Cooper, Strategic Partnerships Manager – EIT STEM Talent