The European Innovation Council (EIC) and the EU Mission on Adaptation to Climate Change have launched a new EIC Accelerator Challenge to support breakthrough innovations to support breakthrough innovations that strengthen Europe’s climate resilience. With €50 million in funding, the call targets start-ups and SMEs developing solutions for cooling cities, building climate-smart agriculture, tackling water scarcity, and protecting communities from floods and coastal hazards
For the Nature-based Solutions (NbS) community, this initiative offers a powerful opportunity to scale nature-driven innovation. Many adaptation challenges – from managing heatwaves to restoring floodplains and safeguarding coasts – can be effectively addressed through NbS that restore ecosystems while creating economic and social value.
By combining deep-tech approaches with NbS, the call encourages hybrid solutions that link ecological restoration, data and technology, and innovative business models for resilience.
The challenge targets four priority areas identified by the IPCC as critical for Europe’s resilience:
- Urban heat: Solutions to combat extreme heat in cities
- Climate-smart agriculture: Innovations for resilient food systems
- Water scarcity: Approaches to address growing water stress
- Flood and coastal protection: Tools and technologies to safeguard vulnerable communities
Who Can Apply
The challenge is open to individual companies ready to scale breakthrough climate adaptation solutions. Female-led ventures are particularly encouraged to apply. Innovations may include frontier technologies, new materials, and NbS approaches that enhance Europe’s resilience.
Funding and Support
Successful applicants can receive:
- Up to €2.5 million in grants
- Equity investments of up to €10 million
- Tailored coaching and mentoring
- Access to a Europe-wide innovation network
This combination of funding and support aims to help companies turn innovative solutions into large-scale climate impact.
How to Learn More
Interested applicants can join the EIC Info Days, taking place online 13–14 November 2025, with a dedicated session on this challenge scheduled for 14 November, 12:15–13:00 CET.
The application process follows three stages: a short proposal with pitch deck and video, a full proposal with a comprehensive business plan, and a final pitch before an expert jury. Selected companies then negotiate their funding and investment packages to scale their solutions.
To learn more, visit the EIC Accelerator Portal. More information is available on Deep Tech for Climate Adaptation, as well as in the EIC Work Programme 2026 factsheets for companies and researchers and the EIC Accelerator Guide for Applicants.