The aim of the cyber innovation grant is to help companies take their first step towards working with research and innovation institutions. To receive funding, companies developing cybersecurity services or products must prepare a project proposal in partnership with a research and development institution. This may be a university or a research-intensive company that has participated in a Horizon Europe project. The grant is co-funded by the European Cybersecurity Competence Centre (ECCC) and its members.
Up to 100,000 euros
As the grant ranges from 60,000 to 100,000 euros and the required co-financing rate is 30–50%, depending on company size, the total project budget should be at least 90,000 euros.
A project may include activities such as a proof of concept, the creation or testing of a prototype, the development, testing or demonstration of components, product trials, and an industrial experiment or feasibility study. A single project may also combine several of these activities.
The broader aim is to support product and service development in the field of cybersecurity, while the more specific focus may include automation in cybersecurity, the use of artificial intelligence to enhance cybersecurity, tools that support the transition to quantum-resistant cryptographic algorithms, or technologies linked to the space sector.
Focus on core business
When drafting the project, it is important to focus on developing the company’s core business and consider how collaboration with a researcher could support this through an innovative approach.
The size of the grant indicates that these are only first steps. If the collaboration proves successful, companies can apply for support for larger research, development and innovation projects through EIS applied research programmes or Horizon Europe calls.
As one of the main goals of the cyber innovation grant is to strengthen cooperation between researchers and the business sector, this is reflected in the funding conditions.
At least 40% of the total project budget must go to the research and development institution. The company can use the remaining 60% for salaries for its project team, including the recruitment of a doctoral student or a person with a PhD, advisory services such as intellectual property support, metrology, accreditation, certification, or labour and operating costs.
Getting started
The EIS website provides further information and links to the application process.
Before applying, companies are encouraged to identify potential partners to discuss their innovation challenge. Some universities specialise in cryptography, others in artificial intelligence, and some research-intensive companies work in the space sector.
If ideas are plentiful but partners are scarce, companies can contact the research and development coordination unit at RIA’s Cybersecurity Centre, which can help identify a suitable partner.
Cyber Accelerator seeks new start-ups
Since 2023, RIA’s research and development coordination unit and the Tehnopol Startup Incubator have run an acceleration programme for cybersecurity start-ups called the Cyber Accelerator.
As the programme has been extended until 2028, applications will be open in the early summer of both 2026 and 2027 for the next cohort. Each intake welcomes six or seven cybersecurity start-ups. Over seven months, participating companies will receive top-level support from experts and 60,000 euros to develop their idea.
To be eligible, a company must offer cybersecurity products or services. In 2025, the programme focus aligned closely with the themes of the innovation grant: automation in cybersecurity, the use of artificial intelligence to enhance cybersecurity, the transition to quantum-resistant solutions, space technologies and the prevention of manipulation attacks.
The focus areas for 2026 will be announced when applications open. Still, the core aim remains the same: to use new, research-driven solutions to make cybersecurity faster, better and more accessible.
Last updated: 11.02.2026
