The European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT) has launched EIT STEM Tech Talent Induction (EIT STEM Talent), a training initiative intended to connect people with science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) learning and career opportunities across Europe. The EU body announced the initiative in Budapest on 14 October 2026 and is opening a €2 million call to develop or expand STEM training programmes.
Skills shortages and gaps in attainment
The EIT said building a stronger and more inclusive EU STEM talent pipeline is increasingly important for Europe. It cited figures showing that nearly 80% of EU small and medium-sized enterprises struggle to find workers with the necessary skills, including in information and communication technology, engineering and other technical and skilled manufacturing occupations.
At the same time, according to the latest PISA results cited by the EIT, 35% of EU students do not reach basic proficiency in mathematics and 27% fall short in science.
Partner organisations known as Pledgers
The initiative will bring together education and training providers, research institutions, non-governmental organisations and industry partners across Europe. According to the EIT, they will jointly develop science and technology skills that respond to the changing needs and opportunities created by emerging technologies.
These partner organisations, known as Pledgers, will deliver learning opportunities alongside projects selected under the new call for proposals. The initiative will focus particularly on young people, women and people from diverse backgrounds, supporting 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: ‘Talent is everywhere, but opportunity is not. By mobilising the EIT Community’s partners across education, research and business, the EIT STEM Tech Talent Induction initiative will build a bridge from learning to impact. It will help more people build the confidence, skills and connections to pursue STEM careers.’
Part of the Commission’s STEM Education Strategic Plan
Funded by the EIT and delivered through its Knowledge and Innovation Communities (KICs), the initiative forms part of the European Commission’s STEM Education Strategic Plan, a key element of the Union of Skills. It draws on the EIT Community’s networks and partners across Europe.
The EIT is part of Horizon Europe, the EU Framework Programme for Research and Innovation, and currently supports nine KICs, which bring together companies, research labs and universities. They include Climate KIC, InnoEnergy, EIT Health, EIT RawMaterials, EIT Food and EIT Urban Mobility.
The EIT said that, through practical learning activities, the initiative 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 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.
EIT STEM Talent call offers grants of up to €80,000
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. It 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. The involvement of regional or public actors and of partners from other regions or countries is also encouraged.
Frequently asked questions
What is EIT STEM Tech Talent Induction?
It is a training initiative launched by the European Institute of Innovation and Technology on 14 October 2026 to connect people with STEM learning and career opportunities across Europe.
How much funding is available under the EIT STEM Talent 2026 call?
The call will provide up to €2 million, supporting 25 projects with grants of up to €80,000 each.
Who can apply for EIT STEM Talent funding?
Funding is for organisations developing new or expanding existing STEM induction activities across Europe. Each consortium must include at least one education provider and one business or industry partner, and regional or public actors and partners from other regions or countries are encouraged to take part.
Who is the EIT STEM Talent initiative aimed at?
It focuses particularly on young people, women and people from diverse backgrounds, supporting them to enter or progress in STEM education and training at different stages of their lives and careers.
What does ‘induction’ mean in this initiative?
As defined in the European Commission’s STEM Education Strategic Plan, induction refers to activities that introduce and attract young people to STEM careers, rather than delivering technical training itself.
