The “Next Generation Innovation Talents” scheme allows EIT Label Masters and Doctoral programmes, EIT Alumni, EIT Jumpstarter beneficiaries to undertake secondments in EIC and EIT supported startups and SMEs. Collaboration will continue to promote women entrepreneurs, with EIT access to the EIC Women Leadership Programme and a joint approach to the women innovator’s prizes.

InnoNext offers innovation internships from 2 different streams:

• DEEP TECH TALENTS, research-focused internships offering hands-on experience with advanced projects, where interns work closely with the Hosting company to address complex technical challenges. This stream is open to PhD candidates and postdoctoral researchers currently involved in ERC, EIC Pathfinder, EIT, EU Research infrastructures actions, MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships, MSCA Doctoral Networks and MSCA COFUND projects. The internship duration can be from 3 to 6 months
• ASPIRING INNOVATORS, entrepreneurship-focused internships where aspiring innovators develop business attitudes and competencies through expert mentoring while gaining practical insights into innovative companies. This opportunity is open to students and graduates from EIT Label Masters and Doctoral programs, EIT Alumni. The internship can last up to 6 months.

The Hosting Company will specify the exact duration in the internship vacancy description.

Innovative startups and SMEs that can host the innovation internship:

• Start-ups and SMEs supported by the EIC Accelerator (including H2020 SME instrument)
• EIC awarded Seal of Excellence companies
• Startups and SMEs supported by EIC Transition
• Startups and SMEs supported by EIT KIC innovation and business creation services
• Startups and SMEs created as a result of receiving support from EIT KICs
• Startups, scaleups, and SMEs that have been partners of KICs for Innovation activities.
• Startups and scaleups that have at least one co-founder who is an EIT Alumni member.

The duration depends on the type of internship and the affiliated programme of the Talent. In particular:

• 3 to 6 months for the researchers from ERC, EIC Pathfinder, EIT EU Research infrastructures, MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships, MSCA Doctoral Networks and MSCA COFUND projects.
• Up to 6 months for the students and graduates from EIT Label Masters and Doctoral programs, EIT Alumni.

The exact duration of the internship can be indicated by the company in the position description or can be agreed upon during interviews.
Note that InnoNext reimbursement for talents will last a maximum of 3 months; in case the internship may last longer, no additional funding will be provided by this action.

The InnoNext FSTP is intended only for ERC and EIC Pathfinder researchers. Beneficiaries should use the InnoNext FSTP for 3 months. Internships may be extended up to 6 months, but without additional reimbursement through this action. The funding covers a maximum of 3 months, even if the internship lasts longer.

InnoNext implements an enduring open call until July 2026. In this period both companies and talents can register to InnoNext at any time to find their ideal match and begin an Innovation internship. That means that companies can publish new positions at any time and you can search for the right one to apply at any time.

The templates for ERC and EIC Pathfinder agreements are available in the Resources section of the InnoNext website.

The FAQ section provides detailed information on how to apply for the internship and the FSTP financial benefit for both ERC and EIC Pathfinder Talents.