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A new European Commission report reveals that while 55% of Horizon Europe participants are newcomers, they account for only 13.7% of EU grant funding. The study highlights persistent challenges in accessing funding and sustaining participation, particularly for SMEs and first-time applicants. It also identifies the EIC Accelerator as an important entry point for newcomers, underlining the need for stronger capacity building, targeted support and wider access to European research and innovation networks.

The European Commission has adopted the 2027 European Innovation Council (EIC) Work Programme, allocating €1.8 billion to support breakthrough research, deep-tech start-ups and innovative businesses. The programme introduces measures to simplify funding, strengthen commercialisation and scale-up, and improve access to investment and market opportunities. With a focus on strategic technologies, including dual-use and defence innovations, it aims to help European innovators turn research results into market-ready solutions and strengthen Europe's competitiveness.

The European Commission has published ERA in Practice: A Guide for the R&I Community, highlighting key achievements and priorities of the European Research Area (ERA). The guide explores initiatives supporting knowledge valorisation, intellectual asset management, open science and copyright, including the EU's Guiding Principles for Knowledge Valorisation and associated Codes of Practice.

On 29–30 October 2026, the European IP Helpdesk, together with EUIPO and the International IP SME Helpdesks, hosted two key events in Alicante, bringing together policymakers, businesses, IP experts and innovation support professionals. The Annual IP Helpdesk Stakeholder Conference explored the role of intellectual property in strengthening SME competitiveness, internationalisation, access to finance and innovation. The following day, the European IP Helpdesk Ambassador Winter Summit focused on practical IP support, new resources, referral pathways and regional cooperation.

The European Commission and India have concluded negotiations on India's association to Horizon Europe, opening the way for closer scientific cooperation and new funding opportunities. Once the agreement is finalised, Indian organisations will be able to participate in collaborative research projects under Pillar II, strengthening partnerships in areas such as health, digital technologies, energy and industry. For European SMEs, this development creates new opportunities for technology collaboration, knowledge transfer and innovation, while highlighting the importance of effective IP management in international partnerships.

On 16 October 2026, the Office of the Controller General of Patents, Designs and Trade Marks (CGPDTM) announced the launch of a new e-filing portal to update the existing system. The portal allows applicants to submit copyright registration applications using Form XIV and Form XV, upload the required documents and pay the applicable fees online

In September 2026, India's Office of the Controller General of Patents, Designs and Trade Marks (CGPDTM) published draft guidelines for examining pharmaceutical and biotechnology patent applications respectively. Both proposals aim to update the existing guidance from 2014 and 2013, respectively, taking account of recent court decisions and scientific developments.

The World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) has published the Global Innovation Index 2026, ranking India 38th globally and first among lower-middle-income economies. With a strong performance in knowledge and technology outputs (15th worldwide), rising patent activity and expanding high-tech exports, the report highlights India's growing innovation capabilities and opportunities for European SMEs seeking technology partnerships, IP collaboration and business expansion in the Indian market.

The India IP SME Helpdesk joined the European and International IP Helpdesks and EUIPO in organising the 2026 Annual IP Helpdesk Stakeholder Conference in Alicante. Bringing together policymakers, businesses and IP experts, the event highlighted the role of intellectual property in supporting SME competitiveness, innovation and internationalisation. Raul Aragones Ortiz, CEO and Founder of AEInnova, shared practical insights into navigating IP challenges in the Indian market, demonstrating the value of tailored IP support for European businesses expanding internationally.

Sending a cease-and-desist letter is a common step before other IP enforcement measures. This article suggests securing and preserving evidence before contacting a suspected infringer and even not sending the letter altogether in some cases.

Editorial by Michiel Scheffer, EIC Board President

Equity investments above €30 million up to several hundred million available to the most promising European companies in strategic tech areas, such as artificial intelligence, quantum technologies, semiconductor technologies, robotics and autonomous systems, energy technologies, space technologies, biotechnologies, medical technologies, advanced materials, and agritech.

The online Info Day dedicated to the new EIC Accelerator Challenges under the EIC Work Programme 2027. Registration required.

Join the EIC Work Programme 2027 Info Day to discover the upcoming funding opportunities and new features introduced under the Work Programme 2027. Registration required.

Equity investment component of €10 up to €30 million for scaling up strategic technologies and catalysing major funding rounds to advance breakthrough innovations in the critical defence technologies areas such as air and missile defence, drones and counter drones, among other defence fields.

Equity investment component of €10 up to €30 million available to provide additional equity funding to promising companies (SMEs, start-ups, spin-offs and small mid-caps) in critical areas to help them secure larger private co-investment rounds of €50 million or above for further scaling their businesses.

Grants below €2.5 million and investments from €1 to €10 million available for start-ups and SMEs to develop and scale up innovations with the potential to create new markets or disrupt existing ones and four new Challenges.

Grants of less than €2.5 million available to turn research results into innovation opportunities, following up on results generated by EIC Pathfinder, European Research Council Proof of Concept, Horizon Europe Pillar 2 (societal challenges) collaborative projects and Research Infrastructures projects. Novelty: increased impact by supporting single teams and companies rather than consortia.

Grants up to €4 million available for multi-disciplinary research teams to undertake visionary research with the potential to lead to technology breakthroughs and three new Challenges. Novelty: introduction of a two-stage evaluation process and interviews for shortlisted proposals.

The European Commission adopted the 2027 work programme of the EIC, which opens funding opportunities worth over €1.8 billion to support Europe’s most promising deep tech entrepreneurs and researchers.