The latest EIC Impact Report 2026 highlights Europe’s growing ability to transform breakthrough technologies into globally competitive companies, pointing to a maturing deep-tech ecosystem supported by strong public and private investment.
According to the report, companies backed by the European Innovation Council (EIC) have collectively raised €15.5 billion, while three new deep-tech unicorns emerged over the past year. The report also records 12 investment rounds exceeding €100 million and a remarkably low relocation rate of just 1%, indicating that Europe is increasingly retaining and scaling its most promising technology companies.
The findings suggest a shift in Europe’s innovation landscape, challenging the long-standing perception that the continent struggles to turn research excellence into global technology champions. Instead, the report points to increasing cross-border scaling activity and stronger support structures for growth-oriented deep-tech ventures.
The report also highlights the growing maturity of Europe’s investment ecosystem. Through the EIC and the EIC Fund, €6.5 billion has been invested, mobilising an additional €5 billion in private co-investment. For every euro invested by the EIC Fund, €3.5 of additional capital has been leveraged, with more than 1,000 investors participating alongside the EIC. Notably, 80% of investment deals involve cross-border capital flows, demonstrating increasing integration of European investment markets.
Europe’s scientific strengths continue to underpin this growth. EIC-backed companies account for 45% of EU quantum funding and are involved in 25% of European space investment, highlighting their role in strategic technology sectors. The report also points to progress in diversity, with 30% of EIC-supported companies being women-led and 25% of equity investments involving female-founded companies.
Download the full report. Download the fact sheet.