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Open | Creative Innovation Lab 2026

In short
  • European funding for innovative digital solutions in the cultural and creative sectors
  • Focus on cross-sectoral applications between the audiovisual sector and other creative sectors
  • Total budget: €7,021,561
  • Funding of up to 80% of eligible project costs
  • No maximum grant amount per project
  • Call opens on 23 October 2025
  • Application deadline: 23 April 2026 (17:00 CET)

What is this funding for?
The Creative Innovation Lab scheme supports the development and testing of innovative digital tools, models and methods that can be applied across sectors. The focus is on solutions that strengthen the long-term resilience, sustainability and competitiveness of Europe’s cultural and creative ecosystem.

Projects must address the audiovisual sector (mandatory) and at least one additional sector, such as music, books or museums. Cross-sector collaboration is central: applicants are expected to clearly demonstrate how this collaboration is organised and what added value it brings to the sectors involved.

Who can apply?
A wide range of European organisations can apply, including public and private institutions, technology companies, start-ups and organisations from the audiovisual, cultural and creative sectors. Participation by start-ups and accelerators is explicitly encouraged.

Applications may be submitted by a single organisation or by a collaboration of at least two independent organisations. All participating organisations must be established in a country participating in the Creative Europe Programme and have sufficient experience and capacity to successfully carry out the project.

What should projects focus on?
The scheme supports projects that contribute to, among others:

  • new uses of virtual worlds for promotion, audience development and strengthening competitiveness;
  • innovative digital tools for production, financing, distribution or promotion, enabled by technologies such as AI, big data, blockchain or NFTs;
  • transparent and fair rights management for creators;
  • smarter use of data for content development and audience reach;
  • increased visibility, discoverability and diversity of European content;
  • acceleration of the ecological transition within the cultural and creative sectors.

How does the evaluation work?
Project proposals are assessed by external experts. Evaluation focuses on the relevance of the project, the quality and feasibility of the approach, the collaboration within the project team, and how results will be shared and scaled.

Funding and timeline
A total budget of €7,021,561 is available. Funding covers up to 80% of eligible project costs. Grants may not generate profit; any income will be deducted from the final grant amount. All payments are made to the project coordinator.

The call opens on 23 October 2025. The application deadline is 23 April 2026 at 17:00 CET. Selected projects are expected to start in early 2027 and may run for up to 24 months.

Info sessions
The European Commission’s executive agency will host several online info sessions on this call. The session will provide further explanation of the scheme and guidance on the application process.

Want to know more?
Full details on eligibility, funded activities and the application procedure can be found via Creative Europe Desk NL.

DISCLAIMER
This message is for informational purposes only and is intended to highlight potential funding opportunities. No rights can be derived from this summary. The official call website is always leading. Amounts, deadlines and conditions may change.

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