The Challenge aims to develop a new generation of advanced materials and miniaturised energy-harvesting technologies capable of powering autonomous devices and systems without relying on conventional batteries.

The main motivation is the rapid growth of IoT and connected devices, which creates a need for sustainable, highly efficient and miniaturised energy sources. The EIC is particularly interested in technologies that can exploit new physical or chemical phenomena and achieve a significant performance improvement over the state of the art.

The ultimate goal is to demonstrate an energetically autonomous system at TRL 4 in a relevant laboratory use case.

• Key focus: Radical technological innovation, significant improvement over the state of the art, and reduced dependence on critical raw materials.
• AI: Encouraged, for example for new material discovery and design.
• Funding: €0.5-4 million per project, with 100% funding.
• Total budget: €32 million.
• Deadline: 28 October 2026, 17:00 Brussels time.
• Eligible applicants: Universities, research organisations, start-ups/SMEs and other eligible entities; single applicants are also possible.