European Investment Bank unveils €80 billion European Tech Champions Initiative

The European Investment Bank (EIB), together with the European Investment Fund, all 27 EU member states and private investors, launched the second phase of the European Tech Champions Initiative (ETCI 2.0). The programme aims to raise at least €15 billion of capital and to mobilise up to €80 billion for more than 1,500 fast‑growing technology companies across Europe.

EIB will commit up to €1.25 billion of its own resources. The initiative is backed by Greece, Cyprus and other EU members, and includes major private investors such as Danske Bank, Banco Santander, BBVA, Altamar CAM, Azimut Holding, Green Arrow Capital and Compagnia di San Paolo. For the first time medium‑size growth funds with assets above €300 million will be eligible, alongside large venture‑capital funds.

A pan‑European investment platform will be created to connect investors with technology funds and to improve access to opportunities in sectors such as artificial intelligence, biotechnology, clean technologies and defence technology. The size of the fund will be finalised in the second half of 2026 after the first fundraising round.