EIC Accelerator – funding for breakthrough startups and SMEs

In plain words

A grant of up to €2.5 million (covering 70% of costs) and, if you want, €1–10 million of equity from the EIC Fund for companies with breakthrough technology close to market. It is for startups and SMEs. Competition is very tough and there are three stages, ending with a jury interview.

Who can apply

A single startup or SME (including spin-offs) based in an EU country or a Horizon Europe associated country. People planning to set up a company can also apply. Small mid-caps (up to 499 staff) only for investment. The technology must already be validated in the lab or a relevant environment.

What it pays for

The grant (a lump sum) pays for innovation work that takes the technology to market (technology readiness TRL 6 to 8), for up to 24 months. The investment (shares or convertible loan) funds growth and scale-up. You can ask for grant only, investment only, or both.

What must be true for you

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• A single startup/SME (or a person who will set up a company) based in an EU Member State or associated country.
• High-risk innovation with technology already validated in the lab or a relevant environment (starting at TRL 6).
• 30% own contribution to the costs covered by the grant.
• One application at a time; grant-only support is given once per company in all of Horizon Europe.
• Investment requires due diligence by the EIC Fund.

How to apply

1. Create an EU Login account and open the short application on the EIC platform via the Funding & Tenders Portal.
2. Prepare the short application: a 12-page form, a pitch deck of up to 10 slides and a video of up to 3 minutes. Four evaluators reply in about 4–6 weeks.
3. If you pass, prepare the full application (20-page technical description, implementation plan, financial data, letters of intent from customers/partners, IP analysis, video) and submit it before the next cut-off.
4. The best proposals are invited to an interview with the EIC jury; results come within 2–3 weeks.
5. If selected, you sign the grant agreement; for investment the EIC Fund runs due diligence (usually 2–6 months).

Where to apply: EU Funding & Tenders Portal (EIC platform) – ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunitie…

Deadline

Short applications can be sent at any time and are evaluated on the first Tuesday of each month. Full applications go in only on cut-off dates: the next one is 4 November 2026, 17:00 Brussels time. For 2027 the draft work programme lists 3 Feb, 1 Apr, 1 Sep and 3 Nov 2027, not yet confirmed.

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