EIC STEP Scale Up – €10–30 million equity for deep-tech companies raising a large funding round

In plain words

Equity of €10–30 million from the EIC Fund for fast-growing digital/deep-tech, clean-tech or biotech companies raising a round of roughly €50–150 million. It is not a grant: the EIC becomes a shareholder alongside other investors. It only suits the few companies that already have investors lined up for the round.

Who can apply

A single company (start-up, SME or small mid-cap with up to 499 staff) based in an EU Member State or associated country (Greece is eligible), in digital/deep tech, clean and resource-efficient tech, or biotech. An investor can also apply on the company's behalf.

What it pays for

An equity stake to help close a large funding round to scale up the company, plus strategic support. Companies that meet the criteria but are not funded get a STEP Seal.

What must be true for you

Tick what applies. Saved on this device only.

• Fewer than 500 staff and based in an EU or associated country
• Technology in one of the three STEP fields: digital/deep tech, clean tech, biotech
• A funding round of roughly €50–150 million with commitments from other investors (exact rules in the application guide)
• Passing a remote GO / NO-GO interview
• EU economic-security checks (e.g. whether the company is controlled from a third country)

How to apply

1. Read the EIC STEP Scale Up page and the application guide.
2. Create an EU Login and a PIC for the company.
3. Prepare a business plan, pitch deck and financial plan, with the commitments of the round's investors.
4. Submit on the Funding & Tenders Portal before the 25 Nov 2026 cut-off, 17:00 Brussels time.
5. If you pass the checks you are invited to an interview 4–6 weeks later; the result comes about 2 weeks after that.

Where to apply: EU Funding & Tenders Portal – ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunitie… (πρόσκληση HORIZON-EIC-2026-STEP)

Deadline

Applications are accepted at any time and assessed at each cut-off; the next and last one in 2026 is 25 Nov 2026, 17:00 Brussels time (18:00 in Greece). No 2027 dates have been announced.

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