What is the EIC Accelerator Program?
The European Innovation Council (EIC) supports visionary innovators, startups, and SMEs in turning bold ideas into breakthrough technologies and successful businesses. With an integrated approach spanning early-stage research to scaling, the EIC offers unparalleled opportunities to transform innovative concepts into market-ready solutions.
The EIC Accelerator provides financial backing and strategic guidance to SMEs and startups with market-ready innovations that disrupt and redefine industries. By providing financial support and strategic guidance, the EIC Accelerator enables businesses to create new markets, disrupt existing industries, and attract large-scale investments.
Funding Highlights:
- Up to €2.5M grants and €10M equity investments.
- Focus areas: Generative AI, future mobility, space robotics, and low-emission food systems.
- Technology Readiness Level: Market entry and scaling (TRL 6-8/9)
- Two kinds of calls – open calls for any technological field or challenge-driven calls (see below).
What Does the EIC Accelerator Offer?
The EIC Accelerator supports projects that:
✅ Are high-risk, high-reward innovations building on scientific discovery or technological breakthroughs.
✅ Require patient capital—long-term funding before profitability is reached.
✅ Have the potential to scale up and dominate global markets.
Funding & Support
💰 Total Budget:
- €384M for the Open Call
- €250M for Challenge-driven Calls
💶 Funding Per Project:
- Up to €2.5M in grants (70% funding rate, 25% overhead).
- Up to €10M in equity investment.
- Blended financing (grant + equity) is available.
- Extra acceleration services to connect companies with investors and corporates.
EIC Accelerator 2025 Challenges
In addition to the Open Call, startups and SMEs can apply for funding under specific challenge-driven calls, including:
🚀 Advanced Materials & Value Chain Scaling
🌱 Biotech for Low-Emission Food & Feed
🤖 Generative AI: European Champions
🛰️ In-Space Operations & Robotics
🚗 Future Mobility Breakthroughs
Who can apply?
✔️ Startups & SMEs with under 250 employees.
✔️ Mid-cap companies (up to 499 employees) can apply for equity-only funding.
✔️ Must be based in an EU Member State or Horizon Europe Associated Country.
Application Process
📝 Step 1: Short application (12 pages), pitch deck (10 slides), and a 3-minute video.
📝 Step 2: Full proposal (50 pages), evaluated on Excellence, Impact, and Implementation.
🗣️ Final Interview: Selected applicants pitch their innovation to an EIC Jury.
📅 Deadlines in 2025:
📍 March 12, 2025
📍 October 1, 2025