EIC Accelerator

Everything you need to know about the EIC Accelerator funding program.

With the EIC Accelerator, the European Union supports start-ups and small and medium-sized enterprises in the development and scaling of highly innovative deep-tech solutions. Funding is provided for projects with a high technological risk that have the potential to create new markets or fundamentally change existing markets. The focus is on projects in an advanced development phase that are about to enter the market or scale up (TRL 6-8).

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Who can apply?

  • Company size:
    Start-ups and SMEs up to 250 employees
    Medium-sized companies up to 499 employees (only equity capital)
  • Location:
    Company based in an EU member state or associated country

How much is funded?

  • Subsidy rate:
    Up to 70 % subsidy possible
  • Funding amount:
    up to € 2.5 million grant and € 10 million equity capital possible

What is funded?

  • Eligible projects:
    Deep-tech innovations with high risk and strong scaling requirements
  • Technology maturity:
    Projects from TRL 6 to TRL 8 with further development and test steps
  • Objective:
    Market launch and scaling as well as creation of new or disruptive markets

When to apply?

  • Timing:
    Short proposals possible on an ongoing basis
  • Submission
    2026: Six cut-off dates for full proposals (Jan 7, Mar 4, May 6, Jul 8, Sep 2, Nov 4)
  • Prerequisite:
    Application before project start

How long does the program run?

  • Horizon Europe currently runs until 2027

Important to know

  • Only one active application per company possible
  • Maximum of three submissions of the same idea
  • Valuation based not only on technology, but also on market, team and financing
  • Market validation, IP protection and a clear financing strategy are crucial
  • In addition to grants and blended finance, pure participation (investment only) is also possible
  • Grant only can only be awarded once per company during the Horizon Europe period (2021-2027)
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This is how we support you with your EIC Accelerator application.

The EIC Accelerator is a European funding program for start-ups and small and medium-sized enterprises with highly innovative deep-tech projects. Funding is provided for projects that are at an advanced stage of development and enable the transition from a validated technology to market launch and scaling, particularly where there is a high technical and financial risk.

In an EIC Accelerator application, the degree of innovation, technological maturity, market potential, team and financing prospects must be presented clearly and convincingly. We support you in strategically positioning your project, working out the strengths of your innovation and preparing the application documents and pitch formats in a structured and targeted manner.

Book a free consultation appointment

Book a free consultation

Book an appointment directly with one of our experts or send us an email.
We look forward to getting to know you and your project.

Book a free consultation appointment

6 steps to funding via the EIC Accelerator

1

Create a short proposal

Submit a short proposal (approx. 12 pages) including pitch deck and 3-minute video for initial evaluation.

2

Evaluation of the short proposal

We provide support with the formulation and timely submission.

3

Create a full proposal

Preparation of the complete proposal with a focus on technology, market, team and financing.

4

Evaluation of the full proposal

Evaluation of the full proposal and feedback on whether the application will move on to the next phase.

5

Jury interview

Interview in Brussels with subsequent funding decision.

6

Funding and investment contract

Conclusion of the funding agreement and, if applicable, investment via the EIC Fund.

Book your free consultation

Book a free consultation

Book an appointment directly with one of our experts or send us an email.
We look forward to getting to know you and your project.

Get advice now

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