European Innovation Council (EIC) Accelerator

Funding type

Blended finance (combination of grants and equity)

Technology readiness level

Six to eight

Funding amount

Up to €2.5 million and/or equity investments up to €10 million

Focus areas

Digitaltech / Deep Innovation, Cleantech, and Biotech

Turning your innovation into funded reality, one step at a time.

Getting started

EIC Accelerator Challenges calls focus on predefined topics, while the EIC Accelerator Open calls have no predefined topic.

Where to find calls for proposals

Start with a short proposal, consisting of an application form, a pitch deck and a short video pitch. You can submit this at any time through the EIC Accelerator Portal.
If your project is shortlisted, you will be invited to submit a full proposal via the EU Funding and Tenders Portal (FTP). To find the right call, filter by Programme “HORIZON” and submission status “Open for submission,” then search for “EIC Accelerator.”
The Guide for Applicants explains the requirements for the full proposal, which must include a solid business plan, an updated pitch deck and financial information.

Registration

All organisations involved must be registered on the portal and have a Participant Identification Code. If you have questions about this process, you can watch the PIC registration and validation process video for guidance.

Evaluation

If successful, you will be invited to pitch in-person to the EIC jury, usually around one month after the proposal review. If this stage is passed, you move to the funding phase, where the grant and any potential equity investment are negotiated.

Support materials

The following resources can guide your application:

Not sure if you qualify? We will help make it clear.

Who can apply? 

A prerequisite to obtain funding from this programme is having completed a fundraising round from private investors. Do you need help identifying suitable investors? Check the Trusted Investors Network.
If you're a startup or small and medium-sized enterprise based in an EU Member State or a Horizon Europe associated country, you are eligible to apply for the EIC Accelerator. You can also apply if you are a small mid-cap company (up to 499 employees), but only for the investment component, as explained in the Guide for Applicants.
If you are not yet formed, you can still apply as an individual, as long as you commit to setting up your company in an eligible country before submitting the full proposal—see the EIC Accelerator eligibility section. 
Startups that have already received support from Horizon Europe, Horizon 2020, or certified national programmes, can fast-track their application through the Fast Track scheme.

Funding

The EIC offers blended finance, so you can get funding and strategic backing to scale.

Tips and tricks to help strengthen your application from previous successful applicants. 

This site covers the essentials. For additional information, visit the links below.

Where to find information?  

Contacts  

EIC Business Acceleration Services including access to coaches, mentors and global partners. 
For personalised guidance, reach out to your local National Contact Point, who can assist in your language and help improve your application.  
The EIC also provides a Communication Toolkit to help you promote your project through public relations, events and media.