European Innovation Council (EIC) STEP Scale Up

Funding type

Major equity only investments to help companies become global leaders

Technology readiness level

Eight to nine

Funding amount

Between €10 million and €30 million

Focus areas

Digitaltech / Deep innovation, cleantech, biotech

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

Finding calls

EIC work programmes are generally published on Q4 of the previous year on the EIC website, in particular on the EIC About page and within each of the funding schemes pages on the get funding section.
The EIC Step Scale Up uses a two-step application process: first, you submit a written proposal, and if it’s successful, you’ll be invited to a face-to-face interview with the EIC Jury. Each step gets you closer to securing support—pass one, and you move on to the next.

Proposal submission

You can submit your proposal anytime through the EU Funding and Tenders Portal. To find open calls, go to the portal, set the Programme filter to “HORIZON,” the submission status to “Open for submission,” and search for “EICSTEP.”
Proposals must meet the general eligibility requirements (see Annex two of the EIC Work Programme for the year) as well as specific eligibility requirements detailed on the EIC Work Programme “EIC Strategic Technologies for Europe Platform (STEP) Scale Up Call” chapter “Can you apply?” section.

Registration

Every organisation involved must register (or already be registered) on the portal and obtain a Participant Identification Code. If you have questions about this process, you can watch the PIC registration and validation process video for guidance.

Evaluation

Written proposals will be assessed according to three assessment criteria: excellence, impact and level of risk, implementation, and need for Union support as detailed on the EIC Work Programme “EIC STEP Scale Up Call” chapter “How does the EIC decide if your proposal will be selected for a potential investment by the EIC Fund?” section.
Details on eligible activities and funding rates are available on the EIC Work Programme “EIC STEP Scale Up Call” chapter “What support will you receive if your proposal is funded?” section.

Support Materials

The following resources can guide your application via the FTP:

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 EIC Trusted Investors Network.
Single small and medium-sized enterprises or small mid-caps established within a Member State or an Associated Country who are seeking major funding rounds.
An investor may also submit a proposal on behalf of the above.
Proposals must meet the general eligibility requirements (see Annex two of the EIC Work Programme for the year) as well as specific eligibility requirements detailed on the EIC Work Programme “EIC STEP Scale Up Call” chapter “Can you apply?” section.

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 (NCP), 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.