EIC Accelerator

EIC Accelerator

Funding boost for high-impact deep-tech innovations

The EIC Accelerator is the flagship funding programme of the European Innovation Council, designed to support startups and SMEs developing breakthrough deep-tech innovations. It targets high-risk, high-impact technologies capable of creating new markets or disrupting existing ones. Through a combination of grants, equity, and blended finance, the EIC Accelerator helps innovative companies progress from prototype to market scale.

What type of funding does the EIC Accelerator offer

Up to €2.5 million for innovation activities only (TRL 6 to 8) such as prototyping, trials, testing, and industrial deployment.

A combination of grant + equity for innovation activities (TRL6-8) and market deployment action (TRL9 and onwards). Equity support (up to €10 million) is delivered via the EIC Fund and targets market expansion, manufacturing scale-up and commercialisation.

Investment from €1 million to €10 million for companies that no longer require grant support but need investment to accelerate market deployment and scale up (TRL9).

These instruments make the EIC Accelerator one of the most flexible and powerful funding schemes in Europe.

What is the EIC Accelerator

The EIC Accelerator funds SMEs and startups developing radically new technologies with the potential for global impact. Unlike traditional EU programmes, it focuses on:

  • Deep-tech innovation with high technological and financial risk
  • Market creation and scale-up potential
  • Support throughout the innovation journey, including business acceleration, coaching, and direct equity via the EIC Fund

The programme provides two main types of calls: the Open Call, for any technology or sector, and Challenge Calls targeting specific EU priorities.

EIC Accelerator calls 2026

The new Work Programme 2026 introduces several updates:

  • Continuation of the Open and the Challenge schemes, with reinforced focus on:
    • Advanced Materials for Renewable Energy and Energy Storage Systems
    • Alternative Concepts and Key Enabling Technologies for Fusion Power Plants
    • Biotech for Regenerating Agricultural Soils
    • Boosting the European Critical Raw Materials value chain
    • Deep Tech for Climate Adaptatio
  • More frequent cut-off dates (“batches”) for full applications (7 Jan, 4 Mar, 6 May, 8 July, 2 Sept, 4 Nov) and interview sessions expected in May and October.
  • Faster, simpler evaluation and quicker investment decisions, with more detailed technical due diligence at application stage
  • Continued support for companies previously funded under national deep-tech programmes (EIC “Plug-in” pathway)

In 2026, the EIC Accelerator has an indicative budget of €634 million, split into €414 million for the Open call and €220 million for the Challenges call. It continues to prioritise deep-tech scale-up and support innovations that strengthen Europe’s competitiveness.

Who can apply for the EIC Accelerator

Who can apply?

  • Startups and SMEs established in an EU Member State or Horizon Europe associated country
  • Deep-tech companies requiring significant R&D investment and facing market or technological risks
  • Technologies at TRL 6
  • Small mid-caps (≤499 employees) may participate in specific cases, particularly for equity-only support

Eligible innovations must show credible market creation potential, unique differentiation, and strong scalability.

How to apply for the EIC Accelerator step by step

Short Proposal (ongoing call)

  • 12-page proposal + Pitch Deck + 3-minute video
  • Remote evaluation by 4 experts
  • GO/NO-GO decision (successful if at least 3 GOs)

Full Proposal

  • 20-page proposal + Pitch Deck + 3-minute video + Annexes (implementation plan, financial info, FTO analysis, LoIs)
  • Parallel assessment by a technology expert (online interview) and remote evaluation by 3 experts
  • Score-based decision (top-ranked proposals are invited to interview)

Jury Interview

  • 10 minutes presentation + 30 minutes Q&A
  • A panel of EIC experts assesses team strength, business model, technology credibility and scale-up vision.
  • GO/NO-GO decision

Grant Agreement Preparation & Equity Negotiation

Successful candidates sign the grant contract and, if relevant, start the due-diligence process with the EIC Fund.

What are the evaluation criteria

  • Technological novelty
  • Strength of intellectual property
  • Scientific and engineering merit
  • Market creation potential
  • Scalability and growth projections
  • EU economic, strategic or societal relevance
  • Quality of the team
  • Feasibility and credibility of the work plan
  • Financial and operational capacity

Funding opportunities for the EIC Accelerator

The EIC Accelerator is highly competitive, but several opportunities favour applicants:

  • Growing EU priority sectors: clean energy, AI, quantum, advanced materials, biotech
  • Challenge Calls that narrow competition and reward high-impact innovations
  • Increasing support for deep-tech companies targeting sovereignty-sensitive technologies

Historical success rates vary between 5% and 8%, but well-prepared proposals significantly outperform the average
Deep tech companies with strong IP, validated technology and early market traction, and a fully committed team with credible scale-up potential are best positioned to secure EIC accelerator funding.

Why work with Euro-Funding to prepare your EIC Accelerator proposal

As a consultancy for EIC Accelerator, Euro-Funding provides end-to-end support for applicants:

  • Expertise in deep-tech business design and impact modelling
  • Preparation of Short and Full Applications aligned with evaluator expectations
  • Pitch training for Jury Interviews
  • Assistance with equity negotiations and EIC Fund due diligence

Strategic guidance to maximise evaluation scores and overall proposal competitiveness
Our track record in helping innovative companies secure EU funding makes us a trusted partner for organisations aiming to scale through the EIC Accelerator.