When to Choose Each
EIC Transition is the bridge — use it when you have promising research results from a previous EU project but aren't ready for the Accelerator yet. You still need to validate the technology, develop IP strategy, and build a business model. Once you've completed a Transition project and have a validated prototype (TRL 6+), you're perfectly positioned for an EIC Accelerator application. The EIC explicitly designed this as a pipeline: Pathfinder → Transition → Accelerator.
Which Fits Your Situation?
“Spin-off from an ERC-funded research project”
EIC Transition is designed for exactly this — turning EU-funded research results into market-ready innovation. You'll get up to €2.5M to validate the technology and develop a business model.
“Startup with a validated prototype and first customers”
You're past the Transition stage. EIC Accelerator gives you up to €17.5M in blended finance to scale. The equity component can replace or complement a VC round.
“Pathfinder project ending with promising TRL 4 results”
The natural next step. EIC Transition picks up where Pathfinder leaves off, funding you from TRL 4 to TRL 6. This builds the strongest possible Accelerator application later.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, this is mandatory. Your innovation must build on results from EIC Pathfinder, FET (Future and Emerging Technologies), ERC (European Research Council), or other Horizon Europe research projects. You must reference the specific project in your application.
Yes, if your technology has advanced sufficiently (TRL 5+). Transition is optional but recommended when there's still significant validation work needed. Going Pathfinder → Transition → Accelerator gives you up to €24M in total EIC funding over the full journey.
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Not sure which fits?
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