Overview
The EIC Accelerator is the European Innovation Council's flagship funding programme for high-impact startups and SMEs. It provides blended finance — a combination of non-dilutive grant funding (up to €2.5M) and equity investment (up to €15M) — to help deep tech companies scale from prototype to market. With a total package of up to €17.5M per company, it's one of the largest single-company funding instruments in the world. The programme targets breakthrough innovations that are too risky for private investors alone but have the potential to create new markets or disrupt existing ones.
Eligibility
- 1Single SMEs (small and medium enterprises) established in EU Member States or Horizon Europe associated countries
- 2Must have a breakthrough innovation with high risk and high potential
- 3Technology at TRL 5-8 (validated in relevant environment to system complete)
- 4Clear market potential and scalability plan
How to Apply
- 1
Prepare a short application (pitch deck-style) and submit via the EU Funding & Tenders Portal
- 2
If your short application passes, you'll be invited to submit a full application with detailed business plan
- 3
Full applications are evaluated by expert reviewers on excellence, impact, and implementation
- 4
Shortlisted applicants present to a jury of investors and entrepreneurs in Brussels
- 5
Successful companies receive grant funding first, with equity investment following due diligence
Typical Budget Breakdown
2026 Deadlines
Key Features
Frequently Asked Questions
As of 2025, the EIC Accelerator has an end-to-end success rate of approximately 3% from initial submission to funded project. However, the rate improves dramatically at the interview stage — approximately 27% of companies that reach the jury interview receive funding. The programme uses bimonthly cut-offs in 2026 with six deadlines per year.
Yes, you can apply for grant-only funding of up to €2.5M if you don't want to give up equity. However, the blended finance option (grant + equity) is available for companies that need larger amounts to scale.
The full process typically takes 6-12 months. Short applications are evaluated within 4-6 weeks. Full applications take 2-3 months for evaluation. If invited to interview, the jury decision comes within a few weeks. Grant signing and first payment follow within 2-3 months after selection.
The EIC Accelerator targets innovations at TRL 5-8 (Technology Readiness Level). This means your technology should be validated in a relevant environment (TRL 5) up to a complete and qualified system (TRL 8). Earlier-stage research (TRL 1-4) is better suited for EIC Pathfinder or EIC Transition.
The equity component (up to €15M) is dilutive — the EIC Fund takes a minority stake in your company. However, the terms are generally founder-friendly compared to private VC, and the grant portion (up to €2.5M) is entirely non-dilutive. The EIC Fund aims to co-invest alongside private investors.
No, applicants must be SMEs established in EU Member States or Horizon Europe associated countries. However, companies with headquarters outside the EU but a subsidiary in an eligible country may apply through that subsidiary.
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