EIC Accelerator

Up to €17.5M in blended finance (grant + equity) for deep tech and breakthrough innovation

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:

• Single SMEs (small and medium enterprises) established in EU Member States or Horizon Europe associated countries
• Must have a breakthrough innovation with high risk and high potential
• Technology at TRL 5-8 (validated in relevant environment to system complete)
• Clear 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

This programme offers deadlines throughout the year:

• 6 May 2026
• 1 July 2026
• 2 September 2026
• 4 November 2026

If you are interested in getting involved - please follow the link below.