EIC Accelerator

Who can apply

Single start-ups and SMEs from EU Member States or countries associated to Horizon Europe are eligible to apply. Individuals intending to set up an SME and small mid-caps with up to 499 employees (for equity investment only) can also apply. Applicants from third countries may apply if they relocate their company before submitting the full proposal.

Maximum support

A grant component below EUR 2.5 million and equity investments from €1 to €10 million.

What can be paid for

• Innovation activities (TRL 6-8)
• Scale-up activities (TRL 9 for equity investment)

Key conditions

• Innovation activities must be completed within 24 months.
• Grant support can be awarded only once during Horizon Europe (2021-2027).
• Applicants may submit only one application at a time to the EIC Accelerator.
• Small mid-caps can apply for the investment component only.
• Third-country applicants must complete company relocation before submitting Step 2.

How to apply

The application process has four steps, starting with a short proposal form, a pitch deck, and a 3-minute video pitch. Upon approval, a full proposal is submitted on the Funding and Tenders portal, followed by an online interview with a technology expert. Top-ranked applicants are invited to pitch their project in an interview with the EIC Jury.