EIC expands support for Ukrainian tech SMEs and start-ups with new funding

To strengthen Ukraine’s innovation capacity amid ongoing conflict, the European Innovation Council (EIC) has launched a €20 million funding initiative for Ukrainian deep-tech SMEs and start-ups. Building on the foundation laid by the "Seeds of Bravery" project, this new action supports high-potential companies in fields like AI, robotics, biotech, and cybersecurity and other priority areas for Ukraine.
Grants of up to €500,000 will help around 40 selected projects advance their technologies from lab validation (TRL 4) to market readiness (TRL 6–7). Special emphasis is placed on women-led enterprises. The call opens on 12 August and closes on 26 November 2025, reinforcing the EU’s commitment to Ukraine’s innovation-led recovery and integration into the European market.

Why Is This New EIC Initiative a Game-Changer for Ukraine’s Tech Sector?

The primary objective of this EIC call is to foster an innovation-driven recovery and bolster economic resilience in Ukraine. By supporting breakthrough technologies that are capable of entering and reshaping markets, the EU aims to attract private investment and enhance commercialization pathways for Ukrainian innovators. Beyond the immediate infusion of funding, the broader vision is to integrate Ukraine’s most promising start-ups into the European innovation ecosystem, strengthening their long-term alignment with EU markets and value chains.

Eligibility for funding 

• have high-impact innovative technologies, products, services, or business models that could create new markets or disrupt existing ones.
• have the ambition and commitment to scale up.

• have developed technology validated on lab level (at least all aspects of Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 4 completed)
• have the potential to reach application and market in period of 2-3 years;
• hold the necessary intellectual property rights to ensure freedom to operate and adequate protection of the idea;
• have a clear vision of the intended pathway and route to market. This includes specific milestones together with concrete and verifiable KPIs to assess progress towards the market.
• If relevant, for those applicant companies that are currently located in an EU Member State or Horizon Europe Associated Country, a clear intention to relocate the company back to Ukraine whenever feasible is expected.

Funding Scope and Key Deadlines

Under this call, each selected project may receive a lump-sum grant ranging from €300,000 to €500,000. The total indicative budget of €20 million is expected to support approximately 40 projects. The call officially opens on 12 August 2025, and the deadline for submissions is 26 November 2025 at 17:00 (Brussels time).

At the end of the project, beneficiaries should:

• Demonstrate that the technology component of their innovation has been tested and validated in a laboratory and other relevant environment (at least all aspects of TRL 5 completed, preferably higher).
• Be ready to apply for EIC Accelerator and/or to seek other investors or sources of funding to enter licensing or collaboration agreements with third parties, or other routes to market deployment.
• Benefit from increased global visibility and access to funding and European and global markets.
• Successful applicants will be granted free access to the EIC Business Acceleration Services, such as coaching and specific events tailored to their needs (e.g. for improving their attractiveness towards investor and market readiness).

Successful applicants will also be eligible for the Fast Track to the EIC Accelerator, which provides access to larger grants and EIC Fund investments.

EurA AG: Your Trusted Partner in EU Funding

At EurA AG, we see supporting Ukrainian start-ups as both a strategic priority and a mission-driven responsibility. Empowering Ukraine’s innovation ecosystem during this critical time is not only essential for the country’s recovery but also for the resilience and long-term strength of Europe as a whole. The new €20 million EIC funding initiative presents a vital opportunity for Ukrainian deep-tech SMEs to scale their technologies and integrate into the European innovation landscape. With our proven track record of securing over €100 million in EIC funding for clients and supporting more than 200 EIC Accelerator applications, we are committed to helping Ukrainian innovators develop competitive proposals and successfully navigate the application process. By supporting Ukrainian start-ups today, we contribute to a stronger, more connected, and future-ready Europe.

Text: Parisa Javadi-Marand