The EIC Accelerator: funding programme for tomorrow's market leaders

With the EIC Accelerator, the EU has launched a funding programme aimed at tomorrow's cutting-edge companies. Funding is available in particular for start-ups and SMEs that have developed high-risk but market-changing leading-edge technologies and now want to establish them on the international market. Successful applicants will receive a non-repayable grant of up to €2.5 million and up to €15 million in equity to take their business to the next level.

The focus is on start-ups and young, innovative SMEs that already have a functioning demonstrator or a beta version of a disruptive innovation. The aim of the funding is to further develop, optimise and scale these innovations within the project period and bring them to market. It does not matter in which industry sector or technology the innovation is located. The programme is open to all topics and looks for the most ambitious, fastest-growing, and sustainable solutions for the future.

Here you can find all the important information about the EIC Accelerator in a nutshell. Find out more now.

Who can be considered as an applicant?

The fact that only individual projects are funded makes the EIC Accelerator particularly attractive as a European funding programme. The focus is on your project, your business concept, and your marketing strategy. It is not a question of whether you have been in business for only a short time or whether you are an innovative SME. All companies with a workforce of up to 250 employees are eligible for funding. The funding programme also allows you to collaborate with other companies, universities, or research institutions through subcontracts.

What project costs will be funded?

The EIC Accelerator is not only unique in terms of its framework. The funding also speaks for itself. Almost all the costs incurred in a project - such as personnel costs, costs for materials, travel, marketing or permits - are eligible for funding. Funding of up to €2.5 million is possible. The funding rate is 70%.

An attractive addition to the EIC Accelerator is the equity of up to €15 million to accelerate the company's market access and growth. This means that the funding and equity can provide up to €17.5 million of support.

How can I submit my application?

The EIC Accelerator is a very popular programme - and the competition for the grant is fierce. Only those companies manage to impress and convince the evaluators with the best management teams and business concepts. The EU Commission has a three-step application procedure for selecting the best of the best. Applicants must prove themselves in a short application, a full proposal and an interview.

The first step is for interested parties to apply with an outline, a video pitch, and a pitch deck. This will give the reviewers a first impression of the project proposal, the team that will execute it and the risks of the innovation.

After a positive evaluation by the reviewers, the companies are invited to submit a detailed full proposal with various annexes. This is similar to a business plan. It provides information about the innovation, the business model, the team, and the financial plan. If the full proposal is convincing, the applicant team is invited to an interview. During the interview, the team has to impress the judges in person with a pitch followed by a Q&A. Companies that make it through all three stages will be part of Europe's "Champions League". They can look forward to extensive funding and financing opportunities, as well as further support from the EU's Business Acceleration Services.

How do I submit my application successfully?

EurA is the answer. Due to the strong competition, the application process for the EIC Accelerator is complex. There are multiple-choice questions and numerous text fields to be completed in the applicant portal, as well as attachments such as the work plan and the integrated financial plan to be prepared and uploaded. You will also need to create a memorable pitch deck and introductory video. We will support you in the application process and guide you through the three steps of the application procedure.

Just get in touch with us!

Do you have an idea and wonder if it is suitable for the EIC Accelerator? Or do you already have a concrete project and would like to start the application process immediately? Then get in touch with us. EurA has been involved in the programme since its launch in 2014 and, with over 200 applications, is the market leader in the EIC Accelerator and one of the largest consulting firms in Germany.

Do the funding check now!

Find out if you are eligible for the EIC Accelerator. Find out more about the EIC Accelerator and our funding advice here.

Author: Christina Tanosova