EIC Accelerator

With the EIC Accelerator, the European Union offers start-ups and small and medium-sized enterprises a particularly attractive and lucrative form of support. Successful applicants receive funding of up to €2.5 million and equity ranging from €1 million to €10 million. The approach of the European funding programme is particularly interesting as it focuses on the market-oriented further development, demonstration and market preparation of a technological product or service. The funding programme, which is unique in the world, covers a critical phase in the innovation process that is often no longer supported by traditional national or regional funding instruments. 

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What is the EIC Accelerator?

The European funding programme for start-ups and SMEs

The EIC Accelerator targets ambitious start-ups and SMEs working on deep-tech innovations and aiming to bring them to market in the foreseeable future. It is designed to support high-risk, high-impact innovative projects that have the potential to significantly change the international marketplace. 

The EIC Accelerator has its origin in 2014 – then called "SME Instrument" – and falls under the well-known European Framework Programme "Horizon Europe". EurA AG has been assisting clients since the inception of the programme and has prepared over 200 applications for the EIC Accelerator. With more than 200 employees, we are one of the largest management consultancies in this field and the market leader among German-speaking funding consultants. With our support, our clients have received more than €110 million in EIC funding. We have many years of experience and expertise and look forward to making your application to the EIC Accelerator a success!

Here you will find all the information you need about the EIC Accelerator. A quick overview can be found in our blog article "EIC Work Programme 2026 - All Key Updates at a Glance".

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Stefan Durm

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110

Million Euros acquired funding

Icon_cyan_Verwendungsnachweis

200+

Applications

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10+

Years of EIC experience

EurA AG – your partner from start to finish for the EIC Accelerator

We will support you in the conception of your application, guide you through the design of the proposal, advise you on the implementation of the project and help you with the project accounting. In all matters, we are at your side with advice and assistance. 

Invest in this opportunity – let's tackle it together. 

 

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Table of contents

  1. The funding programme at a glance
  2. Where does the EIC Accelerator come in?
  3. EIC Accelerator – Why?
  4. Who can apply for funding?
  5. Which projects are funded?
  6. What can be funded?
  7. What kind of support will I receive?
  8. What does blended finance mean for my project?
  9. What other support will I receive?
  10. Which costs are eligible for funding?
  11. Application process: how can I apply?
  12. When can I submit my application to the EIC Accelerator?
  13. Which challenges has the EIC announced?
  14. How long does the application process take?
  15. What should I consider when engaging a consultancy firm?

The funding programme at a glance

Learn more about the EIC Accelerator in our video. Dr Thomas Kraus, Deputy Coordinator for International Funding at EurA AG, explains who the EIC Accelerator is aimed at, at what point in the innovation process the programme takes effect and what makes the funding programme so unique. Read more in the articles below. 

 

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Where does the EIC Accelerator come in?

The EIC Accelerator starts where national funding programmes usually stop in the process of developing a technological product. For example, German funding programmes such as ZIM or KMU-innovative support companies in the development of a prototype or demonstrator. When it comes to optimisation and further development, the companies themselves have to bear the financial burden. This is where the EIC Accelerator comes in, providing funding for companies to further develop their product and launch existing prototypes or demonstrators across Europe. The EIC Accelerator is available from Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 6. 

 

 

The term "Technology Readiness Level" (TRL) was originally coined and applied in the aerospace industry to assess the maturity of a technological product. The European Commission has adapted the concept for its research and innovation programmes. It describes nine stages of technological maturity, ranging from TRL 1 (functional principle) to TRL 9 (system at In use).

EIC Accelerator TRL

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To find out more about what is meant by Technology Readiness Level (TRL), please visit our blog post "Simply explained: Technology Readiness Levels in EU Funding Programmes".

 

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EIC Accelerator – Why?

What makes the EIC Accelerator so unique? 

With an overall budget of €634 million in 2026, the EIC Accelerator is one of Europe's most important funding programmes for breakthrough innovations and high-growth start-ups and SMEs.

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 Icons__Mitarbeiter Icon_cyan_Verwendungsnachweis Icon_cyan_Steigerung Ihres Bekanntheitsgrades

Combining funding and investment

Individual company support  

Thematically there are no limits  

Driving growth & internationalisation

€2.5 million in funding and €10 million in investment represent the maximum possible financial support in the EIC Accelerator. In addition, you get access to the European Business Acceleration Services. 

You call the shots: Your idea is in the spotlight; you don't need consortium partners. But you still want to work with partners? You can involve them in the funding project as subcontractors. 

The EIC Accelerator is a funding programme open to all themes and sectors. In addition to the theme-specific challenges - which the EIC announces annually - any start-up or SME can apply, regardless of the topic. 

The funding programme supports you in the growth phase and encourages you in your internationalization project. A particular focus is on the preparation of market launch and commercialisation. 

 

 

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Who can apply for funding?

The funding programme is aimed at ambitious start-ups and small and medium-sized enterprises with growth ambitions. It supports disruptive innovations that have the potential to fundamentally change the market. The EIC Accelerator is the support programme for the market leaders of tomorrow.

Your company is considered an SME if  

Icon_cyan_Förderung der Kundenbindung-57 you employ less than 250 employees  
 

AND
Icon_cyan_Unternehmen your annual turnover does not exceed €50 million euros, or your balance sheet total is less than €43 million euros. 
   

In principle, applications can only be submitted by individual companies. This means that collaborative projects, which are the norm in other European funding programmes, are not eligible. However, depending on the nature of the project, activities of potential project partners can be integrated into the funded project as subcontracts. We would be happy to explore this possibility for you, please contact us. 

 

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Which projects are funded?

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Funding is available for projects that focus on the further development and commercialisation of innovations. The focus is on innovations based on either scientific or breakthrough technological ("deep-tech") discoveries. In addition, there should be a need for funding or financing, i.e., substantial resources (≙ patient capital) are required over a longer period of time before returns can be achieved. 

As an applicant, you are ready for the EIC Accelerator if you know that your project is feasible, and you know your market. You have a working prototype or demonstrator (≙TRL 5) that needs little further development. You will spend the next two years focusing on final optimisations, developing a commercialisation strategy, and preparing for market launch. 

 

 

 

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What can be funded?

Basically, all the necessary steps in the innovation development process that prepare the product for the market launch are eligible for funding. For example,

  • building demonstrators and testing with potential customers,
  • conducting clinical trials or working to obtain regulatory approvals,
  • up-scaling, miniaturisation, revising designs and constructions, or even adapting, and
  • adapting to different market requirements in different countries. 

In addition, activities that help to develop a commercialisation and financing strategy and contribute to long-term market uptake will also be supported. This includes activities such as 

  • developing a sales structure and team, and establishing sales/distribution partners,
  • developing a business and pricing model,
  • developing a marketing and communications strategy and activities,
  • refining the business plan, and
  • assessing the need for funding and approaching potential investors. 

 

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What kind of support will I receive?

Unterstützung EN paint

 

The EIC Accelerator usually supports start-ups and SMEs with blended finance, consisting of a grant component and an investment component. In special cases, grant-only or investment-only funding is also possible. The amount of funding for the grant component is between €500,000 and €2.5 million, with a funding rate of 70% of the eligible project costs. The typical project duration is 24 months. At the beginning of the project, grantees receive a pre-financing of up to 45% of the grant amount. Further payments are made based on the progress of the project and the approval of the periodic reports. Applicants may apply for equity investments ranging from €1 million to €10 million under the EIC Accelerator. 

 

 

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What does blended finance mean for my project?

In addition to grant funding, the EIC Accelerator also offers applicants the opportunity to apply for blended finance. The EIC Fund can provide up to €10 million of equity capital as an additional investment. This can be used, for example, to cover the costs of work packages and activities that cannot be financed as part of the grant. This applies to activities at Technology Readiness Level 8 and above. In return, the EU receives shares in the company in the form of participation. It is important to stress that the EU does not intervene in business decisions. Companies opting for blended finance will have to undergo a simplified due diligence process after signing the grant agreement. With the equity, the EU wants to create an incentive for private and public co-investors to invest at least the same amount. 

Blended finance is now established as the standard funding and financing model in the EIC Accelerator. Nevertheless, it is still possible to apply to the EIC for sole funding (≙ Grant Only) or only equity capital (≙ Equity-Only). 

Funding will be paid in the form of a lump sum, the amount of which will be determined during the evaluation process. Applicants must therefore propose the amount of the lump sum on the basis of the estimated project costs. 

 

 

 

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What other support will I receive?

Additional benefits for successful applicants

benefits

 

  

 

The European Innovation Council (EIC) supports successful applicants not only financially but also in terms of content. There is the opportunity to participate in valuable mentoring and coaching activities. You will also be given access to the Business Acceleration Services. 

Want to know more about the EIC's Business Acceleration Services? Check out our blog post for all the information you need. 

 

 

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Which costs are eligible for funding?

The EIC covers 70% of your total project costs. Due to the special focus on market preparation and commercialisation, many types of costs are supported that are not normally eligible for funding. Total project costs consist of direct project costs, including personnel, travel, material and equipment costs, indirect costs (≙ 25% of direct project costs) and subcontracting costs. 

 

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Application process: how can I apply?

Applicants to the EIC Accelerator go through a three-stage application process. Before the full application can be submitted, a short application consisting of a short description, pitch deck and short motivational video must be submitted to the EIC assessors. Only those who are positively assessed at this stage can proceed to the next stage, the preparation of the full application. The short application, step 1 in the application process, enables the EIC to make a pre-selection and increases the chances of those applicants who are allowed to submit a full application. 

 

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Once the short application has been approved, applicants may submit their full proposal by one of the six cut-off dates in 2026. The full proposal consists of a 20-page application supported by a number of annexes.

The full application comprises the following documents: 

  • Part A: Administrative Profile
  • Main part: Development of a comprehensive project description covering technological, market and organisational aspects (maximum 20 pages)
  • Pitch deck: Presentation of your company and innovation (must be presented in the interview and cannot be edited in advance)
  • Video pitch: A three-minute presentation of the company and its innovation (it is possible to use the video from the first application step)
  • Implementation plan (maximum 10 pages)
  • Lump Sum Budget Table
  • Financial plan and equity needs
  • Freedom to Operate (FTO) analysis: Presentation of own patents and other property rights; alternatively, a two-page statement on this topic must be submitted
  • Letters of Intent (LOIs): These are particularly suitable for demonstrating project partnerships and to prove initial market traction. You have the option to include an unlimited number of LOIs.

The full proposal is evaluated by independent experts based on the EIC evaluation criteria. As part of the assessment, a technical expert reviews the underlying technology and conducts an online interview with the project team. The proposal is assessed using a scoring model with defined threshold values.

In the third step, candidates who have been successful with their full application will be invited to an interview. The number of interview invitations is limited to 2.5 times the available budget, and jury interviews are organised three times per year, with each interview round covering two proposal cut-off dates. 
During these interviews, applicants present their highly innovative, cutting-edge technology to a panel of jury members with either a technology or business background. Each interview consists of a 10-minute pitch and a 35-minute question and answer session. Results are usually available within two to three weeks of the interview phase.

Each applicant has a maximum of three attempts to submit an application. This also applies to proposals submitted via the Fast-Track- or the Plug-in Programme. After three unsuccessful submissions to the EIC Accelerator (regardless of the application step), an applicant cannot reapply under the current European Framework Programme for Research and Innovation "Horizon Europe".

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When can I submit my application to the EIC Accelerator?

The EIC Accelerator application process starts with a short application, which can be submitted at any time. Short applications are evaluated in monthly batches, with the batch day taking place on the first Tuesday of each month. Applicants who receive a positive evaluation are invited to submit a full proposal.

There are six deadlines for the full application in 2026:

 

EIC Accelerator Deadlines DE

Applications can be submitted either under the EIC Accelerator Open or under one of the EIC Accelerator Challenges.

 

 

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Which challenges has the EIC announced?

In addition to the open call, there are also so-called EIC Accelerator Challenges. Here, the EIC is specifically calling for project proposals that contribute to a pan-European challenge. The EIC is looking for innovations that could provide a solution to a challenge or contribute to the achievement of one of the EU's objectives. The EIC has defined five thematic challenges for this year's Accelerator and calls for proposals in the following areas: 

Deep tech innovations and sustainable solutions: 
1. Advanced Materials for Renewable Energy and Energy Storage Systems 
2. Alternative Concepts and Key Enabling Technologies for Fusion Power Plants 
3. Biotech for Regenerating Agricultural Soils 
4. Boosting the European Critical Raw Materials value chain 
5. Deep Tech for Climate Adaptation

 

Would you like to find out more about the individual EIC Accelerator Challenges? We will discuss your project idea and advise you on the EIC Challenges 2026 in a free consultation. 

 

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How long does the application process take?

The short application can be submitted to the EIC at any time. Short applications are evaluated in monthly batches, and applicants usually receive a response within 4 to 6 weeks.

The full application can be submitted at any of the deadlines. The evaluation of the full proposal typically takes 8 to 9 weeks and includes a technical due diligence assessment, during which a technical expert reviews the proposed technology and conducts an online interview with the project team.

After a successful application, you will be invited to an interview. Afterwards, you will receive feedback usually within 2 to 3 weeks.

Due to its popularity and the large number of applications, the EIC Accelerator uses an extensive application process. It usually takes a year from the short application to the grant agreement. 


You want to be optimally prepared and on time for the start?  

We'll help you all the way to the home stretch! 

 

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What should I consider when engaging a consultancy firm?

Maximum funding of €2.5 million and an investment of up to €10 million: many European start-ups and small and medium-sized enterprises are hoping to be awarded funding from the EIC Accelerator. In order to receive one of the few grant agreements from the EIC, applicants must master a three-stage application process consisting of a short application, a full application and an interview. Applicants often seek help for this and commission a consultancy firm to prepare the application. But what should applicants look out for when choosing a consultancy firm?

The EIC is aware of the large number of consultancies and also sees their benefit in the development of project ideas all the way to the application documents. For this reason, in November 2023, the EIC published a Code of Conduct for consultants offering services related to the submission of applications for EIC project calls and the management of grant projects. Through this Code of Conduct, the EIC aims to ensure transparency and promote professionalism and ethical working practices in the European innovation consultancy market. It also aims to support applicants in finding high-quality consulting companies.

The EIC expects European consulting firms to comply with the code. In addition, clients can check whether consulting service providers are complying with the code. The code can be viewed online and companies that are clearly committed to the code of conduct display a corresponding seal on their website or social media channels.

We at EurA AG are expressly committed to the Code of Conduct for Funding Consultants and work in accordance with its principles and guidelines. The principles of expertise, ethical working methods, transparency, confidentiality and the guarantee of high-quality work set out therein have characterised our cooperation with our clients since our foundation in 1999.

 

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