Funder

European Innovation Council (EIC)

European Commission

The EIC is particularly interested in supporting disruptive deep-tech projects from very early stage (TRL 1) through to commercialisation (TRL 9).

What is this funding body about?

The European Innovation Council is Europe’s innovation programme which offers expertise and grant funding for SMEs, start-ups, small mid-caps and research organisations. It attempts to identify, develop and scale up innovative, impactful projects, particularly in the deep technology sector.

Who can apply for EIC funding?

SMEs from a Eureka country with partner organisations from Eureka or other countries.

Key Facts

Who can apply

Lead applicants can be start-ups and SMEs, individuals intending to launch a SME and small mid-caps. Sometimes research organisations or universities.

Sectors & Topics

Deep tech projects and market-creating innovation.

Purpose

To offer identify, develop and scale up breakthrough technologies and game changing innovations, from start-ups, SMEs, small mid-caps and research organisations.

Key Grant Programmes

  • EIC Pathfinder
  • EIC Transition
  • EIC Accelerator

Funding Amount

€2.5 – €4 million

Funding Rate

70% – 100%

Timeframe

Varies: 1-12 months

Process

Single or multi-stage application

What are the key topics or sectors covered?

EIC focus their support on following topics and sectors:

  • Deep tech projects
  • Market-creating innovation
  • Provides help to SMEs and start-ups, focusing largely on the growth of companies and development of innovations

Useful Resources

We have collated some useful resources if you are considering applying for an EIC grant:

EIC Detailed overview External link icon: a box with an arrow pointing out of it, to the top-right

What are the key funding programmes they deliver?

EIC Accelerator helps ambitious start-ups and SMEs to develop and scale up innovations that could create new markets or disrupt existing ones, and to secure substantial funding where risks are too high (TRL5-9).
EIC Transition is open to entities that have completed a linked EIC Pathfinder or Horizon Europe project. It supports the maturation and validation of new technologies from lab to market (TRL3-6).
EIC Pathfinder is the EU funding instrument focused on early-stage deep tech innovations with a high degree of scientific and technological ambition and risk (TRL1-4). EIC Pathfinder offers Open calls (for any field of science or technology) and Challenges (for thematic priorities).

Our R&D Grant Writing Services

We have been writing R&D grants since 2009 with a market-leading success rate. Working on a part up-front, part success-fee basis, we share both the risk and reward with our clients.

Our proven approach:

Lead the entire process

Defining the project, sourcing partners, developing a budget, writing the grant application, developing the work plan, creating appendices, managing partners, submitting the application online, managing compliance, organising the kick-off meeting, financial reporting, technical reporting and project management.

Work collaboratively

If you are lacking expertise in a specific area of the grant application process, we can fill that gap. Perhaps you have deep technical knowledge, but would like support on the market elements. You might have the technical and commercial aspects in hand, but would like support in creating the project budget and work packages. We are flexible.

Improve a past submission

Grant funding is highly competitive. We can lead the process of improving past grant applications to get you over the line.

Expert Review 

We spend a few days reviewing / commenting / editing your grant application to lift your score as high as possible. 

Ready to take your R&D Grant Funding success to the next level?

We offer a scalable R&D Grant Funding Management service that grows with your aspirations. Have a question or want to arrange a free initial video call to discuss your innovation project?