Funding
EIC Accelerator
European Innovation Council
Develop and scaleup innovations with the potential to create new markets or disrupt existing ones (TRL 5-9).
What is this programme about?
EIC Accelerator is a grant funding programme under Horizon Europe. It 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.
Who can apply for EIC Accelerator?
Start-ups and SMEs, individuals intending to launch a SME from participating Horizon Europe countries.
Key Facts
Who can apply
Start-ups and SMEs, individuals intending to launch a SME. Single applications only.
Funding calls
Step 1 has a rolling deadline and Step 2 has 6 deadlines per year on Funding & Tenders Portal.
Purpose
To develop and scale up disruptive, ambitious innovations.
Technology Readiness Level (TRL)
TRL5 – TRL9
Funding Amount
Up to €2.5 million
Funding Rate
70%
Timeframe
6-12 weeks
Process
- Short proposal.
- Full proposal.
- In-person interview with EIC jury.
What are the key topics or sectors covered?
Projects can either be in any field of technology for EIC Accelerator Open or covered under pre-defined topics of the EIC Accelerator Challenges. For 2026 these are:
- Advanced Materials for Renewable Energy and Energy Storage System
- Alternative Concepts and Key Enabling Technologies for Fusion Power Plants
- Biotech for Regenerating Agricultural Soils
- Boosting the European Critical Raw Materials value chain
- Deep Tech for Climate Adaptation
Useful Resources
We have collated some useful resources if you are considering applying for EIC Accelerator:
