EIC Pre-Accelerator

European Innovation Council

The EIC Pre-accelerator is designed for deep-tech startups and SMEs in “Widening countries” to advance their innovations from TRL 4 to TRL 6.

What is this programme about?

The pilot EIC Pre-Accelerator call is a joint scheme between the European Innovation Council and the Widening participation and strengthening the European Research Area (WIDERA) programme. It is funded under the WIDERA Work Programme 2025.

Who can apply for EIC Pre-Accelerator

The aim of the call is to boost the innovation potential of early-stage deep-tech startups in widening countries by enhancing their business, investor, and technology readiness to secure funding from different sources.

Key Facts

Who can apply

Single SMEs established in the widening countries

Funding calls

One deadline for Step 1 in 2026

Purpose

Develop the technology, business and investment readiness in widening countries

Technology Readiness Level (TRL)

TRL 4 to TRL 6

Funding Amount

€500,000

Funding Rate

70%

Timeframe

12 weeks from application deadline

Process

Single stage application

What are the key topics or sectors covered?

The objective is to raise the readiness of high potential deep-tech startups in widening countries to a level where they will:

be successful in applying and attracting the EIC Accelerator funding and/or
manage to secure other private investment and/or
successfully attract national and regional funding (e.g. through national Seal of Excellence programmes).

Useful Resources

We have collated some useful resources if you are considering applying for EIC Pre-Accelerator:

European Innovation Council Overview

EIC Pre-Accelerator

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