EIC Accelerator 2026: Complete Guide to Europe's Premier Innovation Funding Programme

August 22, 202524,963 words125 min

Introduction to EIC Accelerator
Overview and Strategic Objectives
Eligibility Criteria and Who Can Apply
Funding Structure and Support Available
Application Process and Timeline
Evaluation Criteria and Selection Process
EIC Accelerator Open
EIC Accelerator Challenges
Business Acceleration Services
Investment Component and EIC Fund
Economic Security and Safeguards
Fast Track and Plug-In Schemes
Application Submission Limits
Follow-on Investments
Parent and Holding Company Approach
Investments in Listed Companies
Key Dates and Deadlines 2026
Success Factors and Best Practices
Conclusion and Next Steps

1. Introduction to EIC Accelerator

The European Innovation Council (EIC) Accelerator represents Europe's premier innovation funding programme, designed to support high-impact innovative companies in scaling up breakthrough technologies and game-changing innovations. This comprehensive funding scheme targets companies that have the potential to create new markets or disrupt existing ones, both in Europe and worldwide.

The EIC Accelerator is specifically designed for start-ups and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with ambitious scaling goals and innovative technologies that require substantial funding but face challenges in attracting private investment due to the high risks involved. The programme addresses a critical market gap where breakthrough innovations often struggle to secure financing because the risks and time periods involved are too high for traditional investors.

At its core, the EIC Accelerator focuses on innovations that build on scientific discovery or technological breakthroughs, commonly referred to as 'deep tech'. These innovations typically require significant funding over extended timeframes before returns can be generated, necessitating what is known as 'patient capital'. The programme is specifically designed to enable such innovators to attract the full investment amounts needed for scale-up in a shorter timeframe than would otherwise be possible.

The EIC Accelerator supports the later stages of technology development as well as scale-up activities. For eligibility, the technology component of your innovation must have been tested and validated in a laboratory and other relevant environments, requiring at least Technology Readiness Level 5 (TRL 5) completion. The programme specifically targets companies where EIC support will act as a catalyst to crowd in other investors necessary for the scale-up of the innovation.

Applicants to the EIC Accelerator can submit proposals through two distinct pathways:

EIC Accelerator Open: This pathway has no predefined thematic priorities and is open to proposals in any field of technology or application, providing maximum flexibility for innovative companies across all sectors.
EIC Accelerator Challenges: This pathway focuses on predefined areas of emerging and strategic technologies, targeting specific technological domains where breakthrough innovations can have major impact on EU objectives.

The EIC Accelerator provides a unique combination of financial support and business acceleration services. The financial support can take three forms:

Grant component only ('Grant Only'): A lump sum contribution via a grant agreement, limited to EUR 2.5 million maximum and provided only once to any legal entity during the Horizon Europe programme (2021-27).
Blended finance support: A combination of an investment component (usually in the form of direct equity or quasi-equity such as convertible loans) and a grant component (lump sum contribution).
Investment component only (Equity-Only): Direct equity or quasi-equity such as convertible loans via an investment agreement.

Beyond financial support, all successful proposals receive tailor-made access to a comprehensive range of Business Acceleration Services, including coaching, mentoring, expertise, and ecosystem partner connections. This holistic approach ensures that companies not only receive funding but also gain the strategic support needed to successfully scale their innovations.

The EIC Accelerator operates under strict eligibility criteria and evaluation processes to ensure that only the most promising and impactful innovations receive support. The programme is highly selective, with only the very best proposals being funded, ensuring that European taxpayers' money is invested in innovations with the highest potential for success and impact.

The programme is managed by the European Commission and implemented through the European Innovation Council, with the investment component managed by the EIC Fund. The European Investment Bank (EIB) serves as the investment adviser to the EIC Fund, providing expertise in investment structuring and due diligence processes.

Applications to the EIC Accelerator are processed through a sophisticated three-stage evaluation process that includes short proposals, full proposals, and jury interviews. This multi-stage approach ensures thorough evaluation of both the technical and commercial aspects of each innovation, with expert evaluators assessing the novelty, impact, and implementation potential of each proposal.

The EIC Accelerator represents a cornerstone of Europe's innovation strategy, designed to position European companies as global leaders in breakthrough technologies while addressing critical societal challenges and contributing to Europe's technological sovereignty and economic competitiveness.

2. Overview and Strategic Objectives

The European Innovation Council (EIC) was established with the fundamental mission to identify, develop, and scale up breakthrough technologies and companies to achieve the green and digital transition. The EIC operates under the strategic guidance of the EIC Board, which provides strategic advice for the EIC Work Programme and has recommended six strategic goals with associated Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for the period 2021-27.

Six Strategic Goals for the EIC:

To be the investor of choice for those with visionary ideas: The EIC must achieve continent-wide recognition and traction with high potential start-ups, entrepreneurs, and innovative researchers, with particular emphasis on underrepresented groups such as women innovators and those from less developed ecosystems.
To crowd in EUR 30-50 billion investment into European deep tech: The EIC must bridge a critical financing gap faced by deep tech companies and leverage the EIC Fund to influence the allocation of private assets in their support.
To pull through high-risk technologies in critical areas for society and open strategic autonomy: The EIC must take risks and support the most promising deep tech opportunities from the earliest stage to commercial scale-up, delivering relevant innovations for society and safeguarding against dependencies for key technologies.
To increase the number of European unicorns and scale-ups: The EIC must support the growth and scaling up of European start-ups and SMEs to match and ultimately surpass the performance of the USA and Asia.
To catalyse innovation impacts from European public research and innovation: The EIC must build partnerships to draw on and commercialise the best ideas from the research base across the EU, and scale-up start-ups funded under other EU or national initiatives.
To achieve operational excellence: The agility and speed of EIC operations and decision making must align with the expectations of applicants, investors, and market norms.

The baselines and progress against KPI targets are included in the annual EIC impact reports, with the KPIs representing mid to long term targets. Additionally, the EIC Board has published a set of recommendations to improve the participation of innovators from widening countries in the EIC, which are implemented through outreach activities and the selection of EIC experts and jury members.

Overview of the 2026 Work Programme

The funding and support available in 2026 is organised into five main funding schemes, each designed to address different stages of the innovation cycle:

EIC Pathfinder: Advanced research to develop the scientific basis to underpin breakthrough technologies (Section II)
EIC Transition: Validation of technologies and development of business plans for specific applications (Section III)
EIC Advanced Innovation Challenges: Pilot programme to solve specific, ambitious societal or technological problems quickly through staged milestones (Section IV)
EIC Accelerator: Support for companies (SMEs, start-ups, spin-offs and in some cases small mid-caps) to bring their innovations to market and scale them up (Section V)
EIC Strategic Technologies for Europe Platform (STEP) Scale Up: High amounts of investments to scale-up companies in critical areas (SMEs, start-ups, spin-offs and small mid-caps) (Section VI)

In each case, the direct financial support to innovators is complemented with access to a comprehensive range of Business Acceleration Services (Section VII) providing access to leading expertise, corporates, investors, and ecosystem actors.

Pathfinder, Transition, and Accelerator provide for "Open" funding which can support technologies and innovations in any field without any predefined priority areas. In the case of Pathfinder and Accelerator, this Open funding is complemented by a set of "Challenges" which target specific technologies and innovations of strategic interest for the Union. The EIC STEP Scale Up call specifically targets technologies and innovations within the fields of digital technologies, clean and resource efficient technologies (including net-zero technologies), and biotechnologies.

Main Changes in the 2026 Work Programme

The 2026 EIC Work Programme introduces several significant changes and simplifications, following advice from the EIC Board, the mid-term review of Horizon Europe, the policy priorities of the EU (particularly the Startup and Scaleup Strategy), and experience and feedback from implementation:

Introduction of pilot EIC Advanced Innovation Challenges: To reinforce risk-taking and user uptake of innovations through two stages of funding - a first stage open to all applicants for proposed solutions to the challenge, and a second stage to be funded through a call for 2027 to select a limited number of first stage projects to proceed to implement their solutions.
Increase in EIC Pathfinder project budget: Indicative budget size increased to €4.5 million to enable progress to proof of concept stage, along with further introduction of lump-sum funding and improvements to the evaluation process.
Expanded eligibility for EIC Transition: Inclusion of research results from Horizon Europe and Horizon 2020 research infrastructures as eligible for the EIC Transition call, alongside results from EIC Pathfinder, ERC Proof of Concept, and from Pillar 2 of Horizon Europe.
Major simplification of EIC Accelerator evaluation process: Reduction in the length of application forms which can be reused from short to full application stages; enabling applicants to reuse short applications for the full application stage; introduction of technical due diligence on full applications before the jury phase to accelerate subsequent investment decisions; and moving to regular batching of full applications and three jury weeks per year.
Clarifications for EIC STEP Scale-up call: Reflecting experience of implementing this call in 2025.
Reinforced Business Acceleration Services: Enhanced support for internationalisation and engaging with corporates.
Support for Gender and Diversity Innovation index: Building on recent pilot projects to promote diversity in innovation.
Update of the Plug In scheme: Following the completion of the pilot phase in 2023-25.

Key Features of EIC Support

The EIC provides a combination of financial and non-financial support to accelerate and grow EIC innovations and companies. The support goes far beyond funding and aims at supporting the emergence, acceleration, and growth of EIC innovations and deep tech companies. All EIC Awardees are provided with access to a range of externally contracted, bespoke Business Acceleration Services (BAS) at any stage of development of their activities.

The EIC uses its pan-European reach to connect EIC Awardees with partners from all around Europe and beyond, thereby contributing to further develop the innovation ecosystem in Europe by providing access to and from a deal flow of top-level European innovators. EIC Awardees are also offered facilitated access to relevant research and technology infrastructures, including those hosted by the Joint Research Centre and receiving funding from Union programmes including on High Performance Computing and in-orbit demonstration and verification activities.

Proactive Project and Portfolio Management

Support awarded by the EIC, particularly by the EIC Pathfinder, is more than a one-off funding of a research project. By covering the full innovation cycle, the EIC aims to push results to higher Technology Readiness Levels (TRL) whenever possible. While EIC Pathfinder Awardees bear no obligation regarding the development of innovations as part of their project beyond the evaluated proposal, the EIC encourages and stimulates further maturation of preliminary findings and results by providing guidance as well as additional and continuous support, including financial support.

The EIC takes a proactive approach to project and programme management, performed by EIC Programme Managers, to identify, develop, and implement technology visions and to nurture potential market-creating innovations out of EIC funded projects and activities. This proactive management applies to EIC Pathfinder Challenges, EIC Transition, and EIC Accelerator projects and includes periodic reviews of progress against defined milestones, assessment of results and outputs against overall objectives, and potential amendments to grant agreements or deployment of additional Business Acceleration Services.

Tailored Evaluation Approach

The EIC approach to proposal evaluation is tailored to the objectives of each funding scheme:

EIC Pathfinder: Follows a peer review method where proposals are evaluated, scored, and ranked by experts based on weighted criteria and thresholds.
EIC Transition: Proposals are first evaluated remotely, scored, and ranked based on criteria and thresholds, with top-ranked applicants invited to interviews where juries decide based on binary scoring (GO/NO GO).
EIC Accelerator: Proposals are evaluated remotely and at interviews based on binary scoring (GO/NO GO).
EIC STEP Scale Up: Proposals are evaluated following remote interviews based on binary scoring (GO/NO GO).

This tailored approach ensures that evaluation methods are appropriate to the maturity level and objectives of each funding scheme, with greater emphasis on interviews and simplified binary scoring for more mature technologies close to market funding.

3. Eligibility Criteria and Who Can Apply

The EIC Accelerator has specific eligibility criteria designed to ensure that funding is directed to the most promising innovative companies that can benefit from the programme's support. Understanding these criteria is essential for potential applicants to determine their eligibility before investing time and resources in the application process.

Primary Eligibility Requirements

To be an eligible applicant to the EIC Accelerator, you must apply as one of the following eligible entities:

Single SME: A single company classified as a Small and Medium-sized Enterprise (SME) and established within a Member State or an Associated Country (see Annex 2 for detailed definitions).
Small Mid-cap: A single company classified as a small mid-cap (up to 499 employees) established in a Member State or an Associated Country, but only for "investment component only" support or for "blended finance" in exceptional cases for rapid scale-up purposes.
Natural Persons or Legal Entities: One or more natural persons (including individual entrepreneurs) or legal entities, which fall into one of the following categories:

Category A: Intending to Establish an SME or Small Mid-cap

Entities from a Member State or an Associated Country intending to establish an SME or small mid-cap (as defined above) in a Member State or Associated Country by the time of signing the EIC Accelerator grant agreement or, in case the equity only is awarded, at the latest at the date of signature of the investment agreement.

Category B: Intending to Invest in an Existing SME or Small Mid-cap

Entities intending to invest in an SME or small mid-cap established in a Member State or an Associated Country and may submit a proposal on behalf of that SME or small mid-cap, provided that a prior agreement exists with the company. The grant agreement and/or the investment agreement will be signed with the beneficiary/final recipient of funding company only, subject to the "Approach in specific cases relating to a parent or holding company and an operating company" (see detailed section below).

Category C: Non-associated Third Country Entities

Entities from a non-associated third country intending to establish an SME (including start-ups) or to relocate an existing SME to a Member State or an Associated Country. The company must prove its effective establishment in a Member State or an Associated Country at the time of submission of the full proposal.

Important Eligibility Notes

Standard Conditions: The standard admissibility and eligibility conditions are detailed in Annex 2 of the Work Programme and must be carefully reviewed by all applicants.
Submission Limits: There are limitations on the number of times you can submit a proposal, described in the section on application submission limits (see detailed section below).
PIC Number Requirement: For natural persons or legal entities applying under Category A, B, or C, the applicant must use the same identification (PIC number) when submitting the full application to remain eligible.
Nuclear Applications: Proposals with potential nuclear applications including those within the scope of Annex I to the Euratom Treaty are eligible for funding, in line with the Do Not Significant Harm principle.

Special Application Pathways

Fast Track Scheme

If you are currently a participant in an eligible project funded by Horizon Europe or Horizon 2020, you may be able to apply through your existing project under the Fast Track scheme (see Annex 3 for details). This scheme is managed by the funding body responsible for the existing project and applies to funding bodies listed in Annex 3.

Plug-in Scheme

Applicants may also be able to apply if they have a project financed by an eligible programme managed by a Member State or an Associated Country under the Plug-in scheme (see Annex 4 for details). This provides an alternative pathway for companies that have received national funding.

Exclusion Criteria

Concurrent Submissions

Concurrent submissions to both the EIC Accelerator and EIC STEP Scale Up calls are not permitted. In the event of multiple submissions, only the proposal submitted most recently will be evaluated, and it will be assessed according to the merits and evaluation criteria of its respective call (Accelerator or STEP).

Economic Security Restrictions

For certain strategic technology areas, additional economic security restrictions may apply. Legal entities which are directly or indirectly controlled by a non-eligible third country or by a legal entity established in a non-eligible third country cannot participate as recipients in specific cases, particularly for:

Specific Challenges under the EIC Accelerator
The STEP scale-up call which supports strategic areas in Digital technologies and deep tech, Clean and resource efficient technologies, and Biotechnologies

Technology Readiness Level Requirements

The EIC Accelerator supports the later stages of technology development as well as scale-up activities. For eligibility, the technology component of your innovation must have been tested and validated in a laboratory and other relevant environments, requiring at least Technology Readiness Level 5 (TRL 5) completion. This means that your technology must have been validated in a relevant environment, demonstrating that it works under realistic conditions.

Company Size and Structure Considerations

The programme primarily targets SMEs and start-ups, with specific provisions for small mid-caps in certain circumstances:

SMEs: The primary target group, defined according to EU standards with fewer than 250 employees and annual turnover not exceeding EUR 50 million or annual balance sheet total not exceeding EUR 43 million.
Small Mid-caps: Companies with up to 499 employees may be eligible, but only for "investment component only" support or for "blended finance" in exceptional cases for rapid scale-up purposes.
Start-ups and Spin-offs: Newly established companies, including those spun out from research institutions, are particularly encouraged to apply.

Geographic Requirements

Eligible applicants must be established in or intend to establish themselves in:

EU Member States: All 27 European Union member countries
Associated Countries: Countries that have signed association agreements with Horizon Europe, including Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Switzerland, Israel, Turkey, and others

For entities from non-associated third countries, they must demonstrate their intention and ability to establish operations in an EU Member State or Associated Country by the time of the full proposal submission.

Parent and Holding Company Considerations

In some cases, it may be necessary for the EIC Fund to invest in the parent or holding company rather than the company that applied for EIC Accelerator support. This includes cases where:

The parent or holding company is where all other investors have invested and will invest in the future
Any potential upside will take place at the parent or holding company level

Applicants should indicate in their application if they have a parent or holding company for the purposes of the investment component. In such cases, the EIC Fund may decide to invest in the parent or holding company if specific conditions are fulfilled, including SME status, non-bankability for the purpose of the EIC Accelerator, and establishment in an EU Member State or Associated Country.

Application Submission Limits

The EIC Accelerator applies strict limitations on the number of unsuccessful submissions of the same/improved proposal by the same legal entity. These limitations apply equally to applicants submitted via the Fast Track or Plug-in schemes.

As from 1 January 2024, after three unsuccessful submissions of the same/improved proposal by the same legal entity to the EIC Accelerator call for Challenges or Open (which can be at any stage of the process - Short Proposal, Full Proposal - and for any form of support - Grant-Only, Blended finance, Equity-Only), an applicant may not apply again to the EIC Accelerator under the Horizon Europe Framework Programme.

In all cases, applicants are expected to take into account the feedback on their previous submission and only reapply if they have made significant improvements to their proposal.

4. Funding Structure and Support Available

The EIC Accelerator provides a comprehensive funding structure designed to support innovative companies at different stages of their development and with varying funding needs. The programme offers three distinct types of financial support, each tailored to specific company requirements and development stages.

Overall Budget Allocation

The total indicative budget for the EIC Accelerator call is EUR [TBD] million, with strategic allocation across different components:

EIC Accelerator Open: EUR [TBD] million allocated to open applications without predefined thematic priorities
EIC Accelerator Challenges: EUR [TBD] million allocated to predefined areas of emerging and strategic technologies
Investment Components: EUR [TBD] million managed by the EIC Fund for equity investments

The budget for investment components may be increased by unused amounts allocated to the EIC Fund under previous EIC Work Programmes, providing additional flexibility for high-quality investments.

Three Types of Financial Support

1. Grant Component Only ('Grant Only')

This support takes the form of a lump sum contribution via a grant agreement and is subject to specific conditions:

Maximum Amount: EUR 2.5 million maximum per beneficiary
Frequency Limit: Provided only once to any legal entity during the Horizon Europe programme (2021-27)
Eligibility Conditions: The project must include information on the capacities and willingness of the applicant to scale-up, and the beneficiary must be a start-up or an SME
Co-funding Requirement: The 30% co-funding of work packages must be financed by the beneficiary through its own resources

2. Blended Finance Support

This is a single type of support that combines two intrinsically interlinked components:

Investment Component: Usually in the form of direct equity or quasi-equity such as convertible loans via an investment agreement
Grant Component: Takes the form of a lump sum contribution via a grant agreement

Important Note: Since blended finance is a single type of support, any issue affecting one component may impact the other component and put into question the decision to award this support. For example, the Agency may terminate the grant component if the EIC Fund rejects the investment component or the applicant declines the EIC Fund's offer.

3. Investment Component Only (Equity-Only)

This support is usually in the form of direct equity or quasi-equity such as convertible loans via an investment agreement, with no grant component.

Investment Component Details

Investment Amounts

Minimum Investment: EUR 1 million
Maximum Investment: EUR 10 million (higher amounts available under the EIC STEP Scale Up call)
Flexibility Amount: Up to EUR 2 million additional flexibility per proposal, enabling the EIC Fund to make investment decisions for higher amounts if justified by company developments since application and opportunities to catalyse larger funding rounds

Investment Purpose and Timing

The investment component is intended to finance market deployment and scale-up activities. It can be requested:

In Parallel: With the grant component (and may be used for co-financing innovation activities)
At a Later Stage: During the lifetime of the grant agreement
Flexible Timing: The EIC Fund assesses the relevant timing and urgency of needs, which may be immediate, at a later stage, or in a number of tranches

Investment Process and Due Diligence

The investment process involves comprehensive due diligence and structuring:

Compliance Checks: KYC (Know Your Customer), AML/CTF (Anti-Money Laundering/Combating the Financing of Terrorism), Tax compliance, Sanctions, etc.
Syndication: Identification and engagement of potential co-investors
Structuring: Definition of tranches of investment and related objectives and milestones
Technology Due Diligence: The EIB reuses the Technology Due Diligence report from the evaluation stage for investment recommendations

Investment Timeline

The investment process typically takes between two to six months since selection for funding. If an investment round is not foreseen within the six-month period, you will be taken out of the investment process and can re-enter when you intend to raise an investment round, within a limit of the period of the grant agreement plus 12 months, or a maximum period of 12 months from the Award Decision in cases of equity only.

Grant Component Details

Funding Coverage

EIC Accelerator grant funding covers innovation activities, including:

Technology Demonstration: Demonstration of the technology in the relevant environment
Prototyping: System level demonstration and prototyping
R&D and Testing: Research and development required to meet regulatory and standardisation requirements
Intellectual Property Management: IP strategy and protection activities
Marketing Approval: Activities required for market entry (e.g., at least TRL 6 to 8)

Funding Structure

Reimbursement Rate: Up to a maximum of 70% within the ceiling of the maximum grant amount (EUR 2,499,999)
Blended Finance Exception: For blended finance, the grant component may be for a higher amount in exceptional and well-justified cases
Lump Sum Approach: Eligible costs take the form of a lump sum, with the amount determined during the evaluation process
Project Duration: Innovation activities should normally be completed within 24 months but may be longer in well-justified cases

Subcontracting and Use of Funds

The grant component may be used for subcontracting, including activities essential for the project objectives if justified. The Agency may object to a transfer of ownership or the licensing of results under certain conditions in accordance with the provisions set out in the grant agreement.

Business Acceleration Services

All successful proposals receive, in addition to funding, tailor-made access to a wide range of Business Acceleration Services (see Section VII for detailed information). These services include:

Coaching and Mentoring: Access to experienced business coaches and mentors
Expertise Access: Specialized knowledge and technical expertise
Ecosystem Partner Connections: Access to networks of investors, corporates, and other stakeholders
Internationalisation Support: Assistance with global market expansion
Corporate Engagement: Facilitation of partnerships with large corporations

Budget Allocation and Flexibility

Interview Session Allocation

Indicatively, the budget for grant components will be allocated approximately equally between interview sessions. The allocation process works as follows:

Under-allocation: If the amount allocated to GO applicants is less than the budget available for that interview session, or additional budget becomes available, the remaining budget will be allocated to the subsequent interview session
Over-allocation: If the amount allocated to GO applicants is above the budget available, a number of applicants corresponding to the unavailable budget will be awarded funding using the available budget of the subsequent interview session

Member State Support

Member States may decide to transfer budget from ERDF Programmes to Horizon Europe to support EIC Seals of Excellence. In such cases:

Full Support: Seals will be directly funded by the Agency for the grant component and the EIC Fund for the investment component
Grant-Only Support: If the transfer is restricted by the relevant Member State to grant funding only, applicants will receive "grant only" support even if they were evaluated for blended finance

Investment Safeguards and European Interests

The EIC Fund ensures that supported companies keep most of their value, including their IP, in the EU or in the Associated Countries to contribute to economic growth and job creation. Where necessary to protect European interests in strategic areas, the EIC Fund will be requested to take appropriate safeguard measures for individual companies on a case-by-case basis to protect European interests as defined in the Investment Guidelines.

Model Agreements and Documentation

The EIC Accelerator model grant agreement can be found on the Funding & Tenders Portal. The EIC Investment Guidelines are available on the EIC website and provide detailed information about investment terms, conditions, and processes.

5. Application Process and Timeline

The EIC Accelerator application process is designed to be thorough yet efficient, ensuring that only the most promising innovations receive funding while providing valuable feedback to all applicants. The process consists of three main stages, each with specific requirements and timelines.

Overview of the Three-Stage Process

The application process consists of three main steps:

Short Proposals: Submitted at any time and evaluated remotely by EIC expert evaluators
Full Proposals: If successful at the short stage, applicants prepare detailed proposals with coaching support
Jury Interviews: Final step in the selection process for selected applicants

If selected for funding, applicants are then invited to negotiate grant agreements and begin due diligence processes for investment components.

Stage 1: Submission of Short Proposals

Submission Process

You may submit a short proposal at any time via the Funding & Tenders Portal. The short proposal consists of three key components:

Short Form: A concise form where you summarize your proposal and respond to questions on your company and team, your innovation, and the potential market
Pitch Deck: Up to ten slides in PDF format presenting your innovation and business case
Video Pitch: Up to three minutes where core members of your team (up to three people) provide the motivation for your proposal

Key Features

Reusable Content: The content of your short proposal is designed to be reusable in later stages of the application process should you advance
Confidentiality: All personal data and information in your proposal will be kept strictly confidential, processed in accordance with Regulation (EU) 2018/1725 on data protection
Continuous Submission: Applications can be submitted at any time, with the call being continuously open

Evaluation Timeline

Batching: Short applications are batched and sent for evaluation the first Tuesday of every month
Evaluation Period: From the date of batching, you will be informed within approximately 4-6 weeks
Feedback: Whether successful or not, you will receive feedback from four expert evaluators

Evaluation Process

Short proposals are evaluated by four EIC expert evaluators whose competences match the area of technology and market application of your innovation. These evaluators assess the innovativeness/disruptiveness of your idea, its impact, and your team using specific evaluation criteria.

Each evaluator assesses whether your short proposal meets each evaluation element and gives a GO or NO GO:

Success Criteria: If at least three out of the four evaluators give a GO, your short proposal will be successful, and you will be invited to prepare a full proposal
Rejection Criteria: If at least two out of the four evaluators give a NO GO, your proposal is considered unsuccessful and will be rejected

Stage 2: Submission of Full Proposals

Coaching Support

If your short proposal is successful, you will be entitled to receive coaching support from one of the business coaches from the Business Acceleration Services. This support is designed to improve your value proposition, business plan, and investor pitch.

One-Time Support: You can only receive this coaching support once for a proposal
Optional Nature: It is up to applicants to decide if and when to use the coaching services
Applicant Responsibility: While coaching is provided, the content of your proposal remains your sole responsibility

Submission Timeline

If you succeeded with your short application under the 2026 Work Programme, your full proposal can be submitted to any of the following batches during 2026, and any of the batches for 2027. Applicants who succeeded with a positive evaluation of their short proposal under the 2025 EIC Work Programme may apply to any of the following batches in 2026.

2026 Batching Dates

Full proposals will be batched at regular intervals for evaluation, with the following dates for 2026:

7 January 2026
4 March 2026
6 May 2026
8 July 2026
2 September 2026
3 November 2026

After each second batch, an interview session will be organized. The tentative dates of these interview sessions will be published on the EIC website.

Full Proposal Components

The full proposal consists of:

Short Form: Based on the short application (you may revise based on feedback received)
Additional Data Annexes:
- Financial data and company structure
- Freedom to operate (FTO) analysis
- Competitor analysis
- Implementation plan (including proposed milestones) for grant component if applicable
Updated Materials: An updated pitch deck in PDF format and video pitch (you may choose to reuse or update these from your short proposal)

Evaluation Process

Full proposals are evaluated through a comprehensive two-stage process:

Technical Due Diligence: A highly qualified external expert conducts an in-depth technical due diligence, together with a preliminary assessment against the award criteria. This includes an online interview moderated by Agency staff and results in a comprehensive technical due diligence report assessing claims made in your proposal (technology, intellectual property, market, etc.)
Evaluation Committee: An Evaluation Committee of at least three independent experts and Agency staff, organized in thematic panels (e.g., digital, lifesciences, cleantech), scores your proposal against the award criteria and ranks all proposals. The committee has access to the technology due diligence report and preliminary assessment

Selection for Interview

The top-ranked applications, between 2 and 2.5 times the budget available, will be invited to the jury interview. The EIC jury will have access to your full proposal and the technical due diligence report.

Timeline

You will be informed of the results within approximately 8-9 weeks of submission.

Stage 3: Interview with an EIC Jury

Interview Process

If your company is included in the selection established by the Evaluation Committee, you will be invited to an interview with EIC Juries. During your interview, you will be requested to present your proposal and interact with the Jury on a number of questions.

Interview Schedule

Frequency: Interview sessions with EIC juries are organized three times per year
Advance Notice: You will be invited approximately 2 weeks in advance
Format Information: Detailed information about the format of the interview will be communicated to you in the invitation
Indicative Dates: Tentative dates will be published on the EIC website

Jury Decisions

Based on your interview and their overall assessment, the Jury will recommend your proposal for one of the following outcomes:

GO and Recommended for Funding: Recommended for funding within the budget available. The EIC Jury may recommend providing a lower grant amount than requested (e.g., if some activities are beyond TRL 8). For the investment component, the jury will not recommend an amount different than requested but may make observations for consideration by the EIC Fund. The jury will not change the form of support (blended, grant only, equity only) but may make recommendations for grant or investment component negotiations
NO GO with Seal of Excellence: Awarded if the Jury confirms the evaluation committee assessment that criteria are met, but the proposal is not recommended for funding within the budget available
NO GO without Seal of Excellence: Awarded if the Jury finds weaknesses not identified at previous stages that mean the proposal does not meet all evaluation criteria. In such cases, you will receive feedback to justify this recommendation

Special Seals

If your proposal is submitted under one of the STEP-relevant Challenges calls, your project will also be awarded the Sovereignty (STEP) Seal if it is recommended as a GO or a NO-GO with Seal of Excellence. This seal complements the Seal of Excellence in facilitating alternative or complementary support from other programmes.

Timeline

The Agency will inform you about the result of the interview within approximately two to three weeks after the finalisation of the interviews. If your application is not successful, you will receive an official rejection letter (and your Seal of Excellence and Sovereignty (STEP) Seal, if awarded).

Stage 4: Grant Agreement and Investment Due Diligence

Grant Component Process

For grant component (grant only, blended finance):

You will be invited to prepare the grant agreement
Once grant agreement preparations are concluded and subject to the adoption of the award decision, you will be invited to sign the EIC Accelerator grant agreement
You will then receive a first pre-financing payment in accordance with the relevant provisions of the grant agreement

Investment Component Process

For equity component (blended finance, equity only):

A single award decision will be adopted by the Commission covering both grant and investment components
The maximum amount for the investment component set in the Single Award Decision will follow the amount requested by the applicant, with an additional flexibility amount of maximum EUR 2 million per proposal
Relevant information from your proposal will be transmitted to the EIC Fund and its investment advisor (the European Investment Bank) to structure the potential investment agreement

Investment Due Diligence

The investment process includes:

Compliance Checks: KYC (Know Your Customer), AML/CTF (Anti-Money Laundering/Combating the Financing of Terrorism), Tax compliance, Sanctions, etc.
Syndication: Identification of potential co-investors
Structuring: Definition of tranches of investment and related objectives and milestones
Technology Due Diligence: The EIB reuses the Technology Due Diligence report from the evaluation stage

Timeline and Support

Process Duration: The investment process typically takes between two to six months since selection for funding
Investor Support: If you have not yet secured other investors, the EIC Fund or Business Acceleration Services will support you in the search for other investors
Consent Requirement: You will be asked for your consent before other investors are contacted or engaged in negotiations

Investment Decision

At the end of the process, an investment component will be decided by the EIC Fund. The decision to invest, as well as the amount and terms, will be made in compliance with the EIC Investment Guidelines. The investment amount will be within the maximum set by the Single Award Decision and within the total amount available to the EIC Fund.

Important Considerations

Lack of Progress Consequences

Lack of progress in investment component negotiations by the beneficiary (particularly insufficient proactive efforts to attract potential co-investors or refusal to include the EIC Fund in investment rounds) may trigger:

Suspension of payment deadlines as per Article 29.1(c) of the Model Grant Agreement
Termination of the grant agreement as per Annex 5 of the Model Grant Agreement
If grant agreement preparations have not yet been completed, termination of the grant preparation phase and rejection of the proposal

Maturity Assessment

If the due diligence concludes that the innovation or company is not yet mature for investment, the EIC Fund may recommend:

Starting with the grant component first (if blended finance)
Making the investment component subject to reaching defined milestones
Re-examining the due diligence once defined milestones are achieved

The investment decision must be taken during the grant agreement or within one year after the end of the grant duration. If no investment decision is taken during this period, you may subsequently apply for equity-only support.

Rejection Possibilities

The investment may be rejected due to:

Results of the due diligence
Compliance checks
Existence of irregularities
Misrepresentation by the applicant
Manifest error in any previous assessments

In such cases, the Agency may suspend and/or terminate your grant agreement.

6. Evaluation Criteria and Selection Process

The EIC Accelerator employs a highly selective evaluation process designed to identify only the very best proposals that demonstrate exceptional innovation potential, market impact, and implementation capability. The evaluation process is thorough, transparent, and ensures open and fair competition to all eligible proposals submitted.

Evaluation Philosophy

The EIC Accelerator is highly selective and only the very best proposals can be funded. Your proposal will be assessed on its merits by leading experts, and the Commission ensures open and fair competition to all eligible proposals submitted. The evaluation process is designed to identify innovations that have the potential to create new markets or disrupt existing ones while demonstrating strong technical feasibility and commercial viability.

Evaluation Structure

The EIC Accelerator evaluation criteria are assessed at different stages of the application process:

Short Proposal Stage: A subset of the criteria is assessed by four EIC expert evaluators
Full Proposal Stage: The full set of criteria is assessed by external experts, evaluation committees, and juries

At the full proposal stage, a Technical Due Diligence report assesses the claims made in the proposal against third-party information and through meetings with applicants. This report is made available to the Evaluation Committee, the Jury, and, if successful for investment support, to the European Investment Bank in its role as investment adviser to the EIC Fund.

Evaluation Criteria Framework

The EIC Accelerator evaluation criteria are organized into two main categories:

EXCELLENCE: Innovation Assessment and Technology Maturity
IMPACT: Market Opportunity, Business Model, and Broader Impact
LEVEL OF RISK, IMPLEMENTATION AND NEED FOR UNION SUPPORT: Team Capability, Risk Management, and Implementation Planning

Detailed Evaluation Criteria

EXCELLENCE: Innovation Assessment and Technology Maturity

Novelty and Breakthrough Nature

Short Proposal Stage: Is the proposed innovation highly novel; is it deep tech in nature stemming from cutting-edge scientific advances; does it represent a significant improvement in cost or performance compared to existing or alternative solutions?

Full Proposal Stage: Is the proposed innovation highly novel; is it deep tech in nature stemming from cutting-edge scientific advances; does it represent a significant improvement in cost or performance compared to existing or alternative solutions?

Technical Feasibility and Scalability

Short Proposal Stage: What are the key technical risks and how will they be mitigated? Can the technology be scaled effectively to achieve breakthrough impact?

Full Proposal Stage: What are the key technical risks and how will they be mitigated? Can the technology be scaled effectively to achieve breakthrough impact?

Technology Readiness Level

Short Proposal Stage: Is there sufficient demonstration that the innovation has completed all aspects of TRL 5 (validation in a relevant environment for the application of the technology)?

Full Proposal Stage: Is there sufficient demonstration that the innovation has completed all aspects of TRL 5 (validation in a relevant environment for the application of the technology)?

Intellectual Property Strategy (Full Proposal Stage Only)

Does the innovation have a sound IP strategy to enter the market in terms of protection and market opportunities?

IMPACT: Market Opportunity, Business Model, and Broader Impact

Market Timing

Short Proposal Stage: Is the innovation at the cutting edge of new market or duplication of technological trends?

Full Proposal Stage: (Covered in short proposal - no duplication)

Customer Value and Market Opportunity

Short Proposal Stage: Customer validation and commercialization strategy: Is there a convincing and well-thought, thorough strategy for commercialisation, including regulatory approvals/compliance needed, time to market/deployment, and business and revenue model? Are the key partners identified and committed?

Full Proposal Stage: Competitiveness and demand: Is there a clear and realistic product go to market roadmap? Market opportunity and European positioning: What is the total addressable market and potential market share of the innovation? How does this position Europe competitively in this market segment?

Scale-up Strategy and European Leadership

Short Proposal Stage: Does the innovation have the potential to scale up the company and establish European leadership in this technology area? What are the specific steps, resources, and timeline for scaling?

Full Proposal Stage: FOR GRANT-ONLY: Can the applicant demonstrate access to the resources needed to commercialise and scale-up the innovation?

Revenue Model and Growth Strategy

Short Proposal Stage: What is the detailed business model and revenue strategy? What are the realistic financial projections for achieving rapid growth? How will the company achieve market leadership position?

Full Proposal Stage: Value creation potential: Does the innovation demonstrate clear potential for significant value creation and market disruption?

Broader Impact

Short Proposal Stage: Will the innovation, if successfully commercialised, achieve at least one positive societal, economic, environmental or climate impacts?

Full Proposal Stage: How will this contribute to European technological sovereignty?

Challenge Alignment (For Challenge Proposals Only)

Short Proposal Stage: (Not applicable at short stage)

Full Proposal Stage: Does the innovation contribute to the expected Challenge outcomes? Does it impact the EU Single Market by: Strengthening competitiveness? Reducing strategic dependencies?

LEVEL OF RISK, IMPLEMENTATION AND NEED FOR UNION SUPPORT

Team Foundation and Ambition

Does the core team have the basic capability, motivation, and ambition to implement a breakthrough innovation and bring it to global markets? What critical competencies are currently missing and how will they be acquired in future recruitment plans, including adequate gender balance?

Team Capability

Team completeness and scale-up readiness: Building on the team foundation, does the team now have or have concrete plans to acquire all competencies needed for rapid scaling? Are there specific recruitment plans for building a world-class team capable of competing globally, including adequate gender balance?

Risk Management

Comprehensive risk assessment and mitigation: Have the main risks (technological, market, financial, regulatory) been comprehensively identified, together with specific measures to mitigate them?

Implementation Planning

Implementation plan: Is there a clear implementation plan with defined milestones, work packages and deliverables, together with realistic resources and timings? Are the milestones measurable and appropriate for tracking progress?

Risk Level and Financing Requirements

Risk level: Does the company have demonstrated early traction with investors? Is the financing requirement significantly higher than the amount that market actors can finance alone?

Cost Assessment (For Grant Only and Blended Finance)

LUMP SUM: Are the estimated costs in the work packages reasonable and non-excessive?

Leverage Effect (For Blended Finance and Equity Only)

Can the company demonstrate that without EIC Fund investment, European market actors are unwilling to commit the full amount needed AND that EIC support will leverage significant additional private investment?

Grant Support Justification (For Grant Only)

Can the company demonstrate the need for EIC grant support?

Evaluation Process by Stage

Short Proposal Evaluation

Each evaluator assesses whether your short proposal meets each evaluation element and gives a GO or NO GO:

Success Criteria: If at least three out of the four evaluators give a GO, your short proposal will be successful, and you will be invited to prepare a full proposal
Rejection Criteria: If at least two out of the four evaluators give a NO GO, your proposal is considered unsuccessful and will be rejected

Whether successful or not, you will receive feedback from all four expert evaluators, providing valuable insights for improvement.

Full Proposal Evaluation

Full proposals undergo a comprehensive two-stage evaluation process:

Technical Due Diligence: A highly qualified external expert conducts an in-depth technical due diligence, together with a preliminary assessment against the award criteria. This includes an online interview moderated by Agency staff and results in a comprehensive technical due diligence report that assesses claims made in your proposal (technology, intellectual property, market, etc.)
Evaluation Committee Assessment: An Evaluation Committee of at least three independent experts and Agency staff, organized in thematic panels (e.g., digital, lifesciences, cleantech), scores your proposal against the award criteria and ranks all proposals. The committee has access to the technology due diligence report and preliminary assessment

Jury Interview and Final Decision

The top-ranked applications, between 2 and 2.5 times the budget available, will be invited to the jury interview. The EIC jury has access to your full proposal and the technical due diligence report.

During the interview, you will be requested to present your proposal and interact with the Jury on a number of questions. Based on your interview and their overall assessment, the Jury will recommend your proposal for one of three outcomes:

GO and Recommended for Funding: Recommended for funding within the budget available. The EIC Jury may recommend providing a lower grant amount than requested (e.g., if some activities are beyond TRL 8). For the investment component, the jury will not recommend an amount different than requested but may make observations for consideration by the EIC Fund. The jury will not change the form of support (blended, grant only, equity only) but may make recommendations for grant or investment component negotiations
NO GO with Seal of Excellence: Awarded if the Jury confirms the evaluation committee assessment that criteria are met, but the proposal is not recommended for funding within the budget available
NO GO without Seal of Excellence: Awarded if the Jury finds weaknesses not identified at previous stages that mean the proposal does not meet all evaluation criteria. In such cases, you will receive feedback to justify this recommendation

Special Recognition: Seals of Excellence

Seal of Excellence

Proposals that meet the evaluation criteria but cannot be funded due to budget constraints may be awarded a Seal of Excellence. This recognition:

Certifies that the proposal meets the EIC Accelerator quality standards
Facilitates access to alternative funding sources
May be funded by national or European programmes for both grant and investment components
May also be supported for only the grant component (even if selected for blended finance)

Sovereignty (STEP) Seal

Complements the Seal of Excellence
Facilitates alternative or complementary support from other programmes
Provides privileged access to funding and support from other EU programmes and funders

Evaluation Transparency and Fairness

The EIC Accelerator evaluation process is designed to ensure:

Expert Assessment: All evaluators are leading experts in their respective fields
Transparent Criteria: Evaluation criteria are clearly defined and publicly available
Consistent Application: Criteria are applied consistently across all proposals
Comprehensive Feedback: All applicants receive detailed feedback on their proposals
Appeal Process: Clear procedures for addressing evaluation concerns

Continuous Improvement

The evaluation criteria and process are subject to continuous improvement based on:

Feedback from applicants and evaluators
Analysis of funded projects and their outcomes
Evolving market and technology trends
Policy priorities and strategic objectives

This ensures that the evaluation process remains relevant, effective, and aligned with the EIC's mission to support breakthrough innovations that can create significant impact in Europe and globally.

7. EIC Accelerator Open

The EIC Accelerator Open represents the most flexible and inclusive funding pathway within the EIC Accelerator programme, designed to support breakthrough innovations across all technological domains and application areas without any predefined thematic restrictions.

Core Characteristics

EIC Accelerator Open has no predefined thematic priorities and is open to proposals in any field of technology or application. This fundamental characteristic makes it the most accessible pathway for innovative companies across all sectors, providing maximum flexibility for entrepreneurs and SMEs with breakthrough technologies regardless of their specific domain.

Universal Accessibility

The Open pathway is designed to capture the full spectrum of innovation potential across Europe, ensuring that no promising breakthrough technology is excluded due to sectoral or thematic limitations. This approach recognizes that breakthrough innovations can emerge from any field and that the most disruptive technologies often transcend traditional sector boundaries.

Funding Allocation

The EIC Accelerator Open receives a significant portion of the total EIC Accelerator budget, with EUR [TBD] million allocated specifically for open applications. This substantial allocation reflects the importance of maintaining broad access to EIC funding and ensuring that innovative companies across all sectors have the opportunity to receive support.

Application Process

The application process for EIC Accelerator Open follows the same three-stage evaluation process as the overall EIC Accelerator programme:

Short Proposals: Submitted at any time and evaluated by four EIC expert evaluators
Full Proposals: If successful, detailed proposals with coaching support
Jury Interviews: Final selection through EIC jury interviews

All the same evaluation criteria, eligibility requirements, and funding structures apply to Open applications as to the overall EIC Accelerator programme.

Continuous Submission

One of the key advantages of the EIC Accelerator Open pathway is its continuous submission model. Applications can be submitted at any time throughout the year, providing maximum flexibility for companies to apply when they are ready rather than being constrained by specific deadlines.

Batching and Evaluation Schedule

While applications can be submitted continuously, they are processed in regular batches for evaluation efficiency:

Short Proposals: Batched and evaluated the first Tuesday of every month
Full Proposals: Processed in regular intervals with specific batching dates throughout the year
Jury Interviews: Organized three times per year to ensure consistent evaluation standards

Budget Flexibility

The EIC Accelerator Open benefits from budget flexibility mechanisms that ensure optimal allocation of resources:

Challenge Budget Transfers: If there are insufficient applications selected for funding for EIC Accelerator Challenges, the budget will be transferred to other Challenges. In case there are insufficient applications selected for all the Challenges, the remaining budget will be transferred to the Accelerator Open
STEP Scale Up Transfers: Any unused amounts from the EIC STEP Scale Up call will be allocated with priority to the EIC Accelerator Open call
Follow-on Investment Transfers: In case the budget reserved for follow-on investments is not fully used, the remaining amount will be transferred to the Accelerator Open call

Technology Domain Coverage

The EIC Accelerator Open covers all technology domains, including but not limited to:

Digital Technologies: Artificial intelligence, quantum computing, advanced connectivity, robotics, autonomous systems
Clean Technologies: Renewable energy, energy storage, sustainable materials, circular economy solutions
Biotechnologies: Medical technologies, agricultural innovations, industrial biotechnology
Advanced Manufacturing: Additive manufacturing, smart factories, industrial automation
Materials Science: Advanced materials, nanotechnology, composite materials
Health Technologies: Medical devices, digital health, pharmaceutical innovations
Transport and Mobility: Electric vehicles, autonomous transport, sustainable mobility solutions
Space Technologies: Satellite technologies, space applications, Earth observation

Strategic Technology Areas

While the EIC Accelerator Open has no thematic restrictions, it is important to note that applications in certain strategic technology areas may be subject to additional considerations:

Economic Security Safeguards

In case of investment support for applications in the areas of AI, quantum, semiconductors, and biotechnology, specific safeguards will be introduced in the investment agreement. These safeguards are designed to protect European interests and ensure that strategic technologies remain under European control and contribute to European technological sovereignty.

Challenge Overlap

If an application to the Open call falls within the scope of specific EIC Accelerator Challenges, funding may be subject to eligibility in accordance with the specific conditions applicable to those topics. This ensures that applications are evaluated under the most appropriate framework while maintaining the flexibility of the Open pathway.

Advantages of the Open Pathway

The EIC Accelerator Open offers several distinct advantages for applicants:

Maximum Flexibility: No restrictions on technology domain or application area
Continuous Access: Applications can be submitted at any time throughout the year
Broad Eligibility: Open to all innovative SMEs and start-ups regardless of sector
Competitive Evaluation: Proposals compete on merit rather than thematic alignment
Budget Security: Benefits from budget transfers from other EIC pathways
Full Support Package: Access to all EIC Accelerator support mechanisms including Business Acceleration Services

Success Stories and Impact

The EIC Accelerator Open has supported numerous breakthrough innovations across diverse sectors, demonstrating its effectiveness in identifying and supporting high-potential innovations regardless of their specific domain. These success stories span from digital health solutions to sustainable energy technologies, from advanced manufacturing to space applications, showcasing the programme's ability to capture innovation across the full spectrum of technological development.

The Open pathway continues to be a cornerstone of the EIC Accelerator programme, ensuring that Europe's most promising innovations have access to the funding and support they need to scale and create significant impact, regardless of their specific technological domain or application area.

8. EIC Accelerator Challenges

The EIC Accelerator Challenges represent a targeted funding pathway designed to address specific strategic technology areas where breakthrough innovations can have a major impact on EU objectives. Unlike the Open pathway, Challenges focus on predefined areas of emerging and strategic technologies, providing concentrated support to accelerate innovation in critical sectors.

Strategic Focus and Objectives

The EIC Accelerator Challenges have been identified in areas where breakthrough technologies or game-changing innovations developed by start-ups or SMEs can have a major impact on EU objectives. In 2026, these objectives include addressing the most relevant policy priorities and strategic technology areas that are critical for Europe's future competitiveness and technological sovereignty.

Budget Allocation and Flexibility

The total indicative budget for EIC Accelerator Challenges is EUR [TBD] million. However, this amount is subject to specific conditions on budget flexibility and potential transfers to ensure optimal resource allocation:

Challenge-to-Challenge Transfers: If there are insufficient applications selected for funding for a Challenge, the budget will be transferred to the other Challenges
Transfer to Open Call: In case there are insufficient applications selected for all the Challenges, the remaining budget will be transferred to the Accelerator Open
Next Generation EU Exception: These flexibility mechanisms apply with the exception of the Next Generation EU component of the budget

Strategic Technologies for Europe Platform (STEP) Integration

Many EIC Accelerator Challenges fall within the scope and objectives of the Strategic Technologies for Europe Platform (STEP) legislation. This integration ensures that:

Sovereignty (STEP) Seal: Applicants to all Challenges will be awarded the Sovereignty (STEP) Seal in accordance with the provisions in Section V
Strategic Alignment: Challenges are aligned with Europe's strategic technology priorities
Additional Support: STEP integration provides access to complementary funding and support mechanisms

Synergies with Horizon Europe

All Challenge applicants are encouraged to develop synergies with relevant activities under other Horizon Europe Work Programmes. This approach ensures:

Research Integration: Connection with fundamental research activities
Technology Transfer: Leveraging research results from other EU programmes
Ecosystem Building: Strengthening the European innovation ecosystem
Policy Alignment: Ensuring alignment with broader EU policy objectives

Challenge Categories and Focus Areas

EIC Accelerator Challenges typically focus on strategic technology areas that are critical for Europe's future, including but not limited to:

Digital Technologies and Deep Tech

Artificial Intelligence: Advanced AI technologies, machine learning, and AI applications
Quantum Technologies: Quantum computing, quantum communication, and quantum sensing
Advanced Semiconductor Technologies: Next-generation chips and semiconductor manufacturing
Advanced Connectivity: 5G/6G technologies, advanced networking solutions
Robotics and Autonomous Systems: Advanced robotics, autonomous vehicles, and smart systems

Clean and Resource Efficient Technologies

Renewable Energy: Solar, wind, and other renewable energy technologies
Energy Storage: Battery technologies, hydrogen storage, and energy management systems
Carbon Capture and Storage: Technologies for reducing greenhouse gas emissions
Circular Economy: Sustainable materials, recycling technologies, and waste reduction
Energy Efficiency: Technologies for reducing energy consumption and improving efficiency

Biotechnologies and Health Technologies

Medical Technologies: Advanced medical devices and diagnostic tools
Pharmaceutical Innovation: Novel drug development and delivery systems
Agricultural Biotechnology: Sustainable agriculture and food security solutions
Industrial Biotechnology: Bio-based materials and processes

Application Process for Challenges

The application process for EIC Accelerator Challenges follows the same three-stage evaluation process as the overall EIC Accelerator programme, but with additional considerations:

Short Proposals: Submitted during specific call periods and evaluated against challenge-specific criteria
Full Proposals: Detailed proposals demonstrating alignment with challenge objectives
Jury Interviews: Final selection with emphasis on challenge alignment and strategic impact

Challenge-Specific Evaluation Criteria

In addition to the standard EIC Accelerator evaluation criteria, Challenge applications are assessed on:

Challenge Alignment

Short Proposal Stage: (Not applicable at short stage)

Full Proposal Stage: Does the innovation contribute to the expected Challenge outcomes? Does it impact the EU Single Market by: Strengthening competitiveness? Reducing strategic dependencies?

Strategic Impact Assessment

Policy Alignment: How well the innovation aligns with EU policy objectives
Strategic Dependencies: Potential to reduce Europe's strategic dependencies
Competitiveness: Contribution to European industrial competitiveness
Technological Sovereignty: Enhancement of Europe's technological independence

Advantages of the Challenges Pathway

The EIC Accelerator Challenges offer several distinct advantages for applicants:

Strategic Focus: Clear alignment with EU strategic priorities and policy objectives
Targeted Support: Specialized evaluation and support for specific technology areas
STEP Integration: Access to Sovereignty (STEP) Seal and additional support mechanisms
Ecosystem Building: Connection with broader European innovation ecosystem
Policy Impact: Direct contribution to EU strategic objectives
Competitive Advantage: Focused competition within specific technology domains

Challenge Development Process

The identification and development of EIC Accelerator Challenges involves:

Policy Analysis: Assessment of EU policy priorities and strategic needs
Technology Foresight: Identification of emerging technology trends and opportunities
Stakeholder Consultation: Input from industry, research, and policy stakeholders
Market Gap Analysis: Identification of funding gaps in critical technology areas
Strategic Alignment: Ensuring alignment with broader EU objectives

Success Factors for Challenge Applications

Successful Challenge applications typically demonstrate:

Clear Challenge Alignment: Direct contribution to challenge objectives and outcomes
Strategic Impact: Potential to address EU strategic priorities
Technology Leadership: Breakthrough innovation in the target technology area
Market Potential: Significant market opportunity and commercial viability
European Leadership: Potential to establish European leadership in the technology area
Ecosystem Integration: Ability to leverage and contribute to the broader innovation ecosystem

Comparison with EIC Accelerator Open

The EIC Accelerator Challenges differ from the EIC Accelerator Open in several key ways:

Aspect	EIC Accelerator Challenges	EIC Accelerator Open
Focus	Specific predefined technology areas	All technology domains
Timing	Specific call periods with deadlines	Continuous submission
Competition	Within specific technology domain	Across all sectors
Strategic Alignment	Direct alignment with EU policy objectives	Merit-based selection
Additional Benefits	STEP Seal, specialized support	Maximum flexibility

Application Strategy for Challenges

For companies considering the EIC Accelerator Challenges pathway, the following strategic considerations are important:

Challenge Selection: Carefully assess which challenge best aligns with your innovation and objectives
Strategic Alignment: Clearly demonstrate how your innovation contributes to challenge objectives
Policy Impact: Articulate the broader policy and strategic impact of your innovation
Technology Leadership: Show how your innovation advances the state-of-the-art in the target area
Ecosystem Integration: Demonstrate how your innovation fits into and enhances the broader ecosystem
Timing: Ensure your application aligns with challenge call periods and deadlines

Impact and Success Stories

The EIC Accelerator Challenges have successfully supported numerous breakthrough innovations in strategic technology areas, contributing to Europe's technological sovereignty and competitiveness. These success stories demonstrate the effectiveness of targeted funding in accelerating innovation in critical sectors and addressing strategic EU objectives.

The Challenges pathway continues to be a vital component of the EIC Accelerator programme, ensuring that Europe's most strategic technology areas receive focused support and that breakthrough innovations in critical sectors have the resources they need to scale and create significant impact.

9. Business Acceleration Services

Business Acceleration Services (BAS) represent a distinctive feature of the EIC that enables it to provide not only "money" but "smart money" to innovative companies. These comprehensive support services are designed to help EIC Awardees and other eligible organizations gain the skills, knowledge, and contacts they need to bring their innovations to market and grow their businesses effectively.

Core Objectives of Business Acceleration Services

The Business Acceleration Services aim to support EIC Awardees in:

Market Entry: Gaining the skills, knowledge, and contacts needed to bring innovations to market
Infrastructure Access: Getting access to testing and scale-up facilities
Partnership Development: Matching with European and international customers and business partners
Investment Facilitation: Matching with potential (co-)investors
Market Expansion: Supporting entry into new markets

Eligible Entities and Service Levels

The BAS services are available to different categories of entities with varying levels of support:

EIC Awardees (Horizon Europe 2021-2025)

Entities that have been assessed under an EIC call within Horizon Europe (2021-2025), including EIC Accelerator, EIC Transition, EIC Pathfinder, EIC STEP Scaleup, and EIC Prizes beneficiaries and associated partners of EIC grants and recipients of EIC Fund Investments receive:

Coaching: 12 days of coaching and more if justified
BAS Activities: Possibility to apply to all BAS activities (subsequent selection may apply)
Investment Support: 1-to-1 investment readiness and outreach support for startups and SMEs
Ecosystem Partner Support: Up to 50% co-funding of services from EIC ecosystem partners to a maximum value of €60,000 per beneficiary
Pilot Support: Up to €60,000 support for pilots and testing with public and private buyers

EIC Pilot Awardees (2018-2020)

EIC Awardees that have been assessed under the EIC Pilot (2018-2020) including beneficiaries and associated partners of EIC grants and recipients of EIC Fund Investments receive:

Coaching: 12 days of coaching and more if justified
BAS Activities: Possibility to apply to all BAS activities (subsequent selection may apply)
Ecosystem Partner Support: Up to 50% co-funding of services from EIC ecosystem partners to a maximum value of €60,000 per beneficiary

Seal of Excellence and Sovereignty (STEP) Seal Holders

Horizon Europe Seal of Excellence and Sovereignty (STEP) Seal holders awarded under EIC calls receive:

Coaching: 3 days of coaching
BAS Activities: Possibility to apply to all BAS activities (subsequent selection may apply)
Ecosystem Partner Support: Up to 50% co-funding of services from EIC ecosystem partners to a maximum value of €60,000 per beneficiary

EIC Scaling Club Companies

Companies selected under the EIC Scaling Club initiative (non-EIC) receive:

BAS Activities: Possibility to apply to all BAS activities (subsequent selection may apply)

Women TechEU Awardees

Women TechEU Awardees receive:

Leadership Programme: Can join EIC Women Leadership Programme including 3 days of coaching, training, and mentoring
BAS Activities: Possibility to apply to all BAS activities (subsequent selection may apply)

Ukraine Call Awardees

"Ukraine call" Awardees receive:

Coaching: 3 days of coaching
BAS Activities: Possibility to apply to all BAS activities (subsequent selection may apply)

Pre-Accelerator Call Awardees

Pre-Accelerator call Awardees receive:

Coaching: 12 days of coaching
BAS Activities: Possibility to apply to all BAS activities (subsequent selection may apply)
Investment Support: 1-to-1 investment readiness and outreach support

Alternative Funding Recipients

Beneficiaries who have been assessed under an EIC call within Horizon Europe (2021, 2022, 2023), successfully meeting all award criteria, and subsequently receiving funding through alternative schemes based on this evaluation receive:

Coaching: 3 days of coaching
BAS Activities: Possibility to apply to all BAS activities (subsequent selection may apply)

EIC Accelerator Short Proposal Success

Applicants to the EIC Accelerator who have succeeded at the short application stage, and those submitted through a Fast Track or certified Plug In scheme receive:

Coaching: 3 days of coaching

Core BAS Services Funded Through Work Programmes

The BAS services funded through the EIC work programmes are specifically tailored to EIC Awardees and seal-of-excellence holders' needs and the changing nature of markets and overall economic environment. The flexibility for piloting new services and approaches and adapting or even stopping the ones that are not efficient is built into all BAS implementing contracts.

1. Coaching Services

Business coaching focuses on providing insights on business development and guidance to improve business performance. EIC coaching is a mandatory part of EIC funding. Beneficiaries are encouraged to choose their coach/coaches early in their project to maximize the benefits.

Coaching Topics: Cover the entire entrepreneurial and innovation endeavor from challenging the value proposition and business model, IP management, data protection, improving strategy and investor business case, building the team and leadership, to international expansion.

Coaching Allocation:

EIC Accelerator Full Proposal Stage: 3 days of remote coaching
EIC Awardees and Pre-accelerator Awardees: 12 days of remote coaching (can be extended in exceptional cases)
Other Eligible Entities: 3 days of remote coaching

2. International Trade Fairs Programme 4.0

This action allows the selection of EIC Awardees that are SMEs already established in Europe to attend European and international business trade fairs. The aim is to support their commercialization strategy in European and foreign markets and to strengthen the EU innovation brand around the world.

Services Include:

Exhibition space within the 'EIC Pavilion' in relevant fairs
Market training sessions for participating companies
Organization of business meetings at the fair
Company promotion
Organization of side events and sessions at the fair

3. EIC Corporate Partnership Programme 4.0

Support to pilot and close deals with corporates, facilitating partnerships between innovative SMEs and large corporations.

4. EIC Innovation Procurement Programme

Training and support for start-ups and SMEs in winning contracts from public and private sector innovation procurement tenders and funding to test products with innovation procurers.

5. EIC Scaling Club 2.0

Strengthen skills, knowledge, and network needed to scale up, focusing on the top deep tech companies in Europe.

6. EIC Women Leadership Programme

Dedicated support for female founders, providing specialized coaching, training, and mentoring.

7. Tech2Market BAS

Dedicated Business and Innovation Acceleration Services to EIC Pathfinder and EIC Transition beneficiaries supporting transition from lab to market.

8. Co-Investment Platform

Visibility of beneficiaries and one-to-one services to find co-investors through a digital platform listing all EIC Accelerator, Transition, EIC STEP Scaleup and Pre-Accelerator companies.

9. ESG Reporting Support

Support in Environmental, Social and Governance related reporting (EIC GHG Tool).

EIC Ecosystem Partners Services

In addition to the BAS services funded through the EIC work programmes, the services provided by EIC Ecosystem Partners offer eligible entities access to an even larger portfolio of high-quality, topic, or sector-specific services from service providers from all over Europe.

Ecosystem Partner Services Include:

Incubation and acceleration programmes
Legal and IP expertise
Access to testing and research infrastructure
Matchmaking with large corporates and investors
Pitching and networking events
Specialized trainings (e.g., on intellectual property protection, technology due diligence)
Innovation boot camps and summer schools
Support to validate/accelerate a technology
Mentorship and business coaching
Co-investment opportunities
Data mining or mapping services of tech infrastructures, piloting plants, testbeds

Financial Support for Ecosystem Partner Services

The EIC provides financial support in the form of lump sum grants to EIC Awardees aiming at co-funding access to services from Ecosystem Partners. This support covers up to 50% of the cost of services received from EIC Ecosystem Partners, with a maximum cumulative support of EUR 60,000 per recipient.

Application and Selection Process

Unless otherwise specified in the specific calls, eligible entities can apply to EIC's BAS services through open calls published on the EIC Community Platform. The selection is done based on assessment from business partners or market experts or on a first-come, first-served basis.

EIC Business Coaches

EIC business coaches are highly qualified professionals selected against strict evaluation criteria. Applicants to provide EIC coaching services must have:

At least five years of professional experience as investor, board advisor, or in managerial positions with responsibilities in developing business innovation
At least five years of coaching experience supporting new business development within corporate departments or with startups

Coaching Fees: EIC business coaches receive EUR 1,000 per day of coaching (corresponding to EUR 500 per half day), which is considered proportionate to the specific services provided.

Quality Assurance and Monitoring

The EIC implements several mechanisms to ensure the quality of BAS services:

Structured Reporting: The EIC requests structured coaching reports/surveys after coaching has been provided
Quality Surveys: Quality surveys are conducted directly after the end of services
Impact Surveys: Impact surveys are conducted 6 months after the end of services
Continuous Evaluation: Regular assessment of service effectiveness and impact

EIC Community Platform

The EIC Community platform is a virtual meeting place where EIC Awardees and all other eligible entities can access services specifically designed for EIC beneficiaries. It facilitates links to Business Acceleration Services and enables discussions, exchanges, and matchmaking.

Service Catalogue

The services from EIC Ecosystem Partners can be accessed through the EIC Service Catalogue, which provides information about services, conditions to apply, and eventual costs.

Impact and Success Metrics

The BAS services are designed to achieve several key outcomes:

Market Access: Increased access of EIC Awardees to new partners and services with sector-specific knowledge, expertise, equipment/R&I infrastructure, networks, or markets
Faster Transition: Enable faster transition of innovations from lab to market and scale-up of EIC companies, increasing the chances for return on EIC investments
Ecosystem Synergies: Create synergies and further spread excellence within the European Innovation Ecosystem
Partner Access: Allow EIC Ecosystem Partners access to a deal flow of top-level European innovators

Key Performance Indicators

The BAS services are monitored through several KPIs including:

Time to Inform: Measuring time from application of an EIC Awardee to notification of confirmation about lump sum award
Time to Pay: The lump sum payment time (from reception of service to payment)
Utilization Rate: Target at least 20% of eligible group using the lump sum scheme
User Satisfaction: 90% of entities receiving financial support evaluating application system as lean and easy

The Business Acceleration Services represent a comprehensive support ecosystem that goes far beyond financial funding, providing EIC Awardees with the tools, connections, and expertise they need to successfully bring their innovations to market and scale their businesses effectively.

10. Investment Component and EIC Fund

The EIC Fund represents a unique and innovative approach to supporting breakthrough technologies by providing direct equity investments to companies selected through the EIC Accelerator programme. This investment component is a distinctive feature that sets the EIC Accelerator apart from traditional grant-only funding schemes, enabling it to provide not just financial support but strategic investment backing for Europe's most promising innovations.

EIC Fund Structure and Governance

The EIC Fund is an alternative investment fund (AIF) that has been established for the specific purpose of investing in companies selected through EIC Accelerator calls. The fund operates under a sophisticated governance structure designed to ensure professional investment management while maintaining alignment with EU strategic objectives.

Fund Management Structure

EIC Fund Manager: An external alternative investment fund manager (AIFM) manages the EIC Fund, bringing professional investment expertise and market knowledge
Investment Advisor: The European Investment Bank (EIB) supports the EIC Fund as Investment Advisor, providing expertise in investment structuring and due diligence processes
Commission Oversight: The European Commission maintains oversight of the fund's strategic direction and alignment with EU objectives

Investment Decision Process

The EIC Fund Manager makes investment and divestment decisions on companies selected through the EIC Accelerator call by following a comprehensive due diligence process performed by the EIB according to the EIC Investment Guidelines. This process ensures that investment decisions are based on thorough analysis and professional assessment.

Due Diligence Process

The investment due diligence process includes:

Technical Due Diligence: Assessment of the technology's viability, scalability, and market potential
Financial Due Diligence: Analysis of the company's financial position, projections, and funding requirements
Commercial Due Diligence: Evaluation of market opportunity, competitive landscape, and business model
Legal Due Diligence: Review of legal structure, intellectual property, and regulatory compliance
Compliance Checks: KYC (Know Your Customer), AML/CTF (Anti-Money Laundering/Combating the Financing of Terrorism), tax compliance, sanctions screening

Investment Amounts and Flexibility

Standard Investment Range

Minimum Investment: EUR 1 million
Maximum Investment: EUR 10 million
Higher Amounts: Available under the EIC STEP Scale Up call

Flexibility Mechanism

The EIC Fund includes a flexibility mechanism that enables it to make investment decisions for higher amounts than requested if justified. This flexibility amount is up to EUR 2 million per proposal and is designed to:

Account for developments of the company since the date of application
Enable the opportunity of catalysing a larger overall funding round with co-investors
Respond to changing market conditions and company growth

The additional flexibility amount may only be used if there are sufficient amounts available on the EIC Fund accounts (e.g., due to unused budget from other investments) and will be decided on a case-by-case basis.

Investment Purpose and Timing

The investment component is intended to finance market deployment and scale-up activities. It can be requested:

In Parallel: With the grant component (and may be used for co-financing innovation activities)
At a Later Stage: During the lifetime of the grant agreement
Flexible Timing: The EIC Fund assesses the relevant timing and urgency of needs, which may be immediate, at a later stage, or in a number of tranches

Investment Structuring and Terms

Within the maximum budget awarded by the Commission, the terms of investment are negotiated on a case-by-case basis in accordance with the EIC Fund Investment Guidelines. This approach ensures that each investment is tailored to the specific needs and circumstances of the company while maintaining alignment with EIC objectives.

Investment Forms

The EIC Fund can provide investments in various forms:

Direct Equity: Direct ownership stakes in the company
Quasi-Equity: Convertible loans or other equity-like instruments
Holding Structures: In certain cases, investments can be made in holding structures of the beneficiary company

Strategic Objectives and European Interests

The investment component of the EIC is designed to fill the funding gap for high-risk innovations to a stage where they can be fully co-financed or financed under the InvestEU programme or by private investors alone. The EIC Accelerator is designed to bear the risk of potential breakthrough market-creating innovations to attract private investors in a second stage.

European Value Protection

When implementing investments, the EIC Fund ensures that supported companies keep most of their value, including their IP, in the EU or in the Associated Countries to contribute to their economic growth and job creation. This includes:

IP Protection: Ensuring intellectual property remains in Europe
Economic Growth: Supporting European economic development
Job Creation: Facilitating employment opportunities in Europe
Strategic Safeguards: Where necessary, taking appropriate safeguard measures to protect European interests

Co-Investment and Syndication

The EIC Fund actively seeks to catalyze additional private investment alongside its own investments. During the investment process, the EIC Fund or the Business Acceleration Services provided by the Agency will support companies in the search for other investors.

Co-Investment Process

Investor Search: Support in identifying and engaging potential co-investors
Consent Requirement: Companies are asked for consent before other investors are contacted or engaged in negotiations
Syndication Support: Assistance in structuring investment rounds with multiple investors
Leverage Effect: The EIC investment is designed to attract 3-5 times the amount from other investors

Investment Timeline and Process

The investment process typically takes between two to six months since selection for funding. The process includes:

Information Transmission: Relevant information from the proposal is transmitted to the EIC Fund and its investment advisor
Investment Structuring: Development of the potential investment agreement including compliance checks, syndication of potential co-investors, and definition of investment tranches
Due Diligence: Comprehensive due diligence process by the EIB
Investment Decision: Final investment decision by the EIC Fund

Investment Decision and Conditions

Investment Decision Factors

Due Diligence Results: Outcomes of the comprehensive due diligence process
Company Maturity: Assessment of the company's readiness for investment
Market Conditions: Current market environment and investment climate
Strategic Alignment: Alignment with EU strategic objectives
Risk Assessment: Evaluation of investment risks and potential returns

Grant First Approach

Should the outcome of the due diligence conclude that the innovation or company is not yet mature for investment, the EIC Fund may recommend starting with the grant component first (if blended finance), with the investment component subject to reaching defined milestones.

In such cases:

The EIC Fund will re-examine the due diligence once defined milestones are achieved
The investment decision must be taken during the grant agreement or within one year after the end of the grant duration
If no investment decision is taken during this period, companies may subsequently apply for equity-only support

Investment Portfolio Management

The EIC Fund Manager manages the EIC portfolio of invested companies, supported by the EIB, and in close coordination with:

Grant Support: The grant support provided to investee companies by the European Commission and managed by the Agency
Business Acceleration Services: Including access to other potential investors via the EIC Co-Investment Platform
Technology Due Diligence: Performance of technology due diligence by the Agency

Budget and Financial Management

The indicative budget for investment components is EUR [TBD] million and is managed by the EIC Fund. This budget may be increased by unused amounts allocated to the EIC Fund under previous EIC Work Programmes, providing additional flexibility for high-quality investments.

Budget Sources

Annual Allocation: Regular budget allocation from the EIC Work Programme
Unused Budgets: Carry-forward of unused amounts from previous years
Returns: Reinvestment of returns from successful investments
Follow-on Reserves: Budget reserved for follow-on investments

Risk Management and Compliance

The EIC Fund operates under strict risk management and compliance frameworks:

Sanctions Compliance: The EIC Fund shall not enter into contracts with institutions or individuals listed on sanction lists
Tax Compliance: Adherence to EU tax compliance requirements
AML/CTF: Anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing compliance
Investment Guidelines: Strict adherence to EIC Fund Investment Guidelines

Performance Monitoring and Reporting

The EIC Fund's performance is monitored through:

Regular Reporting: Periodic reports to the Commission and Programme Committee
Portfolio Monitoring: Continuous monitoring of invested companies
Impact Assessment: Evaluation of the fund's contribution to EU objectives
Financial Performance: Tracking of investment returns and portfolio performance

Integration with EIC Ecosystem

The EIC Fund is fully integrated with the broader EIC ecosystem:

Business Acceleration Services: Investee companies have access to comprehensive BAS support
Co-Investment Platform: Access to the EIC Co-Investment Platform for additional investor connections
Programme Manager Support: Integration with EIC Programme Managers for strategic guidance
Ecosystem Partners: Access to the broader EIC ecosystem partner network

The EIC Fund represents a pioneering approach to public investment in innovation, combining the rigor of professional investment management with the strategic objectives of European innovation policy. This unique model enables the EIC to provide not just funding but strategic investment backing for Europe's most promising breakthrough technologies.

11. Economic Security and Safeguards

The EIC Accelerator programme operates within a comprehensive framework of economic security measures designed to protect Europe's strategic assets, interests, autonomy, and security. These safeguards are implemented in response to the European Economic Security Strategy and the Commission Recommendation on critical technology areas for the EU's economic security, ensuring that EU funding supports European innovation while protecting against economic security risks.

European Economic Security Strategy Framework

The economic security measures implemented in the EIC Accelerator are based on two key EU policy documents:

European Economic Security Strategy: Joint Communication by the European Commission and the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy (JOIN (2023) 20 final)
Commission Recommendation on Critical Technology Areas: C(2023)6689 of 3 October 2023 on critical technology areas for the EU's economic security for further risk assessment with Member States

These measures are designed to protect Europe from economic security risks while maintaining the EU's position as a global innovation leader and ensuring that strategic technologies remain under European control and contribute to European economic growth and job creation.

Eligibility Restrictions for Economic Security

In line with Article 136 of the Financial Regulation, the EIC Accelerator implements specific eligibility restrictions to protect the Union's strategic assets, interests, or security, taking into account the technological objectives and expected outcomes.

Restricted Participation

Legal entities which are directly or indirectly controlled by a non-eligible third country or by a legal entity established in a non-eligible third country cannot participate as recipients under specific circumstances. This restriction is exceptionally applied under the following calls:

Specific Challenges under the EIC Accelerator: Certain challenge areas that involve strategic technologies
STEP Scale Up Call: Which supports strategic areas in Digital technologies and deep tech, Clean and resource efficient technologies, and Biotechnologies

Assessment Criteria

The assessment of eligibility restrictions considers:

Control Structure: Direct or indirect control by non-eligible third countries
Ownership: When participants are owned and controlled by natural persons, the nationality of these natural persons is the relevant factor for assessment
Risk Assessment: Depending on the risk assessment, and with a view to attracting global talent, the Agency may decide to use the place of residence of controlling owners as the relevant factor
Strategic Technologies: Special consideration for projects involving critical technology areas

Investment Safeguards

The EIC Fund includes economic security safeguards in investment agreements for companies selected to receive an investment component under the EIC Accelerator. These safeguards are designed to protect the Union's strategic assets, interests, autonomy, or security and to achieve technological objectives and expected outcomes.

Scope of Investment Safeguards

Investment safeguards apply to companies selected under:

EIC STEP Scale Up Call: Companies developing strategic technologies
Four Priority Technology Areas: As defined in the Commission Recommendation on critical technology areas:
- Advanced semiconductors technologies
- Artificial intelligence technologies
- Quantum technologies
- Biotechnologies

Implementation of Safeguards

The different possible safeguards are described in the EIC Fund Investment Guidelines and will be tailored to each specific investee. Where the need for such safeguard measures is identified in the Commission Award Decision, the EIC Fund will apply at least one of the safeguard measures in the investment agreement.

Specific Technology Focus

The requirement for investment-related measures will be introduced in the Commission Award Decision only in the case of projects:

Selected under the STEP Scale Up call or falling within the four priority technology areas
Involving specific technologies listed in the second column of the Annex to Commission Recommendation C(2023)6689

Moreover, the safeguard measures will only concern projects whose core purpose is to develop one of these specific technologies and not projects where these technologies are a tool or method that will be applied for a specific application, but without substantial development of the technology itself.

Intellectual Property Protection

A requirement exists in the grant agreement for all EIC beneficiaries to inform the Agency in cases where the Intellectual Property generated by EIC projects is proposed to be transferred to an entity in a non-associated third country. This measure ensures that valuable IP developed with EU funding remains under appropriate control and protection.

IP Transfer Notification

Mandatory Notification: All EIC beneficiaries must inform the Agency of proposed IP transfers to non-associated third countries
Assessment Process: The Agency will assess such transfers to ensure they align with EU strategic interests
Protection Measures: Appropriate measures may be implemented to protect European interests in strategic IP

Sanctions Compliance

The EIC Fund operates under strict sanctions compliance requirements to ensure that EU funding does not benefit sanctioned entities or individuals.

Sanctions Restrictions

The EIC Fund shall not enter into any contract or maintain a business relationship with any institution or individual listed on sanction lists, and in particular shall not make any funds available directly or indirectly to any institution or individual listed in sanction lists.

Compliance Framework

Consolidated Sanctions List: Regular checking against the EU's consolidated list of sanctions
Due Diligence: Comprehensive due diligence processes to identify sanctioned entities
Ongoing Monitoring: Continuous monitoring of investee companies for sanctions compliance
Immediate Action: Immediate suspension or termination of relationships with sanctioned entities

Tax Compliance and Anti-Money Laundering

The EIC applies comprehensive EU rules, policies, and procedures addressing requirements in respect of money laundering, terrorism financing, tax avoidance, tax fraud, and tax evasion as contained in Article 158(2)(a) of the Financial Regulation.

Non-Cooperative Jurisdictions

The EIC complies with the prohibition to enter into new or renewed operations with entities incorporated or established in jurisdictions listed under the relevant Union policy on non-cooperative jurisdictions or that are identified as high-risk third countries or that do not effectively comply with Union or internationally agreed tax standards on transparency and exchange of information.

Tax Compliance Requirements

Council Conclusions Compliance: Application of requirements concerning the list of non-cooperative jurisdictions for tax purposes
Transparency Standards: Compliance with international tax transparency and information exchange standards
Risk Assessment: Assessment of tax compliance risks in investment decisions
Derogation Possibility: Possibility to derogate from restrictions when actions are physically implemented in relevant jurisdictions

Compliance Monitoring and Enforcement

The breach of economic security obligations may lead to the interruption of the equity investment process and other enforcement measures.

Enforcement Mechanisms

Investment Process Interruption: Suspension or termination of investment processes for non-compliance
Grant Agreement Termination: Termination of grant agreements for serious breaches
Legal Action: Pursuit of legal remedies for violations of economic security measures
Reporting Requirements: Mandatory reporting of compliance issues to relevant authorities

Due Diligence and Risk Assessment

The EIC Fund conducts comprehensive due diligence processes that include economic security risk assessment as part of the investment decision-making process.

Due Diligence Components

KYC (Know Your Customer): Comprehensive customer identification and verification
AML/CTF (Anti-Money Laundering/Combating the Financing of Terrorism): Assessment of money laundering and terrorism financing risks
Tax Compliance: Verification of tax compliance status
Sanctions Screening: Checking against all relevant sanctions lists
Economic Security Assessment: Evaluation of economic security risks and implications

Strategic Technology Protection

The economic security measures are particularly focused on protecting strategic technologies that are critical for EU competitiveness and security.

Protected Technology Areas

The measures specifically protect technologies in:

Advanced Semiconductors: Critical for digital infrastructure and security
Artificial Intelligence: Strategic for future competitiveness and security
Quantum Technologies: Emerging technologies with significant strategic importance
Biotechnologies: Critical for health, agriculture, and industrial applications

Technology Transfer Controls

Export Controls: Compliance with EU export control regulations
Technology Transfer Agreements: Specific safeguards in technology transfer arrangements
Research Collaboration: Protection of research collaborations with strategic implications
Commercialization Controls: Safeguards in commercialization agreements

European Value Protection

IP Protection: Ensuring intellectual property remains in Europe
Economic Growth: Supporting European economic development
Job Creation: Facilitating employment opportunities in Europe
Strategic Safeguards: Where necessary, taking appropriate safeguard measures to protect European interests

Value Retention Measures

IP Protection: Ensuring intellectual property remains in Europe
Economic Benefits: Maximizing economic benefits for European economies
Job Creation: Supporting employment opportunities in Europe
Technology Development: Ensuring technology development benefits European capabilities

Case-by-Case Safeguard Application

Where necessary to protect European interests in strategic areas, the EIC Fund will be requested to take appropriate safeguard measures for individual companies on a case-by-case basis in order to protect European interests as defined in the Investment Guidelines.

Tailored Safeguard Measures

Individual Assessment: Each case is assessed individually based on specific circumstances
Risk-Based Approach: Safeguards are applied based on identified risks
Proportional Measures: Measures are proportional to the identified risks
Flexible Application: Safeguards can be adjusted as circumstances change

Monitoring and Review

The economic security measures are subject to ongoing monitoring and review to ensure their effectiveness and appropriateness.

Review Mechanisms

Regular Assessment: Periodic assessment of the effectiveness of economic security measures
Policy Updates: Updates to measures based on evolving security threats
Stakeholder Consultation: Consultation with relevant stakeholders on measure effectiveness
International Coordination: Coordination with international partners on economic security

The economic security and safeguards framework ensures that the EIC Accelerator programme supports European innovation while protecting EU strategic interests and maintaining Europe's technological sovereignty. These measures are essential for ensuring that EU funding contributes to European economic growth, job creation, and technological leadership while protecting against economic security risks.

12. Fast Track and Plug-In Schemes

The EIC Accelerator programme offers two specialized schemes designed to provide accelerated access to funding for companies that have already demonstrated their innovation potential through other EU programmes or national/regional initiatives. These schemes streamline the application process and enable qualified companies to bypass the initial short proposal stage, directly accessing the full proposal evaluation phase.

Fast Track Scheme

The 'Fast Track' scheme is a specific process applicable to the EIC Accelerator that provides for a specialized treatment of proposals that result from existing Horizon Europe or Horizon 2020 projects. This scheme recognizes the value of companies that have already been evaluated and supported through other EU innovation programmes.

Fast Track Process Overview

Under the Fast Track scheme, applicants do not apply directly to the EIC Accelerator call. Instead, a project review is carried out by the responsible granting authority or national funding body to assess the innovation or market deployment potential of an existing project, and to decide whether the project is suitable for support under the EIC Accelerator.

Project Review Requirements

The project review – implemented by the granting authority or national funding body responsible for the programme – must be conducted using:

Equivalent Award Criteria: Award criteria equivalent to the ones set out for the short application stage of the EIC Accelerator regarding excellence and impact, centred on the underlying idea of that potential new action
Independent Assessment: A project review process that guarantees an independent assessment
Timeline Compliance: Carried out within the previous two years in compliance with Article 48 of the Horizon Europe Regulation

Submission Conditions

The responsible granting authority or national funding body can submit the outcome of the projects review to the EIC Accelerator, if the project review concludes that the following conditions are met:

Excellence and Impact: The proposal meets the first two criteria of the EIC Accelerator (i.e. excellence and impact)
No Duplication: There is no duplication of funding of activities to be supported under the EIC Accelerator with the existing grant
Eligibility: The applicant meets the eligibility criteria for the EIC Accelerator

Fast Track Application Process

Fast Track applicants will then be invited to prepare a full proposal for the EIC Accelerator following the notification about the successful result of the initial review. The Fast Track Accelerator applicants will be submitted to the same submission limitations that apply to the EIC Accelerator.

Coaching Support: They will receive coaching as specified in Section V
Standard Assessment: Full proposals to the EIC Accelerator stemming from the Fast Track scheme will be assessed as set out in Section V
Equal Treatment: They will be treated in exactly the same way as all other full proposals

Eligible Programmes and Funding Bodies (2026)

In 2026, the national funding bodies, schemes, projects and beneficiaries which are eligible for the Fast Track for EIC Accelerator cut-off dates are:

EIC Pathfinder and EIC Transition Projects: Including under EIC pilot, managed by the Agency
EIT Knowledge and Innovation Communities (KICs): Relevant schemes managed by the Knowledge and Innovation Communities (KICs) supported by the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT), as identified as relevant by each KIC
Eurostars-2 Joint Programme: Funding schemes for SMEs supported under the Eurostars-2 Joint Programme and the Partnership on Innovative SMEs managed by the Eureka secretariat and relevant national bodies
Previous EIC Accelerator Awardees: Companies awarded a grant only under the Horizon 2020 EIC pilot Accelerator and the Horizon Europe EIC Accelerator managed by the Agency
Pre-accelerator Funding Scheme: Companies awarded grants under the Pre-accelerator funding scheme
Women Tech.EU Scheme: Companies awarded grants under the Women Tech.EU scheme

Implementation and Flexibility

These national funding bodies are responsible for implementing the Fast Track scheme in accordance with the above provisions. They may decide not to implement the scheme or to introduce it at a later stage.

Subject to experience with the Fast Track scheme, the scheme may be opened to other parts of Horizon Europe and Horizon 2020, and to the funding bodies responsible for their implementation. The EIC website will provide up to date information about how the Fast Track scheme is being implemented by the relevant funding bodies.

EIC Plug-In Scheme

The EIC Plug-In scheme provides that certified national or regional programmes may submit applications directly to the full application stage of the EIC Accelerator evaluation. Following the evaluation of the EIC Plug-in pilot scheme from 2022-24, the scheme has been refined to better serve its objectives.

Plug-In Scheme Objectives

The objectives for the EIC Plug-In scheme are:

Stronger Alignment: Stronger alignment between national and EU innovation support to support the growth of companies with potential to contribute to Europe's competitiveness
Streamlined Process: More streamlined process to access funding for innovation projects from excellent companies
Strategic Identification: Identification of strategic companies with innovation projects based on excellent research and with impact potential

Plug-In Scheme Purpose

The EIC Plug-In scheme aims to support collaboration between national or regional funding bodies providing grants or/and equity to deep tech startups, in particular around the review and evaluation of suitable projects and companies for EIC Accelerator. The aim is to strengthen the capability of the funding bodies to identify and support promising deep tech projects and companies that could benefit from EIC accelerator support.

Plug-In Application Process

Eligible funding bodies will be able to propose a limited number of companies from national and regional programmes, for direct access to the full proposal stage of the EIC Accelerator. The companies should be selected based on criteria equivalent to the criteria for EIC Accelerator Short application and through a process that guarantee an independent assessment of proposals.

Certification Process

The eligible funding bodies, programmes and project review processes will be certified by the Commission with the support of external experts. The list of responsible national and regional funding bodies from Member State and Associated Country that have certified programmes will be published on the EIC website.

Plug-In Benefits and Treatment

The selected projects and companies will have the same access to EIC coaching as proposals selected in the EIC accelerator short application phase. Full proposals stemming from the Plug-in partnership will be assessed as set out in Section V and will be treated exactly the same way as all other full proposals.

Limitations and Controls

Limited Access: The number of proposals that can be given access for the Plug-In will be limited at the level of the Member State and Associated Countries
Certification Withdrawal: The Commission may withdraw the certification if it finds out that false information was used to obtain the certification or the project review does not comply with the provisions as set out in the most recent EIC work programme
Voluntary Implementation: A Member State or Associated Country may decide not to implement the Plug-in scheme or to introduce it at a later stage

Comparison of Fast Track and Plug-In Schemes

Feature	Fast Track Scheme	Plug-In Scheme
Target Applicants	Companies from existing Horizon Europe/Horizon 2020 projects	Companies from certified national/regional programmes
Review Process	Project review by granting authority/national funding body	Selection by certified national/regional funding bodies
Entry Point	Direct to full proposal stage	Direct to full proposal stage
Coaching Access	Same as standard applicants	Same as standard applicants
Evaluation	Same as all other full proposals	Same as all other full proposals
Limitations	Same submission limitations as standard	Limited at Member State/Associated Country level

EIT KICs Fast Track Process

The Fast Track process by EIT KICs allows proposals from companies selected by the EIT KICs to enter the EIC Accelerator evaluation at the second stage. This process will continue, and EIC beneficiaries will have access to the services provided by the EIT KICs via the partnerships agreed with the Business Acceleration Services.

EIT Collaboration Benefits

Direct Access: Companies selected by EIT KICs can access the EIC Accelerator at the full proposal stage
Service Access: EIC beneficiaries have access to EIT KIC services through BAS partnerships
Next Generation Innovation Talents: The scheme allows EIT Label Masters and Doctoral programmes, EIT Alumni, and EIT Jumpstarter beneficiaries to undertake secondments in EIC and EIT supported startups and SMEs

Advantages of Fast Track and Plug-In Schemes

For Applicants

Streamlined Process: Bypass the short proposal stage and go directly to full proposal
Reduced Time: Faster access to EIC Accelerator funding
Leveraged Evaluation: Build on previous successful evaluations
Coaching Support: Access to the same coaching services as standard applicants

For the Innovation Ecosystem

Better Coordination: Improved alignment between national/regional and EU innovation support
Efficient Resource Use: Avoid duplication of evaluation efforts
Strategic Focus: Identify and support the most promising companies
Enhanced Collaboration: Strengthen partnerships between funding bodies

Implementation Considerations

For Funding Bodies

Certification Requirements: Must meet certification standards for Plug-In scheme
Independent Assessment: Must guarantee independent evaluation processes
Compliance: Must comply with EIC Accelerator criteria and processes
Flexibility: May choose not to implement or delay implementation

Quality Assurance

Equivalent Standards: Must maintain equivalent evaluation standards
Independent Review: Must ensure independent assessment processes
Commission Oversight: Subject to Commission certification and monitoring
Certification Withdrawal: Risk of certification withdrawal for non-compliance

Future Development

Both schemes are subject to ongoing evaluation and potential expansion:

Fast Track Expansion: May be opened to other parts of Horizon Europe and Horizon 2020
Experience-Based Refinement: Schemes will be refined based on implementation experience
Additional Funding Bodies: More funding bodies may be added to eligible lists
Process Optimization: Continuous improvement of processes and procedures

The Fast Track and Plug-In schemes represent innovative approaches to streamlining access to EIC Accelerator funding while maintaining high quality standards and ensuring proper coordination between different levels of innovation support in Europe. These schemes enable the EIC to leverage existing evaluation efforts and provide faster access to funding for companies that have already demonstrated their innovation potential through other programmes.

13. Application Submission Limits

The EIC Accelerator programme implements specific limitations on the number of times applicants can submit proposals to prevent excessive resubmissions and ensure efficient use of evaluation resources. These submission limits are designed to encourage applicants to make meaningful improvements to their proposals based on feedback received from previous evaluations.

General Submission Limitations

The EIC Accelerator applies limitations on the number of unsuccessful submissions of the same/improved proposal by the same legal entity. These limitations apply equally to applicants submitted via the Fast Track or Plug-In schemes, ensuring consistent treatment across all application pathways.

The Three Unsuccessful Submissions Rule

As from 1 January 2024, after three unsuccessful submissions of the same/improved proposal by the same legal entity to the EIC Accelerator call for Challenges or Open, which can be at any stage of the process (Short Proposal, Full Proposal) and for any form of support (Grant-Only, Blended Finance, Equity-Only), an applicant may not apply again to the EIC Accelerator under the Horizon Europe Framework Programme.

Scope of the Limitation

The three unsuccessful submissions rule applies to:

All Application Stages: Short Proposal stage, Full Proposal stage, or any combination thereof
All Funding Types: Grant-Only, Blended Finance, and Equity-Only applications
All Application Pathways: Standard applications, Fast Track scheme, and Plug-In scheme
All Call Types: EIC Accelerator Open and EIC Accelerator Challenges
Same Legal Entity: The limitation applies to the same legal entity, regardless of proposal improvements

Definition of Unsuccessful Submissions

An unsuccessful submission is defined as any application that does not result in funding, regardless of the stage at which the application is rejected:

Short Proposal Rejection: Applications rejected at the short proposal stage count as one unsuccessful submission
Full Proposal Rejection: Applications rejected at the full proposal stage count as one unsuccessful submission
Jury Interview Rejection: Applications rejected after jury interviews count as one unsuccessful submission
Withdrawn Applications: Applications withdrawn by the applicant may also count as unsuccessful submissions

Proposal Improvement Requirements

In all cases, applicants are expected to take into account the feedback on their previous submission and only reapply if they have made significant improvements. The EIC expects applicants to:

Address Feedback: Carefully consider and address all feedback received from previous evaluations
Make Substantial Improvements: Implement meaningful changes to the proposal based on evaluation feedback
Demonstrate Progress: Show clear evidence of progress and development since the previous submission
Enhance Innovation: Strengthen the innovation aspects and market potential of the proposal

Application to Different Funding Types

The submission limits apply across all funding types, meaning that unsuccessful submissions for different funding types are counted together:

Cross-Type Counting: An unsuccessful Grant-Only application counts toward the limit for Blended Finance or Equity-Only applications
Same Innovation Focus: The limit applies to the same/improved proposal, regardless of the funding type requested
No Reset: Switching between funding types does not reset the submission count

Application to Different Call Types

The submission limits apply across both EIC Accelerator Open and EIC Accelerator Challenges:

Cross-Call Counting: Unsuccessful submissions to Open calls count toward the limit for Challenge calls and vice versa
Same Innovation Focus: The limit applies to the same/improved proposal, regardless of the call type
No Call-Specific Limits: There are no separate limits for different call types

Application to Fast Track and Plug-In Schemes

The submission limitations apply equally to applicants submitted via the Fast Track or Plug-In schemes:

Equal Treatment: Fast Track and Plug-In applicants are subject to the same submission limits as standard applicants
Cross-Scheme Counting: Unsuccessful submissions through Fast Track or Plug-In schemes count toward the overall limit
No Scheme-Specific Limits: There are no separate limits for different application schemes

Legal Entity Considerations

The submission limits apply to the same legal entity, which has important implications:

Entity-Specific: The limit applies to the specific legal entity that submitted the applications
No Transfer: The submission count cannot be transferred to a different legal entity
Parent/Subsidiary: Different legal entities (e.g., parent and subsidiary companies) have separate submission counts
Entity Changes: Changes in legal entity structure may affect submission count tracking

Tracking and Monitoring

The EIC maintains comprehensive tracking of submission attempts to ensure compliance with the limits:

Centralized Tracking: All submission attempts are tracked in the EIC's central database
Entity Identification: Submissions are tracked by legal entity identifier
Proposal Matching: The system identifies same/improved proposals across different submissions
Automatic Enforcement: The system automatically prevents submissions that exceed the limit

Exceptions and Special Cases

While the submission limits are generally strict, there may be exceptional circumstances:

Significant Innovation Changes: Proposals with fundamentally different innovations may be considered separately
Major Market Changes: Significant changes in market conditions or technology landscape
Strategic Importance: Proposals of exceptional strategic importance to EU objectives
Administrative Errors: Cases where submissions were rejected due to administrative errors

Impact on Application Strategy

The submission limits require careful strategic planning:

Quality Over Quantity: Focus on submitting high-quality proposals rather than multiple attempts
Thorough Preparation: Ensure proposals are thoroughly prepared before submission
Feedback Integration: Carefully integrate feedback from previous submissions
Timing Considerations: Consider the timing of submissions to maximize improvement opportunities

Compliance and Enforcement

The EIC enforces submission limits through various mechanisms:

System Validation: The application system validates submission counts before allowing new submissions
Manual Review: Cases that exceed limits are subject to manual review
Appeal Process: Applicants may appeal decisions related to submission limits
Transparency: The EIC provides clear information about submission status and limits

Best Practices for Applicants

To maximize the chances of success within the submission limits, applicants should:

Seek Coaching: Utilize EIC business coaching services to improve proposals
Address Feedback: Carefully address all feedback from previous evaluations
Demonstrate Progress: Show clear evidence of progress and development
Consider Alternatives: Explore other funding opportunities if limits are reached
Plan Strategically: Plan submission timing to allow for meaningful improvements

Future Considerations

The submission limits are subject to ongoing review and may be adjusted based on:

Programme Performance: Overall success rates and programme efficiency
Applicant Feedback: Feedback from applicants about the impact of limits
Policy Objectives: Alignment with broader EU innovation policy objectives
Resource Constraints: Available evaluation resources and capacity

The application submission limits are a crucial component of the EIC Accelerator programme's quality assurance and efficiency measures. They encourage applicants to submit their best proposals and make meaningful improvements based on feedback, while ensuring that evaluation resources are used effectively. Understanding and planning for these limits is essential for any company considering multiple applications to the EIC Accelerator.

14. Follow-on Investments

The EIC Fund may provide follow-on investments in companies that have already been selected and awarded equity support through the EIC Accelerator programme. These follow-on investments represent a strategic approach to supporting the continued growth and development of promising companies that have already demonstrated their potential through initial EIC funding.

Overview of Follow-on Investment Approach

Follow-on investments consist of amounts additional to the original maximum amount laid down in the Award Decision or the decision on investment, within a maximum of EUR 10 million and subject to availability of budget. These investments are designed to provide continued support to companies that have successfully utilized their initial EIC funding and require additional capital to scale their operations.

Investment Amount and Limits

Standard Follow-on Investment Limits

Maximum Amount: EUR 10 million per follow-on investment
Additional to Original: Amounts are additional to the original maximum investment amount
Budget Dependent: Subject to availability of budget
Higher Amounts Available: Higher amounts for follow-on investments are available by applying under the EIC STEP Scale Up call

Evaluation and Approval Process

Follow-on investments are subject to a comprehensive evaluation and approval process to ensure they meet the same high standards as initial investments:

Project Review: Subject to a project review by external experts to ensure the evaluation criteria for Accelerator are met
Amended Award Decision: Requires an amended Award Decision by the European Commission
Renewed Due Diligence: Subject to a renewed assessment (due diligence) by the EIB as investment adviser to the EIC Fund
Programme Committee Notification: The Programme Committee shall be informed of such cases

Exceptional Categories for Follow-on Investments

Follow-on investments are limited to exceptional categories of cases, as advised by the EIC Board. These investments are only made under specific circumstances that justify additional support:

Category 1: EU Strategic Interests

Follow-on investments may be made where necessary to secure EU interests which cannot be otherwise protected or in the case of strategic technologies. Investments will be considered strategic where they are within the scope of:

Critical Technology Areas: The critical technology areas for the EU's economic security as defined in Commission Recommendation C(2023)6689 of 3 October 2023
STEP Priority Sectors: The priority sectors set out in the STEP Regulation (Article 2, Regulation (EU) 2024/795)
Strategic Importance: Technologies of strategic importance to EU competitiveness and security

Category 2: Funding Round Support

Follow-on investments may be made if subsequent funding rounds would not proceed or would proceed at significantly less favourable terms without the EIC Fund's follow-on investment. This category includes:

Catalytic Effect: Cases where EIC participation is essential to attract other investors
Terms Protection: Situations where EIC involvement protects against unfavourable investment terms
Round Completion: Cases where the funding round would not complete without EIC participation

Grant-First Support Follow-on Investments

The EIC Fund may also provide investments to companies that received "Grant first" support under the EIC Work Programmes 2021 to 2023, subject to these companies achieving the milestones set for proceeding with the investment component.

Grant-First Investment Process

Milestone Achievement: Companies must achieve the milestones set for proceeding with the investment component
Evaluation Process: Subject to the same evaluation criteria as standard follow-on investments
Due Diligence: Requires renewed due diligence assessment by the EIB
Commission Approval: Requires amended Award Decision by the European Commission

Budget Sources for Follow-on Investments

The budget for follow-on investments and the investment component subsequent to "Grant first" support will come with priority from the following sources:

Primary Budget Sources

Follow-on Reserve Budget: Priority allocation from the follow-on reserve budget as indicated in Annex 1
Investment Returns: Returns generated by EIC Fund investments
Reinvestment of Profits: Profits from successful exits and returns on existing investments

Secondary Budget Sources

In case the primary budgets are exhausted, available amounts from the following sources may be used:

Current Call Budget: Available amounts from the budget of the current call
Previous Allocations: Previous amounts allocated to the EIC Fund
Budget Transfers: Transfers from other EIC budget lines

Budget Reallocation

In case the budget reserved for follow-on investments is not fully used for the above cases, the remaining amount will be transferred to the Accelerator Open call, ensuring efficient use of available resources.

Strategic Considerations for Follow-on Investments

Company Performance Assessment

Before considering a follow-on investment, the EIC Fund assesses:

Progress Against Milestones: Achievement of key milestones and objectives
Financial Performance: Financial health and growth trajectory
Market Position: Competitive position and market traction
Team Execution: Management team performance and capability
Strategic Alignment: Continued alignment with EU strategic objectives

Investment Rationale

Follow-on investments must demonstrate clear rationale:

Growth Potential: Clear path to significant growth and value creation
Market Opportunity: Substantial market opportunity and competitive advantage
Strategic Value: Continued strategic value to EU objectives
Risk Assessment: Appropriate risk-return profile

Legal and Regulatory Framework

Follow-on investments are governed by the same legal and regulatory framework as initial investments:

Horizon Europe Regulation: Article 48(12), second subparagraph of the Horizon Europe Regulation
EIC Fund Investment Guidelines: Compliance with all EIC Fund Investment Guidelines
Commission Oversight: European Commission approval through amended Award Decisions
EIB Due Diligence: EIB assessment as investment adviser to the EIC Fund

Coordination with Other Investors

Follow-on investments are typically made in coordination with other investors:

Syndication: Often part of larger funding rounds with multiple investors
Lead Investor Role: EIC Fund may act as lead investor or follow other lead investors
Terms Alignment: Investment terms aligned with other investors in the round
Governance Participation: Continued participation in company governance

Monitoring and Reporting

Follow-on investments are subject to ongoing monitoring and reporting:

Performance Tracking: Regular monitoring of company performance and milestones
Portfolio Management: Active portfolio management by the EIC Fund
Reporting Requirements: Regular reporting to the European Commission
Programme Committee Updates: Regular updates to the Programme Committee

Exit Strategy Considerations

Follow-on investments include consideration of exit strategies:

Exit Timeline: Realistic timeline for potential exits
Exit Options: Various exit options (IPO, trade sale, secondary sale)
Return Expectations: Expected returns on follow-on investments
Risk Management: Risk management strategies for follow-on investments

Impact Measurement

Follow-on investments are evaluated for their impact:

Economic Impact: Contribution to European economic growth and job creation
Innovation Impact: Advancement of innovative technologies and solutions
Strategic Impact: Contribution to EU strategic objectives
Financial Impact: Financial returns and value creation

Best Practices for Companies Seeking Follow-on Investment

Companies seeking follow-on investment should:

Demonstrate Progress: Show clear progress against original milestones and objectives
Maintain Communication: Maintain regular communication with the EIC Fund
Prepare Documentation: Prepare comprehensive documentation for the evaluation process
Engage Early: Engage early in the process to discuss follow-on investment possibilities
Align with Strategy: Ensure continued alignment with EU strategic objectives

Follow-on investments represent a strategic tool for the EIC Fund to support the continued growth and success of promising companies that have already demonstrated their potential through initial EIC funding. These investments are carefully evaluated and approved to ensure they contribute to EU strategic objectives while providing appropriate returns and supporting the development of Europe's innovation ecosystem.

15. Parent and Holding Company Approach

In some cases of EIC Accelerator, it may be necessary for the EIC Fund to invest in the parent or holding company and not in the company that applied for EIC Accelerator support and is the beneficiary of the grant component. This approach recognizes the complex corporate structures that many innovative companies operate within and ensures that EIC investments align with the actual investment structure of the company.

Rationale for Parent/Holding Company Investment

The decision to invest in a parent or holding company rather than the operating company is based on practical investment considerations and corporate structure realities. This includes cases where the parent or holding company is where all other investors have invested and will invest in the future and where any potential upside will take place.

Common Scenarios for Parent/Holding Company Investment

Existing Investment Structure: Where other investors have already invested in the parent/holding company
Future Investment Plans: Where future investment rounds will be structured through the parent/holding company
Value Capture: Where the parent/holding company is where potential upside and value creation will occur
Corporate Structure: Where the operating company is a subsidiary of a larger holding structure
Tax and Legal Considerations: Where the parent/holding company structure provides optimal tax and legal benefits

Application Disclosure Requirements

Applicants should already indicate in their application if they have a parent or holding company for the purposes of the investment component. This upfront disclosure is essential for:

Investment Planning: Allowing the EIC Fund to plan the investment structure appropriately
Due Diligence Preparation: Enabling proper due diligence on the correct legal entity
Structure Alignment: Ensuring alignment with existing investment structures
Legal Compliance: Ensuring compliance with all legal and regulatory requirements

Conditions for Parent/Holding Company Investment

In such cases, the EIC Fund may decide to invest not in the beneficiary but in its parent or holding company if the following conditions are fulfilled:

Eligibility Criteria for Parent/Holding Company

SME Status: The parent or holding company must fulfil all relevant criteria, including SME status
Non-Bankability: The parent or holding company must meet the non-bankability criteria for the purpose of the EIC Accelerator
Geographic Establishment: The parent or holding company must be established in an EU Member State or Associated Country
Investment Guidelines Compliance: The EIC Fund Investment Guidelines must be followed

Additional Requirements

Corporate Structure Validation: The corporate structure must be validated and approved
Investment Rationale: Clear rationale for investing in the parent/holding company must be demonstrated
Value Flow Analysis: Analysis of how value flows through the corporate structure
Governance Structure: Appropriate governance structure must be in place

Grant Agreement Integration

In these cases, and where there is a grant component of support, the grant agreement with the beneficiary will include the parent or holding company as an affiliated entity in its role as investee. This integration ensures:

Legal Alignment: Proper legal alignment between grant and investment components
Oversight Coordination: Coordinated oversight of both grant and investment activities
Reporting Integration: Integrated reporting requirements for both components
Amendment Process: Where necessary, via an amendment to the grant agreement

Due Diligence Process

The due diligence process for parent/holding company investments includes:

Corporate Structure Analysis: Comprehensive analysis of the corporate structure and relationships
Legal Entity Assessment: Assessment of the parent/holding company as a legal entity
Financial Analysis: Financial analysis of the parent/holding company
Governance Review: Review of governance structures and decision-making processes
Value Flow Assessment: Assessment of how value flows through the corporate structure

Investment Structure Considerations

When investing in parent/holding companies, several structural considerations must be addressed:

Investment Terms

Equity Structure: Appropriate equity structure in the parent/holding company
Voting Rights: Appropriate voting rights and governance participation
Exit Rights: Clear exit rights and mechanisms
Information Rights: Appropriate information and reporting rights

Operational Considerations

Operating Company Relationship: Clear relationship between parent/holding company and operating company
Value Transfer Mechanisms: Mechanisms for value transfer between entities
Operational Control: Understanding of operational control and decision-making
Intellectual Property: Intellectual property ownership and licensing arrangements

Legal and Regulatory Compliance

Parent/holding company investments must comply with all applicable legal and regulatory requirements:

EU Regulations: Compliance with all relevant EU regulations and directives
National Laws: Compliance with national laws in the relevant Member States
Tax Compliance: Appropriate tax compliance and structuring
Corporate Governance: Appropriate corporate governance standards

Risk Management

Investing in parent/holding companies involves specific risk management considerations:

Structural Risk: Risks associated with complex corporate structures
Control Risk: Risks related to control and influence over operations
Value Capture Risk: Risks related to capturing value from the investment
Exit Risk: Risks related to exit strategies and mechanisms

Monitoring and Reporting

Parent/holding company investments require specific monitoring and reporting arrangements:

Financial Reporting: Regular financial reporting from the parent/holding company
Operational Reporting: Reporting on operational activities and performance
Governance Reporting: Reporting on governance activities and decisions
Value Tracking: Tracking of value creation and distribution

Exit Strategy Considerations

Exit strategies for parent/holding company investments must consider:

Exit Mechanisms: Appropriate exit mechanisms for the parent/holding company structure
Value Realization: Mechanisms for realizing value from the investment
Timing Considerations: Appropriate timing for exit based on the corporate structure
Market Conditions: Market conditions and their impact on exit strategies

Best Practices for Applicants

Applicants with parent/holding company structures should:

Early Disclosure: Disclose parent/holding company structures early in the application process
Clear Documentation: Provide clear documentation of the corporate structure
Rationale Explanation: Explain the rationale for the corporate structure
Value Flow Analysis: Provide analysis of how value flows through the structure
Governance Documentation: Provide documentation of governance structures

Comparison with Direct Operating Company Investment

Aspect	Direct Operating Company Investment	Parent/Holding Company Investment
Investment Target	Direct investment in the operating company	Investment in the parent/holding company
Corporate Structure	Simple, direct structure	Complex, multi-level structure
Due Diligence	Standard due diligence process	Enhanced due diligence including structure analysis
Value Capture	Direct value capture from operations	Indirect value capture through corporate structure
Governance	Direct governance participation	Indirect governance through parent/holding company

Legal Documentation Requirements

Parent/holding company investments require specific legal documentation:

Investment Agreement: Comprehensive investment agreement with the parent/holding company
Shareholders Agreement: Appropriate shareholders agreement
Corporate Governance Documents: Corporate governance documents and policies
Inter-Company Agreements: Agreements between parent/holding company and operating company

The parent and holding company approach represents a flexible and practical solution for investing in companies with complex corporate structures. This approach ensures that EIC investments can align with the actual investment structure of companies while maintaining all the necessary safeguards and compliance requirements. The key is early disclosure and clear documentation of the corporate structure to enable proper evaluation and investment structuring.

16. Investments in Listed Companies

Investments in listed companies may be made only in exceptional cases, where they are considered strategic, as set out in the EIC Fund Investment Guidelines. This approach reflects the EIC's focus on supporting early-stage and growth-stage companies while recognizing that in certain exceptional circumstances, listed companies may require strategic support for critical technologies.

Exceptional Nature of Listed Company Investments

The EIC Fund's general approach is to invest in private companies, particularly SMEs and start-ups that are not yet listed on public markets. However, the EIC recognizes that there may be exceptional circumstances where investment in listed companies serves strategic EU objectives.

Strategic Considerations

Investments in listed companies are considered strategic where they are within the scope of:

Critical Technology Areas: The critical technology areas for the EU's economic security as defined in Commission Recommendation C(2023)6689 of 3 October 2023
STEP Priority Sectors: The priority sectors set out in the STEP Regulation (Article 2, Regulation (EU) 2024/795)
Strategic Technologies: Technologies of strategic importance to EU competitiveness and security
Economic Security: Technologies critical to EU economic security and autonomy

Strategic Technology Areas

Investments in listed companies are most likely to be considered in the following strategic technology areas:

Advanced Semiconductors Technologies

Semiconductor Manufacturing: Advanced semiconductor manufacturing capabilities
Design and Development: Semiconductor design and development technologies
Supply Chain Security: Critical components of the semiconductor supply chain
Innovation Leadership: Companies leading semiconductor innovation in Europe

Artificial Intelligence Technologies

AI Development: Advanced AI development and deployment capabilities
AI Infrastructure: Critical AI infrastructure and platforms
AI Applications: Strategic AI applications in critical sectors
AI Ethics and Safety: AI ethics, safety, and governance technologies

Quantum Technologies

Quantum Computing: Quantum computing technologies and applications
Quantum Communications: Quantum communications and cryptography
Quantum Sensing: Quantum sensing and metrology technologies
Quantum Materials: Quantum materials and devices

Biotechnologies

Biopharmaceuticals: Advanced biopharmaceutical development
Industrial Biotechnology: Industrial biotechnology applications
Agricultural Biotechnology: Agricultural biotechnology innovations
Biomedical Technologies: Critical biomedical technologies and diagnostics

Evaluation Criteria for Listed Company Investments

When considering investments in listed companies, the EIC Fund applies enhanced evaluation criteria:

Strategic Importance Assessment

Technology Criticality: Assessment of how critical the technology is to EU strategic interests
Market Position: Evaluation of the company's position in critical technology markets
Innovation Leadership: Assessment of the company's role in driving innovation
European Value: Evaluation of the value to European technology leadership

Financial and Market Considerations

Market Valuation: Assessment of current market valuation and potential upside
Liquidity Analysis: Analysis of market liquidity and trading conditions
Risk Assessment: Enhanced risk assessment for listed company investments
Return Potential: Evaluation of potential returns and value creation

Investment Process for Listed Companies

The investment process for listed companies follows enhanced procedures:

Enhanced Due Diligence

Market Analysis: Comprehensive analysis of market conditions and trends
Regulatory Compliance: Assessment of regulatory compliance and reporting requirements
Corporate Governance: Evaluation of corporate governance structures and practices
Financial Analysis: Enhanced financial analysis including public market considerations

Investment Structuring

Investment Vehicle: Appropriate investment vehicle for listed company investment
Timing Considerations: Careful consideration of market timing and conditions
Legal Structure: Appropriate legal structure for listed company investment
Compliance Requirements: Compliance with all applicable securities laws and regulations

Regulatory and Compliance Considerations

Investments in listed companies require careful attention to regulatory and compliance requirements:

Securities Law Compliance

Market Abuse Regulations: Compliance with market abuse regulations
Disclosure Requirements: Appropriate disclosure requirements and timing
Insider Trading Rules: Compliance with insider trading rules and restrictions
Takeover Rules: Consideration of takeover rules and regulations

EU and National Regulations

EU Securities Regulations: Compliance with EU securities regulations
National Securities Laws: Compliance with national securities laws
Corporate Governance Codes: Adherence to corporate governance codes
Reporting Requirements: Appropriate reporting and disclosure requirements

Risk Management for Listed Company Investments

Listed company investments require enhanced risk management approaches:

Market Risk Management

Market Volatility: Management of market volatility risks
Liquidity Risk: Assessment and management of liquidity risks
Market Timing: Careful consideration of market timing for investments
Market Sentiment: Assessment of market sentiment and conditions

Operational Risk Management

Regulatory Risk: Management of regulatory and compliance risks
Reputational Risk: Assessment of reputational risks and considerations
Governance Risk: Evaluation of governance and control risks
Operational Risk: Assessment of operational risks and challenges

Exit Strategy Considerations

Exit strategies for listed company investments have unique considerations:

Market-Based Exits

Market Sales: Sales through public markets
Block Trades: Block trades and institutional sales
Gradual Divestment: Gradual divestment over time
Market Conditions: Consideration of market conditions for exits

Strategic Exits

Strategic Sales: Sales to strategic buyers
Takeover Scenarios: Consideration of takeover scenarios
Merger Opportunities: Merger and acquisition opportunities
Strategic Partnerships: Strategic partnership arrangements

Monitoring and Reporting

Listed company investments require enhanced monitoring and reporting:

Market Monitoring

Market Performance: Regular monitoring of market performance
Price Movements: Tracking of price movements and market trends
Market News: Monitoring of market news and developments
Analyst Coverage: Tracking of analyst coverage and recommendations

Company Monitoring

Financial Performance: Regular monitoring of financial performance
Operational Performance: Tracking of operational performance and milestones
Strategic Developments: Monitoring of strategic developments and initiatives
Governance Developments: Tracking of governance and management developments

Comparison with Private Company Investments

Aspect	Private Company Investments	Listed Company Investments
Investment Focus	Primary focus on private companies	Exceptional cases only
Strategic Criteria	Standard EIC criteria	Enhanced strategic criteria
Due Diligence	Standard due diligence process	Enhanced due diligence including market analysis
Regulatory Compliance	Standard compliance requirements	Enhanced securities law compliance
Risk Management	Standard risk management	Enhanced market risk management
Exit Strategy	Private exit options	Market-based and strategic exit options

Best Practices for Listed Company Investments

When considering investments in listed companies, the EIC Fund follows best practices:

Strategic Justification: Clear strategic justification for the investment
Market Analysis: Comprehensive market analysis and timing
Risk Assessment: Thorough risk assessment and management
Compliance Framework: Robust compliance framework and procedures
Monitoring Systems: Enhanced monitoring and reporting systems
Exit Planning: Clear exit strategy and planning

Future Considerations

The approach to listed company investments may evolve based on:

Market Developments: Changes in market conditions and opportunities
Strategic Priorities: Evolution of EU strategic priorities
Technology Landscape: Changes in the technology landscape
Regulatory Environment: Changes in regulatory environment
Experience and Learning: Learning from experience with listed company investments

Investments in listed companies represent an exceptional approach within the EIC Fund's investment strategy, reserved for cases where such investments serve critical EU strategic objectives in key technology areas. These investments require enhanced due diligence, risk management, and compliance procedures to ensure they meet the highest standards while serving EU strategic interests.

17. Key Dates and Deadlines 2026

The EIC Accelerator programme operates on a structured timeline with specific dates and deadlines throughout 2026. Understanding these key dates is crucial for successful application planning and submission. The programme features continuous submission for some components and specific cut-off dates for others.

EIC Accelerator Open - Continuous Submission with Batching

The EIC Accelerator Open operates on a continuous submission basis with regular batching for evaluation. This approach allows applicants to submit proposals at any time while ensuring efficient evaluation processes.

Short Proposal Batching Dates 2026

Short proposals are batched and sent for evaluation on the first Tuesday of every month. The batching dates for 2026 are:

January 7, 2026 - First batching of 2026
March 4, 2026 - Second batching
May 6, 2026 - Third batching
July 8, 2026 - Fourth batching
September 2, 2026 - Fifth batching
November 3, 2026 - Sixth batching

Full Proposal Batching Dates 2026

Full proposals are batched at regular intervals for evaluation. The batching dates for 2026 are:

January 7, 2026 - First full proposal batch
March 4, 2026 - Second full proposal batch
May 6, 2026 - Third full proposal batch
July 8, 2026 - Fourth full proposal batch
September 2, 2026 - Fifth full proposal batch
November 3, 2026 - Sixth full proposal batch

Jury Interview Sessions 2026

Interview sessions with EIC juries are organized three times per year. After each second batch, an interview session will be organized. The tentative dates of these interview sessions will be published on the EIC website.

EIC Accelerator Challenges - Specific Deadlines

EIC Accelerator Challenges operate on specific deadlines rather than continuous submission. These deadlines are set for each challenge and must be strictly adhered to.

Challenge Submission Deadlines

Specific challenge deadlines will be announced in the individual challenge call texts. These deadlines are typically set at 17:00 Brussels local time on the specified date.

EIC STEP Scale Up - Quarterly Cut-offs

The EIC STEP Scale Up call operates on a quarterly cut-off system with specific deadlines for each quarter.

STEP Scale Up Cut-off Dates 2026

February 11, 2026 - Q1 cut-off
May 6, 2026 - Q2 cut-off
September 9, 2026 - Q3 cut-off
November 25, 2026 - Q4 cut-off

EIC Pathfinder Deadlines 2026

EIC Pathfinder Open

Deadline: May 6, 2026 at 17:00 Brussels local time

EIC Pathfinder Challenges

Deadline: October 28, 2026 at 17:00 Brussels local time

EIC Transition Deadlines 2026

Deadline: September 16, 2026 at 17:00 Brussels local time

EIC Advanced Innovation Challenges 2026

Stage 1 (Solution Design)

Deadline: April [TBD], 2026 at 17:00 Brussels local time

Stage 2 (Prototyping and User Testing)

Deadline: June 2027 at 17:00 Brussels local time

Evaluation Timelines

Short Proposal Evaluation Timeline

Evaluation Period: 4-6 weeks from batching date
Feedback: Feedback from four expert evaluators
Result Notification: Within approximately 4-6 weeks from batching

Full Proposal Evaluation Timeline

Evaluation Period: 8-9 weeks from submission
Technology Due Diligence: Conducted by expert evaluators
Evaluation Committee: Ranks proposals and invites 2-2.5x times the available budget to interview

Jury Interview Timeline

Interview Invitation: Approximately 2 weeks in advance
Interview Sessions: Three times per year
Result Notification: Within approximately 2-3 weeks after finalization of interviews

Grant Agreement and Investment Timeline

Grant Agreement Timeline

Negotiation Period: Begins after successful jury interview
Agreement Signing: Within 6 months from call deadline (indicative)
Project Start: Within 2 months after signing grant agreement

Investment Due Diligence Timeline

Due Diligence Period: 2-6 months since selection for funding
Investment Decision: At the end of the due diligence process
Investment Agreement: Following positive due diligence and EIC Fund Investment Committee decision

Business Acceleration Services Timeline

Coaching Support

Coaching Access: Available after successful short proposal evaluation
Coaching Duration: 3 days of remote coaching
Coach Selection: Applicants invited to select from dedicated database

Fast Track and Plug-In Schemes Timeline

Fast Track Scheme

Project Review: Conducted by responsible funding body
Review Timeline: Within previous two years in compliance with Article 48 of Horizon Europe Regulation
Full Proposal Submission: Following successful project review

Plug-In Scheme

Company Selection: By certified national/regional funding bodies
Direct Access: To full proposal stage
Evaluation: Same timeline as standard full proposals

Important Administrative Deadlines

Submission Requirements

Portal Submission: All proposals must be submitted via the Funding & Tenders Portal
Time Zone: All deadlines are in Brussels local time (CET/CEST)
Late Submissions: Not accepted after deadline
System Availability: Portal available 24/7 for submission

Documentation Deadlines

Supporting Documents: Must be uploaded before deadline
Video Pitch: Must be submitted with short proposal
Pitch Deck: Must be in PDF format
Financial Data: Required for full proposal stage

Flexibility and Extensions

Call Opening Flexibility

The Director-General responsible for the call may decide to open the calls up to one month prior to or after the envisaged date(s) of opening.

Deadline Extensions

The Director-General responsible may delay the call deadline(s) by up to two months. Any changes to deadlines will be immediately announced and registered applicants will be informed of the change.

2027 Timeline Considerations

2027 Batching Dates

The batching dates for 2027 will be announced in the 2027 Work Programme due to be adopted in Autumn 2026.

Cross-Year Applications

2025 Success: Applicants who succeeded with a positive evaluation of their short proposal under the 2025 EIC Work Programme may apply to any of the batches in 2026
2026 Success: Applicants who succeeded with their short application under the 2026 Work Programme may apply to any of the batches in 2026 and 2027

Key Planning Considerations

Application Planning

Early Preparation: Start preparation well in advance of deadlines
Coaching Utilization: Plan to utilize coaching services effectively
Documentation Preparation: Prepare all required documentation early
Team Coordination: Ensure team availability for interviews

Timeline Management

Milestone Tracking: Track progress against key milestones
Buffer Time: Include buffer time for unexpected delays
Resource Planning: Plan resources for each stage of the process
Communication Planning: Plan communication with team and stakeholders

Important Reminders

Time Zone Awareness: All deadlines are in Brussels local time
Portal Familiarity: Familiarize yourself with the Funding & Tenders Portal
Documentation Requirements: Ensure all required documents are prepared
Technical Requirements: Meet all technical requirements for submission
Backup Plans: Have backup plans for technical issues

Understanding and planning for these key dates and deadlines is essential for successful participation in the EIC Accelerator programme. Applicants should carefully track these dates and plan their application process accordingly to ensure timely and successful submission.

18. Success Factors and Best Practices

Success in the EIC Accelerator programme requires a comprehensive understanding of the evaluation criteria, strategic preparation, and adherence to best practices throughout the application process. This section provides detailed guidance on the key factors that contribute to successful applications and the best practices that applicants should follow.

Understanding the Evaluation Criteria

The EIC Accelerator evaluation is based on specific criteria that are assessed at different stages of the application process. Understanding these criteria is fundamental to developing a successful application.

Excellence Criteria

The Excellence criterion evaluates the novelty and technical feasibility of your innovation:

Novelty: Demonstrate that your innovation represents a significant breakthrough or novel approach
Technical Feasibility: Provide clear evidence that your technology is technically feasible
Technology Readiness Level (TRL): Ensure your technology has reached at least TRL 5
Intellectual Property Strategy: Demonstrate a sound IP strategy and protection
Technical Risk Assessment: Show understanding of technical risks and mitigation strategies

Impact Criteria

The Impact criterion assesses the potential market and societal impact of your innovation:

Market Timing: Demonstrate that the market is ready for your innovation
Customer Value: Clearly articulate the value proposition for customers
Scale-up Potential: Show potential for significant scale-up and growth
Revenue Model: Present a clear and viable revenue model
Broader Impact: Demonstrate positive societal, economic, or environmental impact

Challenge Alignment (for Challenges only)

For EIC Accelerator Challenges, your proposal must demonstrate clear alignment with the specific challenge objectives:

Challenge Understanding: Show deep understanding of the challenge requirements
Solution Relevance: Demonstrate how your solution directly addresses the challenge
Impact on Challenge Objectives: Show how your innovation contributes to achieving challenge goals

Level of Risk, Implementation and Need for Union Support

This criterion evaluates your team, implementation plan, and funding requirements:

Team Capability: Demonstrate strong team capabilities and experience
Risk Management: Show comprehensive risk assessment and mitigation strategies
Implementation Plan: Present a clear, realistic implementation plan
Financing Requirements: Justify the funding amount requested
Cost Assessment: Provide realistic cost estimates and justification
Leverage Effect: Demonstrate how EIC funding will catalyze additional investment
Grant Support Justification: Justify why grant support is needed

Strategic Preparation Best Practices

Early Preparation and Planning

Start Early: Begin preparation at least 6-12 months before submission
Team Assembly: Assemble a strong, complementary team with relevant expertise
Market Research: Conduct thorough market research and validation
Technology Development: Ensure your technology has reached the required TRL
IP Strategy: Develop and implement a comprehensive IP strategy

Application Strategy Development

Choose the Right Call: Carefully select between Open and Challenges calls
Funding Type Selection: Choose the appropriate funding type (Grant Only, Blended Finance, Equity Only)
Timing Strategy: Plan submission timing to maximize preparation time
Coaching Utilization: Plan to utilize coaching services effectively

Proposal Development Best Practices

Short Proposal Development

The short proposal is your first opportunity to make a strong impression:

Clear Value Proposition: Articulate a clear, compelling value proposition
Concise Communication: Communicate complex ideas clearly and concisely
Strong Pitch Deck: Create a compelling, professional pitch deck
Effective Video Pitch: Produce a clear, engaging video pitch
Team Presentation: Present your team's capabilities effectively

Full Proposal Development

The full proposal requires comprehensive documentation and analysis:

Comprehensive Business Plan: Develop a detailed, realistic business plan
Financial Projections: Provide realistic, well-justified financial projections
Market Analysis: Include thorough market analysis and competitive landscape
Technical Documentation: Provide comprehensive technical documentation
Implementation Plan: Develop a detailed, realistic implementation plan

Technical Excellence Best Practices

Technology Development

TRL Achievement: Ensure your technology has reached at least TRL 5
Technical Validation: Provide evidence of technical validation
Risk Assessment: Conduct comprehensive technical risk assessment
Innovation Novelty: Demonstrate genuine innovation and novelty
Scalability: Show that your technology can be scaled

Intellectual Property Strategy

IP Protection: Secure appropriate IP protection
Freedom to Operate: Conduct freedom to operate analysis
IP Strategy: Develop a comprehensive IP strategy
Competitive Analysis: Understand your competitive landscape

Market and Business Development Best Practices

Market Validation

Customer Discovery: Conduct thorough customer discovery
Market Size Assessment: Demonstrate understanding of market size and potential
Competitive Analysis: Provide comprehensive competitive analysis
Market Timing: Demonstrate that the market is ready for your innovation

Business Model Development

Revenue Model: Develop a clear, viable revenue model
Go-to-Market Strategy: Create a realistic go-to-market strategy
Partnership Strategy: Develop strategic partnership plans
Scaling Strategy: Plan for scaling and growth

Team and Leadership Best Practices

Team Composition

Complementary Skills: Assemble a team with complementary skills
Relevant Experience: Include team members with relevant experience
Track Record: Demonstrate team's track record of success
Commitment: Show team's commitment to the project

Leadership and Vision

Clear Vision: Articulate a clear, compelling vision
Leadership Capability: Demonstrate strong leadership capabilities
Execution Ability: Show ability to execute the plan
Adaptability: Demonstrate ability to adapt to challenges

Financial Planning Best Practices

Funding Strategy

Realistic Funding Request: Request realistic funding amounts
Cost Justification: Provide clear justification for all costs
Leverage Effect: Demonstrate how EIC funding will catalyze additional investment
Financial Sustainability: Show path to financial sustainability

Financial Projections

Realistic Projections: Provide realistic financial projections
Assumption Clarity: Clearly state and justify assumptions
Risk Assessment: Include financial risk assessment
Funding Timeline: Plan funding timeline appropriately

Application Process Best Practices

Submission Preparation

Early Submission: Submit well before the deadline
Documentation Review: Thoroughly review all documentation
Technical Requirements: Ensure all technical requirements are met
Backup Plans: Have backup plans for technical issues

Coaching Utilization

Early Engagement: Engage with coaching services early
Active Participation: Actively participate in coaching sessions
Feedback Integration: Integrate coaching feedback effectively
Continuous Improvement: Use coaching for continuous improvement

Interview Preparation Best Practices

Presentation Preparation

Clear Presentation: Prepare a clear, compelling presentation
Key Messages: Identify and emphasize key messages
Practice: Practice your presentation thoroughly
Team Preparation: Prepare your team for questions

Question Preparation

Anticipate Questions: Anticipate likely questions
Prepare Answers: Prepare clear, concise answers
Evidence Preparation: Prepare supporting evidence
Confidence Building: Build confidence through preparation

Post-Submission Best Practices

Feedback Utilization

Feedback Analysis: Carefully analyze all feedback received
Improvement Planning: Plan improvements based on feedback
Iterative Development: Use feedback for iterative development
Resubmission Strategy: Plan resubmission strategy if needed

Continuous Development

Technology Development: Continue technology development
Market Validation: Continue market validation efforts
Team Development: Continue team development
Partnership Development: Continue partnership development

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Technical Pitfalls

Insufficient TRL: Submitting before reaching required TRL
Weak IP Strategy: Inadequate IP protection or strategy
Technical Risk: Insufficient technical risk assessment
Scalability Issues: Technology not scalable

Business Pitfalls

Weak Market Analysis: Insufficient market analysis
Unrealistic Projections: Overly optimistic financial projections
Poor Business Model: Unclear or unviable business model
Inadequate Team: Insufficient team capabilities

Application Pitfalls

Late Submission: Submitting close to deadline
Poor Documentation: Inadequate or unclear documentation
Insufficient Preparation: Inadequate preparation for interviews
Ignoring Feedback: Not utilizing feedback from previous submissions

Success Metrics and Indicators

Technical Indicators

TRL Achievement: Technology has reached required TRL
Technical Validation: Strong technical validation evidence
IP Protection: Comprehensive IP protection in place
Innovation Novelty: Genuine innovation and novelty demonstrated

Business Indicators

Market Validation: Strong market validation evidence
Customer Interest: Demonstrated customer interest
Competitive Advantage: Clear competitive advantage
Scalability Potential: Clear scalability potential

Team Indicators

Strong Team: Strong, complementary team
Relevant Experience: Team has relevant experience
Track Record: Team has track record of success
Commitment: Team shows strong commitment

Success in the EIC Accelerator programme requires a comprehensive approach that addresses all evaluation criteria while following established best practices. By understanding the evaluation process, preparing thoroughly, and avoiding common pitfalls, applicants can significantly increase their chances of success. The key is to develop a strong, well-documented proposal that clearly demonstrates the excellence, impact, and implementation potential of your innovation.

19. Conclusion and Next Steps

The EIC Accelerator programme represents Europe's flagship initiative for supporting breakthrough innovations and deep tech companies on their journey from research to market. This comprehensive guide has provided detailed information about all aspects of the programme, from eligibility criteria and funding structures to application processes and success factors.

Key Programme Highlights

The EIC Accelerator programme offers a unique combination of financial and non-financial support designed to accelerate the growth of Europe's most promising innovations:

Financial Support

Grant Component: Up to EUR 2.5 million in grant funding for innovation activities
Investment Component: EUR 1-10 million in equity investment through the EIC Fund
Blended Finance: Combination of grant and investment support
Equity-Only: Investment-only support for companies seeking EUR 10-30 million

Non-Financial Support

Business Acceleration Services: Comprehensive coaching, mentoring, and business development support
EIC Community: Access to a network of innovators, investors, and partners
Programme Manager Support: Strategic guidance from EIC Programme Managers
Ecosystem Access: Connections to investors, corporates, and innovation partners

Programme Structure and Pathways

The EIC Accelerator offers multiple pathways to support different types of innovations and companies:

EIC Accelerator Open

No Thematic Restrictions: Open to innovations in any field or technology
Continuous Submission: Rolling application process with regular batching
Budget Flexibility: Flexible budget allocation and transfers
Strategic Focus: Support for breakthrough innovations with high impact potential

EIC Accelerator Challenges

Strategic Focus: Targeted support for specific emerging technologies
EU Objectives: Alignment with EU strategic priorities
Specific Deadlines: Fixed submission deadlines for each challenge
Enhanced Support: Additional support for challenge-specific objectives

EIC STEP Scale Up

Strategic Technologies: Focus on critical technologies for Europe
Large Investments: EUR 10-30 million investment support
Quarterly Cut-offs: Regular application windows
Scale-up Focus: Support for companies ready for major scaling

Application Process Overview

The EIC Accelerator application process is designed to be thorough yet efficient:

Three-Stage Process

Short Proposal: Initial screening with pitch deck and video presentation
Full Proposal: Comprehensive application with detailed business plan
Jury Interview: Final evaluation through expert jury interviews

Evaluation Criteria

Excellence: Novelty, technical feasibility, and innovation quality
Impact: Market potential, customer value, and broader societal impact
Implementation: Team capability, risk management, and execution plan
Union Support: Justification for EU funding and leverage effect

Key Success Factors

Success in the EIC Accelerator programme requires attention to several critical factors:

Technical Excellence

TRL Achievement: Technology must reach at least TRL 5
Innovation Novelty: Genuine breakthrough innovation
Technical Feasibility: Clear technical validation and feasibility
IP Strategy: Comprehensive intellectual property protection

Business Excellence

Market Validation: Strong evidence of market demand
Business Model: Clear, viable business model
Team Capability: Strong, experienced team
Scaling Potential: Clear path to significant scale

Strategic Alignment

EU Objectives: Alignment with EU strategic priorities
Economic Impact: Potential for significant economic impact
Societal Impact: Positive societal, environmental, or economic benefits
European Value: Contribution to European competitiveness and leadership

Support Services and Ecosystem

The EIC Accelerator provides comprehensive support beyond funding:

Business Acceleration Services

Coaching: Professional business coaching and mentoring
Networking: Access to investor and partner networks
Market Access: Support for market entry and expansion
Corporate Partnerships: Connections to major corporations

EIC Community

Peer Network: Community of EIC awardees and innovators
Knowledge Sharing: Best practices and lessons learned
Collaboration Opportunities: Potential partnerships and collaborations
Ongoing Support: Continuous support throughout the journey

Strategic Importance

The EIC Accelerator plays a crucial role in Europe's innovation ecosystem:

European Innovation Leadership

Technology Leadership: Supporting Europe's position in key technologies
Economic Growth: Driving economic growth and job creation
Global Competitiveness: Enhancing Europe's global competitiveness
Strategic Autonomy: Supporting European strategic autonomy

Market Creation

Breakthrough Innovations: Supporting truly breakthrough innovations
Market Transformation: Enabling market transformation and disruption
Societal Impact: Addressing major societal challenges
Sustainable Development: Supporting sustainable development goals

Next Steps for Applicants

For companies considering applying to the EIC Accelerator, here are the recommended next steps:

Immediate Actions (0-3 months)

Self-Assessment: Evaluate your company's readiness and eligibility
Technology Assessment: Confirm your technology has reached TRL 5
Market Validation: Conduct thorough market validation
Team Assessment: Evaluate and strengthen your team
IP Strategy: Develop and implement IP protection strategy

Preparation Phase (3-6 months)

Application Strategy: Choose the right call and funding type
Business Plan Development: Develop comprehensive business plan
Financial Planning: Prepare detailed financial projections
Documentation Preparation: Prepare all required documentation
Pitch Development: Develop compelling pitch deck and video

Application Phase (6-12 months)

Short Proposal Submission: Submit short proposal
Coaching Engagement: Engage with coaching services
Full Proposal Development: Develop comprehensive full proposal
Interview Preparation: Prepare for jury interviews
Submission and Follow-up: Submit full proposal and follow up

Resources and Support

Applicants have access to various resources and support:

Official Resources

EIC Website: Comprehensive information and updates
Funding & Tenders Portal: Official application platform
EIC Community Platform: Network and support platform
Guidance Documents: Detailed guidance and templates

Support Services

National Contact Points: Local support and guidance
Enterprise Europe Network: Business support services
EIC Business Coaches: Professional coaching support
EIC Programme Managers: Strategic guidance and support

Success Stories and Impact

The EIC Accelerator has already demonstrated significant impact:

Programme Achievements

Company Support: Supporting hundreds of innovative companies
Investment Catalysis: Catalyzing billions in additional investment
Job Creation: Creating thousands of high-quality jobs
Innovation Impact: Driving breakthrough innovations across sectors

Success Indicators

Funding Success: Significant funding success rates
Follow-on Investment: High rates of follow-on investment
Market Success: Many companies achieving market success
Strategic Impact: Contributing to EU strategic objectives

Future Outlook

The EIC Accelerator continues to evolve and expand:

Programme Evolution

Enhanced Support: Continued enhancement of support services
New Initiatives: Introduction of new funding instruments
Strategic Focus: Enhanced focus on strategic technologies
Ecosystem Development: Continued development of innovation ecosystem

Strategic Priorities

Deep Tech Focus: Continued focus on deep tech innovations
Strategic Technologies: Support for critical technologies
European Leadership: Strengthening European technology leadership
Global Impact: Enhancing global impact and competitiveness

Final Recommendations

For companies considering the EIC Accelerator programme:

Strategic Approach

Early Preparation: Start preparation early and plan thoroughly
Comprehensive Approach: Address all evaluation criteria comprehensively
Quality Focus: Focus on quality over quantity in applications
Continuous Improvement: Use feedback for continuous improvement

Success Mindset

Long-term Perspective: View the programme as a long-term partnership
Ecosystem Engagement: Engage actively with the EIC ecosystem
Value Maximization: Maximize value from both financial and non-financial support
Strategic Alignment: Align with EU strategic objectives and priorities

The EIC Accelerator programme represents a unique opportunity for Europe's most promising innovators to access world-class support and funding. By understanding the programme requirements, preparing thoroughly, and following best practices, companies can significantly increase their chances of success and maximize the value they derive from the programme. The EIC Accelerator is not just a funding programme – it's a comprehensive ecosystem designed to support the growth and success of Europe's most innovative companies.

For more information and to begin your application journey, visit the EIC website and connect with the EIC community. The future of European innovation starts here.

Eureka Network

Eureka Network offers multiple international collaborative R&D programs including Network Projects, Clusters, Eurostars, Globalstars, and Innowwide, with funding ranging from €50K to €6.75M per project depending on the specific program. The network focuses on market-driven innovation and deep-tech development across diverse technology sectors including ICT/Digital, Industrial/Manufacturing, Bio/Medical Technologies, Energy/Environment, Quantum, AI, and Circular Economy. Applicants include SMEs, large enterprises, research organizations, universities, and startups, with Eurostars specifically targeting R&D-performing SMEs.

Get Started

EIC Transition

EIC Transition provides up to €2.5 million in funding to bridge the 'valley of death' between laboratory research and market deployment, focusing on technology maturation and validation. The program supports single legal entities or small consortia of 2-5 partners including SMEs, start-ups, spin-offs, and research organizations. Technology areas include Health/Medical Technologies, Green/Environmental Innovation, Digital/Microelectronics, Quantum Technologies, and AI/Robotics.

Get Started

EIC STEP Scale-Up

EIC STEP Scale-Up offers substantial equity investments of €10-30 million for established deep-tech companies ready for hyper-growth and large-scale expansion. The program targets SMEs or small mid-caps with up to 499 employees who have secured pre-commitment from qualified investors. Focus areas include Digital & Deep Tech (Semiconductors, AI, Quantum), Clean Technologies for Net-Zero goals, and Biotechnologies.

Get Started

EIC Pre-Accelerator

EIC Pre-Accelerator is a 2025 pilot program providing €300,000-€500,000 in funding for early-stage deep-tech development and preparation for the EIC Accelerator program. The initiative is exclusively available to single SMEs or small mid-caps from 'Widening countries' to support regional innovation development. The program covers deep-tech innovations across physical, biological, and digital domains.

Get Started

EIC Pathfinder

EIC Pathfinder offers up to €3 million for Open calls and up to €4 million for Challenge-based calls to support early-stage research and development with proof-of-principle validation. The program requires research consortia with a minimum of 3 partners from 3 different countries, including universities, research organizations, and SMEs. Technology focus areas include Health/Medical, Quantum Technologies, AI, Environmental/Energy, and Advanced Materials.

Get Started

EIC Accelerator

EIC Accelerator provides flexible funding options including blended finance (€2.5M grant + €0.5M-€10M equity), grant-only (up to €2.5M), or equity-only arrangements for scale-up and market deployment of breakthrough innovations. The program targets SMEs, start-ups, and small mid-caps with up to 499 employees, with MedTech/Healthcare representing 35% of funded projects. Other technology areas include Biopharma, Energy, AI, Quantum, Aerospace, Advanced Materials, and Semiconductors.

Get Started

Innovation Partnership

Innovation Partnership facilitates collaborative innovation between public and private sectors with typical funding of €1-5 million per project. The program supports cross-sectoral strategic technologies through public-private partnerships and consortia. Projects focus on addressing societal challenges through collaborative innovation approaches.

Get Started

Innovation Fund

The EU Innovation Fund provides substantial funding of €7.5 million to €300 million for large-scale demonstration of innovative low-carbon technologies. The program targets clean energy, carbon capture, renewable energy, and energy storage technologies to accelerate the transition to a low-carbon economy. Applicants include large companies, consortia, and public entities capable of implementing large-scale demonstration projects.

Get Started

Innovate UK

Innovate UK offers various programs with funding ranging from £25K to £10M depending on the specific initiative, supporting business-led innovation, collaborative R&D, and knowledge transfer. The organization funds projects across all sectors with particular focus on emerging technologies and supports UK-based businesses, research organizations, and universities. Programs are designed to drive economic growth through innovation and technology commercialization.

Get Started

Industrial Partnership

Industrial Partnership provides €2-10 million in funding for industrial research and innovation partnerships focusing on manufacturing, industrial technologies, and digital transformation. The program supports industrial consortia and research organizations in developing collaborative solutions for industrial challenges. Projects aim to strengthen European industrial competitiveness through strategic partnerships.

Get Started

Eurostars

Eurostars is a joint EU-Eureka program offering €50K-€500K for international R&D collaboration specifically led by SMEs. The program takes a bottom-up approach, accepting projects from all technology fields without predefined thematic restrictions. R&D-performing SMEs must lead the consortium and demonstrate significant R&D activities.

Get Started

LIFE Programme

The LIFE Programme provides €1-10 million in funding for environmental protection, climate action, and nature conservation projects across the European Union. The program supports environmental technologies, climate adaptation strategies, and biodiversity conservation initiatives. Applicants include public authorities, private companies, NGOs, and research institutions working on environmental and climate challenges.

Get Started

Neotec

Neotec is a Spanish program offering €250K-€1M in funding for technology-based business creation and development, supporting the growth of innovative Spanish SMEs and start-ups. The program covers all technology sectors and aims to strengthen Spain's technology ecosystem. Funding is specifically targeted at Spanish technology-based SMEs and start-ups to enhance their competitiveness and market presence.

Get Started

Thematic Priorities

EU Thematic Priorities encompass various programs aligned with EU strategic priorities including green transition, digital transformation, health, and security initiatives. Funding amounts vary based on the specific program and call requirements, with projects designed to address key European challenges. Applicant eligibility varies by specific program and call, with different requirements for different thematic areas.

Get Started

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EIC Accelerator 2026: Complete Guide to Europe's Premier Innovation Funding Programme

Table of Contents

1. Introduction to EIC Accelerator

2. Overview and Strategic Objectives

Six Strategic Goals for the EIC:

Overview of the 2026 Work Programme

Main Changes in the 2026 Work Programme

Key Features of EIC Support

Proactive Project and Portfolio Management

Tailored Evaluation Approach

3. Eligibility Criteria and Who Can Apply

Primary Eligibility Requirements

Category A: Intending to Establish an SME or Small Mid-cap

Category B: Intending to Invest in an Existing SME or Small Mid-cap

Category C: Non-associated Third Country Entities

Important Eligibility Notes

Special Application Pathways

Fast Track Scheme

Plug-in Scheme

Exclusion Criteria

Concurrent Submissions

Economic Security Restrictions

Technology Readiness Level Requirements

Company Size and Structure Considerations

Geographic Requirements

Parent and Holding Company Considerations

Application Submission Limits

4. Funding Structure and Support Available

Overall Budget Allocation

Three Types of Financial Support

1. Grant Component Only ('Grant Only')

2. Blended Finance Support

3. Investment Component Only (Equity-Only)

Investment Component Details

Investment Amounts

Investment Purpose and Timing

Investment Process and Due Diligence

Investment Timeline

Grant Component Details

Funding Coverage

Funding Structure

Subcontracting and Use of Funds

Business Acceleration Services

Budget Allocation and Flexibility

Interview Session Allocation

Member State Support

Investment Safeguards and European Interests

Model Agreements and Documentation

5. Application Process and Timeline

Overview of the Three-Stage Process

Stage 1: Submission of Short Proposals

Submission Process

Key Features

Evaluation Timeline

Evaluation Process

Stage 2: Submission of Full Proposals

Coaching Support

Submission Timeline

2026 Batching Dates

Full Proposal Components

Evaluation Process

Selection for Interview

Timeline

Stage 3: Interview with an EIC Jury

Interview Process

Interview Schedule

Jury Decisions

Special Seals

Timeline

Stage 4: Grant Agreement and Investment Due Diligence

Grant Component Process

Investment Component Process

Investment Due Diligence

Timeline and Support

Investment Decision

Important Considerations

Lack of Progress Consequences

Maturity Assessment

Rejection Possibilities

6. Evaluation Criteria and Selection Process