What is the EIC Accelerator?

The EIC Accelerator is a flagship funding program by the European Innovation Council (EIC) under Horizon Europe. It supports innovative companies leveraging technological breakthroughs or scientific discoveries (DeepTech) with up to €2.5 million in grants and/or €10 million in equity financing per project.

Which technologies are funded?

The program funds companies across diverse industries, from capital-intensive hardware to pure software businesses, with a focus on DeepTech innovations. There are no general technology restrictions as long as technologies align with EU policies (excluding military applications). Annual Technology Challenges highlight specific focus areas.

What is the required technology maturity level?

Technologies must reach at least Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 5, defined as "technology validated in relevant environment." The EIC expects a prototype or proof-of-concept to exist. Applications are possible at TRL6-7 for grants and TRL8 for pure equity funding.

What funding types are available?

The EIC Accelerator offers three funding options:

• Grants: Up to €2.5 million (non-dilutive, lump sum)
• Equity: Up to €10 million (EIC Fund investment for company ownership)
• Blended Finance: Combination of both up to €12.5 million

Who can apply?

Eligible applicants include for-profit companies registered in eligible countries, as well as individuals or investors (with company formation required before grant agreement). Companies must qualify as independent SMEs with:

• Staff headcount < 250
• Turnover ≤ €50 million
• Balance sheet total ≤ €43 million

Which countries are eligible?

EU-27 countries: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden (including territories).

Associated countries: Albania, Armenia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Faroe Islands, Georgia, Iceland, Israel, Kosovo, Moldova, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Norway, Serbia, Tunisia, Turkey, Ukraine, Morocco, and United Kingdom (grant only).

What are the success rates?

Total success rates from Step 1 to Step 3 are approximately 5% or below. Rates vary based on annual budget, applicant volume per cut-off, and call type (Open vs. Challenges).

Is my company a good fit?

The EIC Accelerator prefers highly innovative and disruptive technologies with DeepTech, scientific, or technical foundations. It seeks high-risk, high-reward businesses planning market entry. While scientific innovations are common, the program also funds software companies, SaaS solutions, and well-funded companies with lower risk profiles.

Should I apply?

Consider your company's risk profile, application timeline, and persistence capacity. The EIC Accelerator is ideal for companies with at least 6 months runway who aren't in immediate funding need. We recommend diversifying funding sources while actively engaging investors.

How does the application process work?

The EIC Accelerator uses a 3-step evaluation process:

1. Step 1: Short application (2-4 weeks preparation)
2. Step 2: Business plan (6-8 weeks preparation)
3. Step 3: Face-to-face interview (2 weeks preparation)

All steps must be cleared successively, with submissions via the EU's Funding & Tenders Portal.

How long does the process take?

Timelines vary significantly. Some companies succeed in under 6 months, while others apply over 2+ years with rejections and deadline skips. The program typically has 2-4 deadlines annually, affecting submission planning.

When can I apply?

Step 1 is continuously open. After Step 1 success, Step 2 has 2-4 annual cut-offs. Step 3 interviews occur via video call or in Brussels within weeks of Step 2 cut-offs.

What happens if I get rejected?

The program follows a "3 strikes, you're out" approach. Three total rejections across all steps make you ineligible to re-apply with that project until Horizon Europe ends. However, this means multiple improvement opportunities, and many funded projects received rejections during their journey.

What is Step 1: The Short Application?

Step 1 requires a short written proposal, 3-minute video pitch, 10-page pitch deck, and standard online form fields. Preparation typically takes 2-4 weeks for new applicants. Three out of four evaluators must provide a GO rating to advance to Step 2.

What is Step 2: The Business Plan?

Step 2 requires a comprehensive 50+ page written proposal plus annexes: 3-minute video pitch, pitch deck, financial documents, FTO analysis, DMP, Letters of Intent, CVs, and other supporting materials. Preparation typically takes 6-8 weeks. Three out of three evaluators must provide a GO rating to advance to Step 3.

What is Step 3: The Interview?

Step 3 involves a face-to-face interview via video call or in Brussels. The process includes a 10-minute pitch using the Step 2 pitch deck, followed by 35-minute Q&A with EIC Jury members. The panel typically includes 5 jury members plus EIC, European Investment Bank (EIB) representatives, and EIC Program Managers. All jury members must provide a GO for funding approval.