What is the EIC Accelerator?

The European Innovation Council (EIC) Accelerator is part of Horizon Europe, the EU’s main research and innovation programme. It provides non-dilutive grant funding and equity investment to startups and SMEs developing disruptive, high-risk, high-impact innovations.

It’s not just money — it’s a launchpad for deep tech, life sciences, and groundbreaking ventures that can change markets and solve global challenges.

Who Is It For?

The EIC Accelerator is open to:

• Startups and SMEs based in EU Member States or associated countries

• Companies with a strong R&D component and high growth potential

• Founders tackling deep tech, industrial transformation, digitalisation, climate, health, or social innovation

This is not basic seed funding — it’s for projects with TRL (Technology Readiness Level) 5-9, meaning you should have already validated the core concept or prototype.

What Does It Fund?

The EIC Accelerator supports:

• Technology development

• Business model validation

• Market deployment

• Scale-up and internationalisation

You can apply for:

• Up to €2.5 million in grant funding (non-dilutive)

• Up to €15 million in equity (optional, from the EIC Fund)

• Or a blended finance package (grant + equity)

The funding can be used for tech development, IP protection, trials, regulatory approval, business expansion, and more.

Step-by-Step: How the EIC Accelerator Works

1. Short Application (Step 1)

You start with a brief online application via the EIC portal. It includes:

• A pitch deck (10 pages max)

• A 3-minute video of the founding team

• A short written proposal (~5 pages)

This is evaluated remotely, and if successful, you’re invited to Step 2.

2. Full Application (Step 2)

You prepare a detailed proposal including:

• Technical and commercial plan

• Risk and impact assessment

• Financial and budget breakdown

• Team capacity and implementation details

This is submitted via the EIC AI-based submission platform and evaluated by expert reviewers.

3. Pitch Interview (Step 3)

If you pass Step 2, you’re invited to pitch live (online or in Brussels) to a jury of investors and entrepreneurs.

They assess your innovation potential, business plan, team, and overall fit for the programme. Funding decisions are made shortly after.

Tips to Succeed

• Be bold but realistic – the EIC looks for projects with high risk but also clear market potential.

• Show traction – include pilot results, user validation, or early adopters.

• Focus on the team – show credibility, execution capacity, and commitment.

• Make impact visible – societal, economic, and environmental value matters.

When to Apply?

There are regular cut-off dates throughout the year, usually 2–3 per year for full applications. The short application can be submitted anytime and is reviewed on a rolling basis.

Keep an eye on the EIC Work Programme, which defines priorities and topics for each year.

Should You Apply?

If your startup is building breakthrough innovation, ready to scale, and looking for significant support, the EIC Accelerator is one of the most prestigious and valuable funding programmes in Europe.

But be warned, it’s competitive. Success rates are low, and preparation is intensive. That’s why many applicants work with expert advisors, proposal writers, and funding consultants to increase their chances.

Want to learn more or explore support options?
Get in touch with the Timbi team, we help innovators like you navigate complex EU funding processes with clarity and confidence.