EIC Accelerator

The EIC Accelerator is a major scale-up funding programme operated by the European Innovation Council (EIC) under the Horizon Europe framework. It supports start-ups, SMEs and small mid-caps with ambitious, market-creating innovations that have the potential to disrupt markets or create new ones across Europe and globally.

The programme provides a combination of grant funding (up to €2.5 million) and equity or quasi-equity investment (up to €10 million) to help organisations develop, commercialise and scale breakthrough products, services or business models that are too risky for private investors alone. It also connects awardees to tailored Business Acceleration Services (BAS) including mentoring, networking and investor support to help accelerate growth.

EIC Accelerator calls include both Open (bottom-up, any technology sector) and Challenge-focused streams targeting strategic areas of innovation. Applicants proceed through a multi-stage selection process typically involving a short proposal, full application and a live pitch to an EIC jury.

The programme is part of the EIC’s broader effort to help deep-tech companies transition from late-stage development (TRL 6–8) towards market launch and scale-up, strengthening the EU innovation ecosystem and driving long-term economic and societal impact.