EIC STEP Scale-UP
Grant Value: €10m – €30m Equity Investment
Programme: European Innovation Council
Closing date: Rolling
Introduction
The European Innovation Council’s STEP (Strategic Technologies for Europe Platform) Scale-Up scheme provides €10 million to €30 million in equity investment to high-growth European startups, SMEs, and small mid-caps. It targets breakthrough technologies in areas such as AI, semiconductors, biotechnologies, robotics, clean tech, and climate‑relevant innovation, helping them scale via larger funding rounds of €50 million–€150 million.
This strategic equity-only instrument is managed by the EIC Fund and aims to fast-track the commercialization and global competitiveness of deep-tech innovations critical to EU technological sovereignty.
STEP is designed to fill a critical gap in Europe’s deep-tech ecosystem by aligning public and private capital to scale high-potential innovators. The scheme supports cornerstone EU priorities, powering innovations that could define future markets and transform strategic industries.
Eligibility
- Single legal entities only (no consortia): Must be an SME or small mid-cap (≤499 employees) established in an EU Member State or Horizon Europe Associated Country No.
- Alternatively, a qualified investor may submit the application on behalf of an eligible company, with an agreement in place.
- This scheme offers equity-only investment, not grant funding. It is strictly for scale-up financing not proof-of-concept or TRL-development phases.
Technology Focus & Strategic Alignment
- Projects must operate in one of the STEP priority domains:
- Digital & deep tech (e.g., AI, semiconductors, robotics, quantum systems).
- Clean tech and resource-efficient technologies (e.g., hydrogen, renewable energy, carbon capture).
- Biotechnology, including critical medicinal products and advanced molecular technologies
These areas are targeted for their role in reducing EU strategic dependencies.
Award & Project Duration
- Award: €10m – €30m.
- Project Duration: NA.
Key Dates
- Closes: Rolling.
