EIC Accelerator

The EIC Accelerator is the European Innovation Council's flagship programme for startups and SMEs with breakthrough, high-risk innovations that could create new markets or disrupt existing ones. It offers blended finance: a lump-sum grant of up to €2.5 million for innovation activities at TRL 6–8 (typically up to 24 months), plus optional equity investment of €1–10 million from the EIC Fund. Selected companies also get Business Acceleration Services (coaching, mentoring, investor and corporate matchmaking).

Who can apply: single startups and SMEs (including spin-outs), individuals planning to create one, and small mid-caps (equity only). Applicants must be established in an EU Member State or a Horizon Europe Associated Country; applicants from other countries must relocate before Step 2. UK entities are eligible for the grant component only. Only one active application at a time.

The 2026 work programme has six full-proposal cut-offs (7 Jan, 4 Mar, 6 May, 8 Jul, 2 Sep, 4 Nov 2026). Open to all technology fields via Accelerator Open, plus thematic Accelerator Challenges.

Three steps: (1) short proposal any time — short form, 10-slide pitch deck and 3-minute video, evaluated in ~4–6 weeks; (2) with a GO, submit a full proposal to the next cut-off (expert review ~8–9 weeks); (3) jury interview, with a decision ~2–3 weeks later. Apply through the EU Funding & Tenders Portal.