EIC Accelerator Program

European funding for innovative startups and SMEs

Introduction to the EIC Accelerator program

The EIC Accelerator is the European Innovation Council's (EIC) flagship program, designed to support high-potential startups and SMEs developing high-risk, high-impact disruptive innovations. A key component of Horizon Europe's "More Innovative Europe" pillar, this program targets innovative companies seeking to bridge the "valley of death"—the critical phase between the advanced development of an innovation and its successful commercialization.

Within the European funding ecosystem, the EIC Accelerator occupies a unique position by offering a combination of grant and equity financing (blended finance), thus meeting the dual needs of innovative startups: non-dilutive support to finalize development and equity investments to accelerate time to market and growth. Unlike other instruments that focus either on R&D (such as Horizon Europe's RIA actions) or on commercial deployment (such as InvestEU), the EIC Accelerator covers the entire innovation value chain, from advanced technology development to initial commercialization.

The strategic objectives of the EIC Accelerator are fully in line with the European vision of an innovative, competitive, and sovereign economy. The program aims to:

Identify, develop and deploy high-risk, high-impact disruptive innovations
Filling the funding gap for risky innovations that fail to attract sufficient private investment
Strengthening Europe's technological and strategic autonomy in key areas
Accelerating the growth of European startups and scale-ups to create technology champions
Transforming scientific discoveries into innovations with concrete societal and economic impact

For the period 2021-2027, the EIC has a total budget of approximately €10.1 billion, a substantial portion of which is allocated to the EIC Accelerator. This ambitious funding demonstrates Europe's commitment to stimulating disruptive innovation and strengthening the competitiveness of innovative companies in the face of global competition.

Driving European disruptive innovations

Specific objectives and priorities

The European Innovation Council Accelerator aims to identify and support the most ambitious innovations with high market-transforming potential and solutions to major societal challenges. Its unique approach allows it to finance high-risk projects that traditional investors are reluctant to support on their own.

Main thematic axes

The EIC Accelerator operates primarily with a bottom-up approach, allowing innovators to propose their ideas without thematic restrictions. However, the program also offers EIC Challenges focused on specific strategic priorities:

Strategic technologies for Europe:

Quantum technologies and components
Semiconductors and advanced electronic components
Innovative space technologies
Sovereign technologies for digital security
Next-generation biomedical technologies

Green technologies and transitions

Clean technologies for industry
Zero-emission manufacturing processes
Innovative energy storage
Sustainable materials and the circular economy
Solutions for smart cities and climate

Health and biotechnology

Early diagnosis and innovative screening
Emerging treatments and personalized medicine
Biomedical tools and technologies
Solutions for antimicrobial resistance
Advanced industrial biotechnologies

Digital and Deep Tech

Artificial Intelligence and Advanced Robotics
Edge computing and distributed cloud technologies
Augmented reality and immersive technologies
Autonomous systems and advanced IoT
Cybersecurity and data protection

Sectoral priorities

Beyond the thematic axes, the EIC Accelerator pays particular attention to projects which:

Present a truly disruptive character compared to existing solutions
Are part of a European strategic vision (technological sovereignty, ecological transition, resilience)
Demonstrate significant growth potential in international markets
Address significant unmet societal needs
Can create new markets or profoundly transform existing markets

For startups developing advanced digital solutions, the EIC Accelerator can be complementary to the program Digital Europe, which focuses more on the deployment and adoption of technologies on a larger scale.

European strategic objectives supported

The EIC Accelerator directly contributes to several European strategic priorities:

The European Green Deal and the transition to a carbon-neutral economy
Europe's technological sovereignty and industrial competitiveness
The digital transformation of the economy and society
Improving the health and quality of life of European citizens
Strengthening European resilience to future crises
Reducing regional disparities in innovation

Expected impact at European level

EIC Accelerator projects must demonstrate their potential to generate significant impacts at several levels:

Economic impact : Creation of skilled jobs, growth of innovative companies, development of new markets
Technological impact : Technological breakthroughs, sustainable competitive advantages, creation of strategic intellectual property
Societal impact : Solutions to major societal challenges, improving quality of life, environmental sustainability
Strategic impact : Strengthening Europe's position in global value chains and key technologies

The program particularly values projects with the potential to become European “unicorns” in their field.

Types of projects funded

The EIC Accelerator specifically targets breakthrough and deep tech innovations that require significant investment but carry too high a level of risk for private investors alone. Unlike Eurostars While the EIC Accelerator requires international partnerships, it allows startups to apply individually, making it particularly suited to innovations driven by a single, high-potential company. The program offers two main funding options:

Blended Finance :
- Combination of a grant (up to EUR 2.5 million) and an equity investment via the EIC Fund (up to EUR 10 million)
- Suitable for innovations that require both final technological development and commercial deployment
- Typical duration: 24-36 months
Grant Only :
- Grant of up to 2.5 million euros
- For companies that have already secured sufficient funding for commercial deployment or only wish to finalize development before seeking investment
- Typical duration: 12-24 months

In addition, the EIC also offers:

Grant First : Initial grant, with the possibility of requesting a capital investment later
EIC Accelerator Challenges : Targeted calls on specific strategic themes
Fast Track : Easier access for projects already recognized by other European or national programs

Funded projects must generally have reached a minimum TRL (Technology Readiness Level) of 5-6 at start-up, reaching a TRL 8-9 at the end of the project.

Concrete examples of projects already funded

Here are some illustrative examples of startups and innovations that have benefited from EIC Accelerator funding:

Medical AI platform for early cancer analysis and diagnosis, enabling detection 2 years earlier than conventional methods (Finland)
Revolutionary solid-state battery technology offering double the energy density and a charging time divided by three compared to conventional lithium-ion batteries (France)
Modular micro-reactor system for the decentralized production of green hydrogen from biomethane and renewable electricity (Germany)
Neuromorphic implant to restore vision to people with blindness by converting visual signals into neural impulses (Spain)
Direct air capture technology for CO₂ with four times the energy efficiency of existing solutions (Switzerland)
Ultra-resistant and recyclable bio-based material 100% to replace plastic in food packaging (Italy)

Supported technological innovations

The EIC Accelerator particularly supports projects that:

Develop breakthrough or deep tech innovations, generally resulting from scientific discoveries or major technological advances
Present a high technological risk requiring substantial validation and demonstration
Require significant investment before reaching profitability
Create new markets or profoundly disrupt existing markets
Rely on strong and defensible intellectual property

Priority sectors

Although the EIC Accelerator is open to all areas of innovation, certain sectors have a particularly high success rate:

Next-generation medical and health technologies
Clean technologies and solutions for the ecological transition
Artificial intelligence and advanced computing
Quantum technologies and applications
Advanced Electronics and Semiconductors
New materials and nanotechnologies
Biotechnologies and sustainable agricultural technologies
Space and aerospace
Security and defense technologies

Innovations that are at the intersection of several fields (interdisciplinary projects) are particularly valued.

Support by MarketKaps

Specific expertise on this program

Marketkaps has extensive and recognized expertise in the EIC Accelerator, gained from many years of successful evaluations and support for European startups and scaleups. Our team includes former EIC evaluators and experts who are fully familiar with the program's evaluation criteria and specific expectations.

Our specialized consultants master the entire application process, from the AI self-assessment platform to the final interviews with the panel. This multifaceted expertise allows us to effectively guide you through each critical stage of your application, maximizing your chances of success in this extremely competitive environment.

Strategic assessment : In-depth analysis of your technology, business model and market positioning to validate the suitability with the EIC Accelerator
Preparing the initial pitch deck : Developing a convincing presentation for the AI assessment phase
Development of the complete application : Drafting of a file structured around the three evaluation pillars (excellence, impact, implementation)
Construction of the business plan : Development of a solid and credible business plan with robust financial projections
Preparing for the video pitch : Coaching for creating an impactful 3-minute video pitch
Interview Preparation : Intensive sessions to prepare for jury questions with simulations
Post-selection support : Support for the due diligence phase and negotiation with the EIC Fund

Eligibility diagnosis and strategic positioning
Preparing the pitch deck for AI self-assessment
Complete drafting of the application file
Development of the business model and financial plan
Preparation for the 3-minute video pitch
Intensive coaching for the interview with the jury
Assistance during the due diligence of the EIC Fund
Advice on investment structuring
Support for finding co-investors
EIC Accelerator Project Management Training

number of countries covered by our experts

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investment funds in our network that can co-invest with the EIC Fund

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years of combined expertise in deep tech, business development and fundraising

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of our startups successfully pass the first stage of the application

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personalized support adapted to the specificities of your disruptive innovation

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Eligibility conditions

Eligibility criteria for organizations

To be eligible for the EIC Accelerator, applicants must meet the following conditions:

Type of organization : Startups and SMEs according to the European definition (less than 250 employees and less than €50M in turnover or €43M in balance sheet)
Maturity : From early-stage startup to scale-up, with validated technology (TRL 5-6 minimum)
Establishment : Entity legally established in an EU member country or country associated with Horizon Europe
Independence : Not to be controlled by a large company (except for specific exceptions for certain spin-offs)
Uniqueness : Not having already received EIC Accelerator funding (except for justified exceptions)

In certain exceptional cases, small mid-caps (up to 500 employees) may be eligible for specific developments requiring rapid deployment.

Types of businesses concerned

The EIC Accelerator particularly targets certain profiles of innovative companies:

Deep tech startups developing disruptive technologies based on scientific advances
Scale-ups having validated their technology and seeking to accelerate their time to market and growth
Spin-offs academic or industrial companies marketing technologies resulting from research
innovative SMEs with strong international growth potential
Women-founded startups or led by diverse teams (specific priority of the EIC)

The program is particularly suited to companies developing innovations requiring significant investment and presenting a high level of risk, but with the potential for exponential growth.

Geographic criteria

The EIC Accelerator is open to companies established in:

The 27 member states of the European Union
Countries associated with Horizon Europe (including Norway, Iceland, Israel, Türkiye, United Kingdom, Switzerland, and others)

Companies must intend to develop their business primarily in Europe, even if they are targeting global markets.

Technical or scientific prerequisites

EIC Accelerator projects must meet several technical criteria:

Technological maturity level : TRL 5-6 minimum at start-up (prototype validated in relevant environment)
Innovative character : Disruptive innovation going well beyond the state of the art
Technical feasibility : Demonstration of technical feasibility and the path to industrialization
Intellectual property : Clear position on IP (patents filed or protection strategy defined)
Scale-up potential : Demonstrated ability to industrialize and deploy the solution on a large scale

Technologies must also present a degree of risk that justifies public support, while demonstrating credible commercial potential in the medium term.

Financing arrangements

Financing rates by type of organization

The EIC Accelerator offers a flexible financing system adapted to the needs of innovative startups:

Grant :
- Up to 2.5 million euros
- Funding rate: 70% of eligible costs (30% of co-financing required)
- Mainly covers activities from TRL 5/6 to TRL 8
- Payment in installments, linked to predefined milestones
Equity investment via the EIC Fund:
- From 0.5 to 10 million euros
- Generally in the form of minority investment (10% to 25% of capital)
- Market conditions with risk sharing with other investors
- Flexible exit strategy (typically 7-10 years)
Blended Finance :
- Combination of the two instruments above
- Possibility of sequencing (subsidy first, then investment)

In addition, beneficiaries also receive:

Access to the Business Acceleration Services (BAS) acceleration program
Coaching and mentoring (up to 12 days)
Connecting with investors and corporate partners
Privileged access to EIC events and network

Grant ceilings

The EIC Accelerator funding amounts are among the largest available for European startups:

Ceiling for the subsidy : 2.5 million euros
Ceiling for capital investment : 10 million euros
Maximum total amount : 12.5 million euros (combination of the two)
STEP SCALE-UP: up to €30M additional

Higher amounts may exceptionally be considered for strategic technologies or accelerated deployments in priority areas.

Eligible costs

For the grant portion, eligible cost categories include:

Personnel costs : Salaries and expenses of the team working on the project
Subcontracting : Outsourced services required for development (up to 25% of the budget)
Equipment purchases : Depreciation of equipment used for the project
Materials and consumables : Raw materials and consumables for prototypes and tests
Demonstration and testing : Costs related to testing and validation in real conditions
Protection of intellectual property : Patents and other forms of protection
Indirect costs : Fixed amount of 25% of eligible direct costs (excluding subcontracting)

For the capital investment part, the funds can be used more freely to finance:

Industrialization and scale-up of production
Business activities and market deployment
International expansion
Recruitment and team development

Co-financing required

The EIC Accelerator program operates on the principle of co-financing for the grant part:

30% of the project costs must be co-financed by the startup
This co-financing may come from own funds, investors or other non-European sources.
For the investment part, the EIC Fund generally seeks to co-invest with other investors (business angels, VC, corporate ventures)
The EIC Fund may be a lead investor or a co-investor, as the case may be.

Marketkaps can help you identify sources of co-financing and structure your financial plan optimally.

Application Process

Calendar and calls for projects

The EIC Accelerator has adopted an innovative application process with a primarily “open-shop” approach:

Permanent applications : Possibility to submit at any time for “open” calls
Cut-off dates : 3-4 deadlines per year for the evaluation of complete files
Specific challenges : Thematic calls with their own deadlines
3-step sequential process (detailed below)
Average timing : 4-6 weeks between each stage
Total duration : 4-6 months between initial submission and final decision

Required documents

The EIC Accelerator application follows a three-step process, each requiring specific documents:

Step 1 – Short pitch deck :
- Presentation of 10 slides maximum according to a defined template
- 3-minute video pitch (founders/management team)
- Responses to an online questionnaire on the EIC AI platform
Step 2 – Complete Application :
- Detailed form on innovation and its implementation
- Complete business plan with financial projections
- Presentation of the team and funding needs
- Marketing plan and go-to-market strategy
- Intellectual Property Strategy
- Risk and opportunity analysis
Step 3 – Interview with the jury :
- Updated pitch presentation
- Additional documentation requested by the jury
- Prepared answers to anticipated questions

Marketkaps supports you in the preparation of each of these documents, with particular attention to strategic alignment between the different stages.

Submission Steps

The EIC Accelerator submission process includes the following steps:

Creating an account on the EIC platform
Step 1 : Submission of the short pitch deck and video on the AI platform
- Automated assessment + assessment by 4 EIC experts
- Results within 2-3 weeks (GO/NO GO)
Step 2 : For selected projects, preparation and submission of the complete file
- Evaluation by 3 external experts specializing in the field
- Results within 5-6 weeks (GO/NO GO)
Step 3 : For selected projects, in-person interview with the EIC jury
- Panel of 5-6 experts, 30-minute session (pitch + Q&A)
- Final decision communicated within 2-3 weeks
Post-selection : For approved projects:
- Preparation of the grant agreement (2-3 months)
- Due diligence for the investment part (3-6 months)
- Negotiation of investment terms

Applicants may rework and resubmit their proposal if rejected at Stage 1 or 2 (with limitations), but a rejection at Stage 3 typically involves a 12-month waiting period.

Proposal evaluation criteria

EIC Accelerator projects are evaluated according to three main criteria, with balanced weighting:

Excellence (Excellence – Breakthrough and Market Creating Nature) :
- Disruptive character and innovation beyond the state of the art
- Appropriate timing for the proposed innovation
- Alignment with the EIC's strategic objectives
- Level of risk justifying public support
Impact (Impact – Market Creation, Scale-up Potential, Broader Impact) :
- Potential for market creation or transformation
- Marketing strategy and business model
- Growth prospects and scale-up capacity
- Positive economic, societal and environmental impacts
- Intellectual Property Exploitation Plan
Implementation (Implementation – Work Plan, Team, Resources) :
- Quality and capacity of the entrepreneurial team
- Coherent work plan and relevant milestones
- Relevance and justification of the requested funding
- Risk management and obstacle identification
- Ability to attract additional investors

Each criterion is rated out of 4 points (excellent, very good, good, insufficient), and all must reach at least the “very good” level to be selected for the interview.

Marketkaps optimizes your file to maximize your score on each of these criteria, with particular attention to demonstrating the disruptive nature and market potential, which are often decisive for success.

Success rates and key factors

Success statistics for this program

The EIC Accelerator program has the following characteristics in terms of success rate:

Overall success rate : Approximately 5-7% of total initial applications
Passage rate per stage :
- Step 1 to Step 2: 20-30% of applications
- Step 2 to Step 3 (interview): 20-25% of complete files
- Success at stage 3 (interview): 30-40% of the projects interviewed
Variation by sector : The fields of health, clean technology and digital deep tech generally have the highest rates
Geographic variation : Some countries (France, Finland, Germany, Netherlands) show above-average success rates
Distribution by type of financing : Around 80% of the selected projects opt for blended finance, 20% for the subsidy alone

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Our experience has allowed us to identify the main errors that penalize EIC Accelerator applications:

Insufficient disruptive character : Incremental innovation rather than truly disruptive
Underestimation of risk : Not highlighting why public support is needed
Fuzzy business model : Lack of clarity on monetization strategy and go-to-market
Incomplete team : Lack of key skills or imbalance between technical and commercial expertise
Poorly defined market : Insufficient analysis of market size and competitors
Limited ambition : Growth projection too modest or focus only on national/regional level
Weak IP Strategy : Lack of intellectual property protection or limited defensive strategy
Inadequate financial request : Budget poorly calibrated in relation to real needs and objectives
Ineffective video pitch : Unconvincing communication from the founders or too focused on technical aspects

Marketkaps ensures that these weak points are corrected before submission to maximize your chances of success at each stage.

Differentiating factors for a successful application

The factors that make the difference in obtaining EIC Accelerator funding are:

Truly disruptive innovation with a clear and sustainable competitive advantage
Strategic timing for the introduction of innovation into the market
Exceptional founding team combining technical expertise and entrepreneurial vision
Strong intellectual property with a well-defined protection and exploitation strategy
Exponential growth potential demonstrated by realistic and supported projections
Measurable impact both commercial and societal/environmental
Go-to-market strategy precise with identification of the first customers and partners
In-depth knowledge of the ecosystem and international competitors
Coherent financing plan including potential co-investors and a long-term strategy

Marketkaps feedback

Our experience supporting numerous EIC Accelerator projects has enabled us to identify best practices:

Preparation should ideally begin 3-4 months before the submission deadline
The 3-minute video pitch is often underestimated but plays a crucial role in the first evaluation
Evaluators pay particular attention to the founding team and its ability to execute
Projects that demonstrate preliminary market validations (letters of intent, first customers) have a significant advantage
Preparation for the interview is crucial – the 30 minutes in front of the panel can make or break the decision.
A balanced approach between ambition and realism is essential – projections must be ambitious but credible
The ability to clearly explain complex technology in simple terms is highly valued by reviewers
Candidates who have previously managed to attract private investors are generally more successful.

EIC Accelerator Program FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions by Businesses

Is my company too early or too advanced for the EIC Accelerator?

The EIC Accelerator primarily targets startups that have already validated their technology at a small scale (TRL 5-6 minimum) but have not yet reached full commercialization. If you are at the concept or idea stage, the EIC Pathfinder is more suitable. If you are already in the advanced commercial growth phase, other instruments such as InvestEU may be more relevant. Marketkaps can help you determine the optimal program for your stage of development.

How much financing should I request?

The optimal amount depends on several factors: the nature of your technology, industrialization needs, marketing strategy, and industry sector. It's crucial to request a realistic and well-justified amount. Too little can limit your ability to achieve significant results, while too much can raise doubts about your understanding of real needs. Marketkaps helps you precisely calibrate your funding request based on your needs and the EIC's expectations.

Do I have to accept the capital investment?

No, you can opt for a grant only if you can demonstrate that you have already secured the necessary financing for commercial deployment or if you prefer to seek other private investors. However, blended finance is often advantageous because it offers a complete solution covering both development and commercialization, with a patient and impact-oriented institutional investor.

What happens if my application is rejected?

The answer depends on the stage of rejection:

Rejection at Step 1: You can rework and resubmit immediately
Rejection at Stage 2: You can resubmit an improved version after considering reviewers' comments
Rejection at stage 3 (jury): A 12-month waiting period is generally required before resubmission.

In any case, the evaluation report provides valuable insights for improving your project. Marketkaps analyzes this feedback in detail to optimize your resubmission.

How does the EIC Fund's capital investment work in practice?

The EIC Fund operates according to the following principles:

Minority investment (usually 10-25% of capital)
Valuation determined according to market practices, in consultation with co-investors
Board seat or observer in most cases
Patient investment horizon (7-10 years) with the possibility of additional investments
Flexible exit strategy, aligned with the interests of the startup and co-investors
In-depth due diligence (legal, financial, technological) before finalization

The investment process typically takes 3-6 months after application approval, and EIC Fund actively seeks co-investment with other investors to strengthen the ecosystem around the startup.

What are the differences between the EIC Accelerator and other European funding programs?

The EIC Accelerator is distinguished by several unique features:

The only European program combining grants and capital investment
Specific focus on high-risk/high-potential disruptive innovations
Three-step application process with expert assessment and jury
Particularly high financing amounts (up to €12.5 million in total)
Exclusive targeting of innovative startups and SMEs (no large companies or consortia)
Business support in addition to financing (coaching, networking)
Support geared towards creating European “champions” on a global scale

These specificities make it a program particularly suited to ambitious innovations requiring significant support to cross the “valley of death”.

Maximize your chances of success with our expertise

Ready to launch your EIC Accelerator application?

Marketkaps supports you every step of the way, from the initial assessment to the final interview, to maximize your chances of securing exceptional funding and propelling your startup toward international growth.

Please contact us with any questions or to discuss your innovation project. Together, let's transform your disruptive technology into a European innovation champion.

Make an appointment with one of our experts for a free evaluation of your project