The EIC Accelerator supports companies — principally SMEs and start-ups — to scale up high-impact innovations with the potential to create new markets or transform existing ones. It offers a unique combination of funding, ranging from EUR 0.5 to 12.5 million, together with business acceleration services.
The EIC Accelerator focuses in particular on innovations based on scientific discoveries or major technological breakthroughs (deep tech), which require significant long-term investment before returns can be generated (patient capital). Such innovations often struggle to attract financing due to the high risks and long timeframes involved. The funding and support provided by the EIC Accelerator are designed to help these companies secure the investment needed to grow in a shorter period of time.
The programme supports both the later stages of technology development and the scale-up phase. Therefore, the technological component of your innovation must have been tested and validated in a laboratory or other relevant environment (equivalent to TRL 5 or above). The EIC Accelerator aims to support companies where its contribution will act as a catalyst to attract additional investors necessary for scaling up.
Applications to the EIC Accelerator can be made through two schemes:
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EIC Accelerator Open, with no predefined thematic priorities and open to proposals in any field of technology or application.
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EIC Accelerator Challenges, focused on specific areas of strategic and emerging technologies.
Key facts of the call:
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Programme: Horizon Europe (HORIZON)
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Type of action: HORIZON EIC Accelerator
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Model: single-stage
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Opening date: 29 October 2024
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Deadline: 18 December 2025 (17:00 Brussels time)
For further information, please refer to the EIC Work Programme 2025.