A Seal of Excellence (SOE) is obtained if a company passes Step 1 and Step 2 of the EIC Accelerator but is rejected in Step 3. If the applicant has been rejected for the first time in Step 3, they are able to re-apply to Step 2 or Step 3 in the following cut-offs.
Applicants can likewise use the SOE to obtain funding from other sources.
The European Innovation Council (EIC) is supported by the European Investment Bank (EIB) and Alter Domus Luxembourg to manage EIC Fund investments.
A full list of beneficiaries can be found on the EIC Accelerator call page and on the Community Research and Development Information Service (CORDIS) database.
Read: Success Cases
Read: Where can EIC Accelerator Results be found? (SME Instrument Phase 2)
See also: EIC Fund Beneficiaries.
Eligible applicants are for-profit Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SME) that are registered in the European Union (EU) or associated countries. See: All Eligible EIC Accelerator Countries (including the United Kingdom, Switzerland and Ukraine) and A Short but Comprehensive Explanation of the EIC Accelerator
There are many different grant writers and consultancies available for the EIC Accelerator. This contact form can be used to reach out to professional writers.
There are a variety of news outlets that provide information on the EIC Accelerator such as the European Innovation Council (EIC) Twitter account @eueic, the EU news regarding the EIC and the European Innovation Council and SMEs Executive Agency (EISMEA) news site.
The EIC Accelerator applicants are notified via email and on the EIC website. A list of beneficiaries and reports are made available through a variety of EIC communication outlets such as the European Innovation Council (EIC) Twitter account @eueic, the EU news regarding the EIC and the European Innovation Council and SMEs Executive Agency (EISMEA) news site.
The result of the EIC Accelerator application is an Evaluation Summary Report (ESR) which details the scoring of the application, the evaluation of sub-criteria and comments from each remote evaluator. See: How to Craft an EIC Accelerator Rebuttal: Explaining Grant Proposal Resubmissions
The minimum TRL for a project should be TRL5.
Read: How the EIC Accelerator Funds Technology Readiness Levels (TRL) (SME Instrument)
The EIC Accelerator application can be written in all official EU languages but it is recommended to write the application in English.
Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 6 describes an innovation that is currently at the prototype stage and has a completed Proof-of-Concept (POC). See: Technology Readiness Levels, Timelines and Interview Priorities (2023 EIC Accelerator Work Programme Part 4) and How the EIC Accelerator Funds Technology Readiness Levels (TRL) (SME Instrument)
The Seal of Excellence (SOE) is awarded to projects that are of high quality but were rejected in Step 3 of the EIC Accelerator’s evaluation process.
TRL5 to TRL8 is funded via grants while equity financing is funding TRL5 to TRL9. A grant project can start at TRL5-7 while an equity project could start at TRL5-8. See: How the EIC Accelerator Funds Technology Readiness Levels (TRL) (SME Instrument)
The Evaluation Summary Report (ESR) is the final evaluation document after an EIC Accelerator application which gives the score and feedback.
The EIC Accelerator blended financing (formerly SME Instrument Phase 2, grant and equity) by the European Commission (EC) and European Innovation Council (EIC) is designed for startups and Small- and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SME). It awards up to €2.5 million in grant and €15 million in equity financing per project (€17.5 million total) and is the most well-funded funding instrument in the EIC portfolio. A Short but Comprehensive Explanation of the EIC Accelerator
The names are interchangeable whereas the SME instrument Phase 2 has been renamed to the EIC Accelerator in June 2019.
Horizon Europe (2021-2027) has replaced Horizon 2020 (2014-2020) as the next major funding arm of the European Union (EU).
Grant financing refers to non-repayable financing by the European Commission (EC) while equity financing by the European Innovation Council (EIC) EIC Fund and the European Investment Bank (EIB) is in exchange for company ownership (i.e. equity). Blended financing is a combination of grant and equity financing. See: A Short but Comprehensive Explanation of the EIC Accelerator
Blended financing is a combination of grant and equity financing. See: A Short but Comprehensive Explanation of the EIC Accelerator
A Small- and Medium-Sized Enterprise (SME) is an organization of a certain size with less than 250 employees, a maximum of €50 million in turnover and a balance sheet total of €43 million or less.
A work package is a concrete set of tasks and development plans revolving around a specific deliverable. A large development project is separated into multiple work packages to make budgeting, tracking and accountability easier for the investing party, namely the European Commission (EC).
Technology Readiness Levels (TRL) are a way of classifying the timeline of an innovation from the first idea to the finished product with levels ranging from TRL1 to TRL9. See: Technology Readiness Levels, Timelines and Interview Priorities (2023 EIC Accelerator Work Programme Part 4) and How the EIC Accelerator Funds Technology Readiness Levels (TRL) (SME Instrument)
The EIC Accelerator template is similar to a detailed business plan and includes financial information, a pitch deck, a company profile and detailed work package plans. The entire process is using an online platform and is separated into multiple steps. See: A Short but Comprehensive Explanation of the EIC Accelerator
The Step 2 template for the EIC Accelerator can be found here.
The grant financing (but not equity) is funded as 70% of the total costs. This means that a €1,000,000 grant project will be funded with €700,000 whereas €300,000 must be provided through other sources such as revenues, private investments or similar. If blended financing is requested, the 30% will automatically be covered through the EIC Fund investment. See: A Short but Comprehensive Explanation of the EIC Accelerator
The application is prepared on the European Innovation Council (EIC) website but a variety of annex uploads are required. See: How long does it take to apply for the EIC Accelerator? (Grant proposal timeline)
The success rates for the EIC Accelerator vary greatly but are averaging 5% in most cases. Recent statistics can be found here: EIC Accelerator Success Cases
It is possible to apply to the EIC Accelerator alone without prior experience if the applying company has the needed in-house skills.
The application to the EIC Accelerator proceeds online through the dedicated European Innovation Council (EIC) website. The majority of the proposal text is provided through an online form but annexes such as a video, pitch deck, financials and other materials are also included. See: A Short but Comprehensive Explanation of the EIC Accelerator
The EIC Accelerator provides up to €2.5 million in grant and €15 million in equity financing which means that a maximum of €17.5 million can be requested. See: A Short but Comprehensive Explanation of the EIC Accelerator
The negotiations and due diligence following the funding approval will determine the exact amount but up to 25% can be expected depending on the company’s valuation and the amount requested.
There is no limit to the number of applicants but the limited budget leads to a competitive evaluation where only less than 40-80 companies will be financed per cut-off. See: EIC Accelerator Success Cases
The project should be 1 to 2 years in duration.
The timeline depends on the number of resubmissions, deadlines per year and quality of the project since rejections are common. A fast EIC Accelerator submission process from Step 1 to the approval in Step 3 can occur in 6 months but can also take multiple years. Timelines are also prolonged depending on the time needed to issue grants and equity financing by the EIC Fund. See: How long does it take to apply for the EIC Accelerator? (Grant proposal timeline)
The time needed for an EIC Accelerator proposal preparation depends on the available materials such as business plans, documentation and financial information. In general, 1 month should be allocated for Step 1 and 2 months for Step 2. See: How long does it take to apply for the EIC Accelerator? (Grant proposal timeline)
No, the grant does not need to be paid back under normal circumstances while the equity financing is provided in exchange for company ownership. There are also loan modalities available under the EIC. See: A Short but Comprehensive Explanation of the EIC Accelerator
Yes, the European Innovation Council (EIC) is incentivizing women and female CEO’s, CTO’s or similar to apply and provides preferred selection for them to improve their gender quotas. See: Why It’s Great to be a Female Entrepreneur in the EU (EIC Accelerator)
No, only for-profit spin-offs that are Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SME), as well as small mid-caps (up to 499 employees), can obtain funding.
It is generally also possible for entities yet to be established to apply as individuals to the EIC Accelerator but these must form a separate legal entity prior to obtaining the financing.
No, the EIC Accelerator is a single-applicant financing program but, in the past, consortia were able to apply which might be reintroduced in the future.
No, the same project can only be submitted by one company but this does not include similar projects in case competitors are applying for the same grant.
Yes, albeit only for grant- but not equity-financing. The UK was eligible under Horizon 2020 (2014-2020) and participates in Horizon Europe (2021-2027) which includes the EIC Accelerator. See: All Eligible EIC Accelerator Countries (including the United Kingdom, Switzerland and Ukraine)
No, non-profits are not covered under the EIC Accelerator.
Read: Pre-Requisites for an EIC Accelerator Application (SME Instrument Phase 2)
Yes, some non-EU countries that can apply are Norway, Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, North Macedonia, Montenegro, Serbia, Turkey, Israel, Moldova, Ukraine, the United Kingdom, Tunisia, Georgia and Armenia. See: All Eligible EIC Accelerator Countries (including the United Kingdom, Switzerland and Ukraine)
Yes, but the projects have to be different.
Yes, re-submissions are allowed in case EIC Accelerator applications were rejected prior. See: Explaining the Resubmission Process for the EIC Accelerator
Yes, the subsidiary has to declare all upstream and downstream relationships with other entities which include parent companies. The application is eligible if the Small and Medium-Sized Enterprise (SME) is deemed independent.
Do you have a question?
This article was last modified on
These tips are not only useful for European startups, professional writers, consultants and Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SME) but are generally recommended when writing a business plan or investor documents.
Deadlines: Post-Horizon 2020, the EIC Accelerator accepts Step 1 submissions now while the deadlines for the full applications (Step 2) under Horizon Europe are:
- Step 1 (short proposal)
- open now
- Step 2 (business plan)
- 1st cut-off: -
- 2nd cut-off: -
- 3rd cut-off: -
- 4th cut-off: October 19th 2023 (extended)
- Step 3 (interview)
- 1st cut-off: -
- 2nd cut-off: -
- 3rd cut-off: October 2nd to 6th (extended)
- 4th cut-off: November 27th to December 8th
The Step 1 applications must be submitted weeks in advance of Step 2. The next EIC Accelerator cut-off for Step 2 (full proposal) can be found here. After Brexit, UK companies can still apply to the EIC Accelerator under Horizon Europe albeit with non-dilutive grant applications only - thereby excluding equity-financing.
Contact: You can reach out to us via this contact form to work with a professional consultant.
EU, UK & US Startups: Alternative financing options for EU, UK and US innovation startups are the EIC Pathfinder (combining Future and Emerging Technologies - FET Open & FET Proactive) with €4M per project, Thematic Priorities, European Innovation Partnerships (EIP), Innovate UK with £3M (for UK-companies only) as well as the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) grants with $1M (for US-companies only).
Any more questions? View the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) section.
Want to see all articles? They can be found here.
For Updates: Join this Newsletter!
by Stephan Segler, PhD
Professional Grant Consultant at Segler Consulting
General information on the EIC Accelerator template, professional grant writing and how to prepare a successful application can be found in the following articles:
A Quick FTO Guide for EIC Accelerator Applicants in a Rush
2023 Budget Allocations for EIC Pathfinder, Transition and Accelerator
Developing the Unique Selling Points (USP) for the EIC Accelerator
Explaining the Resubmission Process for the EIC Accelerator
A Short but Comprehensive Explanation of the EIC Accelerator
Deciding Between EIC Pathfinder, Transition and Accelerator
A Winning Candidate for the EIC Accelerator
EIC Accelerator Interview Preparation Process: Scripting the Pitch (Part 1)

Zombie Innovation: EIC Accelerator Funding for the Living Dead

Smack My Pitch Up: Changing The Evaluation Focus Of The EIC Accelerator

How Deep Is Your Tech? The European Innovation Council Impact Report (EIC Accelerator)

Analyzing A Leaked EIC Accelerator Interview List (Success Rates, Industries, Direct Submissions)

Steering the EIC Accelerator: Lessons Learned from the Pilot Program

Who Should Not Apply To The EIC Accelerator And Why

The Risk of Presenting all Risks in the High-Risk EIC Accelerator Program

How to Prepare an EIC Accelerator Resubmission

How to Prepare a Good EIC Accelerator Application: General Project Advice

All Eligible EIC Accelerator Countries (including the United Kingdom, Switzerland and Ukraine)

How to Craft an EIC Accelerator Rebuttal: Explaining Grant Proposal Resubmissions

The EIC Accelerator: To Disrupt or Not to Disrupt

How long does it take to apply for the EIC Accelerator? (Grant proposal timeline)

A Quick FTO Guide for EIC Accelerator Applicants in a Rush

2023 Budget Allocations for EIC Pathfinder, Transition and Accelerator

A Winning Candidate for the EIC Accelerator

Developing the Unique Selling Points (USP) for the EIC Accelerator

Explaining the Resubmission Process for the EIC Accelerator

Investing in Well-Funded Projects: How the EIC is Breaking its Own Rules (EIC Accelerator)

Deciding Between EIC Pathfinder, Transition and Accelerator

ChatGPT for the EIC Accelerator: Will the Real AI Please Stand Up

The EIC’s One-Stop Shop Funding Framework (Pathfinder, Transition, Accelerator)

A Short but Comprehensive Explanation of the EIC Accelerator

EIC Accelerator 2022 October Results: Funding Rates and Circu Li-ion & Iris.AI Success Cases

The New EIC Ecosystem, Fast-Track and Pilot Plug-In Schemes (2023 EIC Accelerator Work Programme Part 8)

The EIC’s 2023 Strategic Challenges and Topics (2023 EIC Accelerator Work Programme Part 7)

The Grant Proposal Evaluation Criteria (2023 EIC Accelerator Work Programme Part 6)

Cancelling Funding and Changing Grant Requests (2023 EIC Accelerator Work Programme Part 5)

The Conditions for EIC Equity Investments (2023 EIC Accelerator Work Programme Part 3)

Technology Readiness Levels, Timelines and Interview Priorities (2023 EIC Accelerator Work Programme Part 4)

How Grant-First Projects get Equity Investments (2023 EIC Accelerator Work Programme Part 2)

The Eligible Applicants (2023 EIC Accelerator Work Programme Part 1)

EIC Accelerator 2022 Results and the Vanevo GmbH Success Case

EIC Accelerator Interview Preparation Process: Interviewee Considerations (Part 4)

EIC Accelerator Interview Preparation Process: Jury Considerations (Part 3)

EIC Accelerator Interview Preparation Process: The Importance of the Q&A (Part 2)

EIC Accelerator Interview Preparation Process: Scripting the Pitch (Part 1)

The June 2021 EIC Accelerator Results and the STABL Energy GmbH Success Story

Delays: Updates on the EIC Accelerators Step 1 Results, Step 3 Interview Dates and More (SME Instrument)

Last-Minute Restrictions of EIC Accelerator Step 1 Submissions

Balancing Content for the EIC Accelerators Step 1 Video, Deck and Proposal (SME Instrument)

The New EIC Accelerators Read Deck (SME Instrument)

Lessons from the EIC Accelerators Pitch Video Shooting (SME Instrument)

Glitches on the EIC Accelerator’s AI Platform and Changes to the Work Programme (SME Instrument)

Insights from the EU Science & Innovation YouTube Leak (EIC Accelerator, SME Instrument)

Gender Equality Targets in the Age of Gender Identification (EIC Accelerator)

The 2021 EIC Accelerator Work Programme and Newest Updates (SME Instrument Phase 2)

Why it’s Important to Have a Diverse Grant Strategy (EIC Accelerator, SME Instrument) – Part 2

Why it’s Important to Have a Diverse Grant Strategy (EIC Accelerator, SME Instrument) – Part 1

Freelancers: The Other Side of the Consulting Industry (EIC Accelerator, SME Instrument)

Investigating EIC Accelerator Success Rates for Each Stage (SME Instrument)

EIC Accelerator Success Rates and Feasibility Studies (SME Instrument)

The Reliance of EU Startups on Consultancies for the EIC Accelerator (SME Instrument)

The EIC Accelerator Grant Consulting Industry (SME Instrument)

How a Consultant can Produce an EIC Accelerator Pitch Video Remotely (SME Instrument) – Part 2

How a Consultant can Produce an EIC Accelerator Pitch Video Remotely (SME Instrument) – Part 1

Helpful Resources for an EIC Accelerator Pitch Video (SME Instrument)

An Inside Look into the EIC Accelerator Fund and its Equity Financing (SME Instrument)

Why It Could Be Beneficial to Apply Early to the 2021 EIC Accelerator (SME Instrument)

Burnrate, Runway and Cashflow for Startups (EIC Accelerator, SME Instrument)

Tips to Quickly Improve Grant Writing (EIC Accelerator, SME Instrument)

The UK’s Participation in the EIC Accelerator under Horizon Europe after 2021 (SME Instrument)

How to Script an EIC Accelerator Pitch Video (SME Instrument) – Part 2

How to Script an EIC Accelerator Pitch Video (SME Instrument) – Part 1

Structuring an EIC Accelerator Pitch Deck for the Jury Interview (SME Instrument)

How to Select an EU Grant Financing Program such as the EIC Accelerator (SME Instrument) – Part 3

How to Select an EU Grant Financing Program such as the EIC Accelerator (SME Instrument) – Part 2

How to Select an EU Grant Financing Program such as the EIC Accelerator (SME Instrument) – Part 1

Project Management and the EIC Accelerator (SME Instrument Phase 2)

How the Future of the EIC Accelerator Could Look Like (SME Instrument) – Part 2

How the Future of the EIC Accelerator Could Look Like (SME Instrument) – Part 1

How to Prepare for an EIC Accelerator Pitch Interview (SME Instrument Phase 2) – Part 2

How to Prepare for an EIC Accelerator Pitch Interview (SME Instrument Phase 2) – Part 1

What to Expect in an EIC Accelerator Interview (SME Instrument Phase 2)

Why it is So Difficult to Assess an EIC Accelerator Project (SME Instrument Phase 2)

Which Companies Should Not Apply to the EIC Accelerator (SME Instrument) – Part 2

Which Companies Should Not Apply to the EIC Accelerator (SME Instrument) – Part 1

How the EIC Can Incentivise Shorter and Clearer Applications for the EIC Accelerator (SME Instrument Phase 2) – Part 4

How the EIC Can Incentivise Shorter and Clearer Applications for the EIC Accelerator (SME Instrument Phase 2) – Part 3

How the EIC Can Incentivise Shorter and Clearer Applications for the EIC Accelerator (SME Instrument Phase 2) – Part 2

How the EIC Can Incentivise Shorter and Clearer Applications for the EIC Accelerator (SME Instrument Phase 2) – Part 1

How to Create Pitch Videos for the EIC Accelerator (SME Instrument Phase 2)

Proposed Application Process for the EIC Accelerator 2021 (SME Instrument Phase 2)

Work Packages for the EIC Accelerator (SME Instrument Phase 2)

Key Takeaways from the EIC Accelerator Deep Tech Report (SME Instrument Phase 2)

Where can EIC Accelerator Results be found? (SME Instrument Phase 2)

How to Interpret the Evaluation Summary Report (ESR) of an EIC Accelerator Application (SME Instrument) – Part 2

How to Interpret the Evaluation Summary Report (ESR) of an EIC Accelerator Application (SME Instrument) – Part 1

Visual Representation of an EIC Accelerator Proposal Narrative (SME Instrument Phase 2) – Part 3

Visual Representation of an EIC Accelerator Proposal Narrative (SME Instrument Phase 2) – Part 2

Visual Representation of an EIC Accelerator Proposal Narrative (SME Instrument Phase 2) – Part 1

Designing Images for an EIC Accelerator Application (SME Instrument Phase 2) – Part 2

Designing Images for an EIC Accelerator Application (SME Instrument Phase 2) – Part 1

Assessing an EIC Accelerator Applicant for Innovation, Traction and the Team (SME Instrument) – Part 3

Assessing an EIC Accelerator Applicant for Innovation, Traction and the Team (SME Instrument) – Part 2

Assessing an EIC Accelerator Applicant for Innovation, Traction and the Team (SME Instrument) – Part 1

Specific Buzzwords to be used in EIC Accelerator Applications (SME Instrument Phase 2)

Should a Company Hire a Professional Consultant or Write an EIC Accelerator Grant Application Internally? (SME Instrument Phase 2)

Developing a Commercial Strategy for the EIC Accelerator (SME Instrument Phase 2)

The Biggest Mistakes When Applying to the EIC Accelerator (SME Instrument Phase 2)

Why It’s Great to be a Female Entrepreneur in the EU (EIC Accelerator)

The Financing Timeline For EIC Accelerator Applicants (SME Instrument Phase 2)

Identifying a Broad Vision for an EIC Accelerator Project (SME Instrument Phase 2)

Finding Updates and News for the EIC Accelerator (SME Instrument Phase 2)

Deviations from the EIC Accelerator Grant Proposal Template (SME Instrument Phase 2)

Choosing an Acronym for the EIC Accelerator Grant (SME Instrument Phase 2)

Writing the Abstract for the EIC Accelerator Grant (SME Instrument Phase 2)

Choosing a Project Title for the EIC Accelerator (SME Instrument Phase 2)

Document Formatting Tips for the EIC Accelerator Grant pt.3 (SME Instrument Phase 2)

Document Formatting Tips for the EIC Accelerator Grant pt.2 (SME Instrument Phase 2)

Document Formatting Tips for the EIC Accelerator Grant pt.1 (SME Instrument Phase 2)

EIC Accelerator: Software Choices for the Annexes (SME Instrument Phase 2)

How the EIC Accelerator Funds Technology Readiness Levels (TRL) (SME Instrument)

Technology Readiness Levels and the EIC Accelerator (SME Instrument)

EIC Accelerator Interviews: Pitch Deck vs. Proposal Documents (SME Instrument)

EIC Accelerator Proposal Design: Helpful Resources and Graphics (SME Instrument)

EIC Accelerator Writing: Providing the Missing Link (SME Instrument Phase 2)

Pre-Requisites for an EIC Accelerator Application (SME Instrument Phase 2)

Choosing a Good Project for the EIC Accelerator (SME Instrument Phase 2)

Technology Readiness Levels (TRL) for the EIC Accelerator (SME Instrument)

Presenting Customer Interest for a Successful EIC Accelerator Application (SME Instrument Phase 2)

The EIC Accelerator Budget: Grant vs. Blended Finance (Equity, SME Instrument)

EIC Accelerator Applications and EU Policies or Targets (SME Instrument Phase 2)

Business Models for EIC Accelerator Applications (SME Instrument)

Writing an EIC Accelerator Application: Microsoft Word vs. Adobe InDesign (SME Instrument Writing)

EIC Accelerator (SME Instrument Phase 2) – Introduction and Blended Finance

EIC Accelerator Budget Retrospectively Increased By €150m due to COVID-19

EIC Accelerator Interviewees from March Deadline Unable to Apply for May Cut-Off

Update: Proposal Template for the EIC Accelerator Green Deal Deadline (SME Instrument May 2020)

EIC Accelerator: New Proposal Template from March 20th (2020)

Using the Evaluation Summary Report (ESR) to Improve Grant Proposal Writing (EIC Accelerator)

The EIC Accelerator: Grant vs. Blended Financing (Equity)


The European Green Deal – A Dedicated Cut-Off for the EIC Accelerator



The Difference Between Innovation and Features (EIC Accelerator)


Changes in the EIC Accelerator during 2019


SME Instrument Grant Writing Tips (EIC Accelerator)


SME Instrument Phase 1 vs. Phase 2 (EIC Accelerator) Part 2


The Two Most Important Features for an SME Instrument Project (EIC Accelerator)


SME Instrument Phase 1 vs. Phase 2 (EIC Accelerator)


How To Identify a High Quality SME Instrument Project (EIC Accelerator)


What Types of Companies Have Received Funding?


SME Instrument 2018 Changes


Directly Applying for Phase 2


What Does “Prototype Stage” Mean?


What Makes a Good Project?


When Is the Grant Paid in Phase 1?


Technical Writing Tips


Do You Need Additional Investors?


What Projects Does the EU Like Most?


What is the Timeline for the Application?


Professional Grant Proposal Writing


What is Phase 1 for and What Comes Next?


What Is the H2020 SME Instrument Phase 1 Funding?


The Success Rate For Receiving Government Funding


What Information Is Needed to Write A Proposal?


How To Improve Your Chances of Getting Funded


Can My Company Receive Funding from the EU?


What Types of Industries Receive Funding?

