Can Universities or research institutes apply to the 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.
EIC Accelerator Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
This Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) section provides comprehensive answers to common inquiries from EIC Accelerator applicants. Whether you're a startup, Small and Medium-sized Enterprise (SME), or deep tech company considering applying for EIC Accelerator funding, these FAQ entries address key questions about eligibility criteria, application processes, funding amounts, evaluation procedures, and program requirements. Our EIC Accelerator FAQ database helps potential applicants understand the European Innovation Council's flagship funding program, covering topics from initial application submission through grant disbursement and equity investment. These frequently asked questions are designed to support EIC Accelerator candidates in preparing successful funding applications for the EU's premier innovation support program.
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:
EIC Accelerator Step 1 Deadline 2025
EIC Accelerator Step 2 Deadline 2025
EIC Accelerator Step 3 Deadline 2025
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.
AI Grant Writer: ChatEIC is a fully automated EIC Accelerator grant proposal writer: Get it here.
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.
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