European Innovation Council Accelerator

The EIC Accelerator is a flagship funding programme under the EU's Horizon Europe framework (2021–2027), managed by the European Innovation Council and SMEs Executive Agency (EISMEA). It supports individual startups and SMEs—including spin-outs and small mid-caps—developing innovations at TRL 6–8 with the potential to create or disrupt markets. Funding is available in three modes: grant only (lump sum below €2.5 million, up to 24 months), blended finance (grant plus direct equity or quasi-equity of €1–€10 million via the EIC Fund), or equity only. The 2026 total budget is €634 million, split between the Open call (€414 million, any technology field) and thematic Challenges (€220 million). The application process has four steps: a rolling short proposal (evaluated monthly), a full proposal submitted to one of six annual batching dates, a face-to-face jury interview, and grant/investment execution. All awardees receive Business Acceleration Services including coaching, mentoring, access to corporate partners, and investor networking. Fast Track and Plug-In schemes allow direct entry to the full proposal stage for projects from existing Horizon Europe or certified national programmes. Applicants must be based in EU Member States or Horizon Europe-associated countries.