European Innovation Council - EIC Accelerator
Research Service
The EIC Accelerator supports high-risk, high-impact innovations developed by start-ups and SMEs with the potential to create or disrupt markets. It offers blended finance (grant + equity) to help companies bring breakthrough solutions from TRL 6–8 to scale-up.
Deadline
Multiple cut-off dates in 2026:
7 January – 4 March – 6 May – 8 July – 2 September – 4 November
Eligibility
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Single start-ups and SMEs
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Individuals intending to create a start-up/SME
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Small mid-caps (equity only)
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Applicants must be based in an EU Member State or Associated Country
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Applicants from third countries must relocate before Step 2
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UK entities eligible for grant-only
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Only one active application at a time
Funding and Duration
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Grant: up to €2.5 million (lump sum), for innovation activities at TRL 6–8, typically up to 24 months
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Equity: €1–10 million (higher amounts possible in STEP ScaleUP)
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Blended finance (grant + equity) or investment-only options
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Access to Business Acceleration Services (BAS)
Timeline of the Call
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Step 1 – Short Proposal
Submit anytime (short form + 10-slide deck + 3-min video)
Evaluation: ~4–6 weeks -
Step 2 – Full Proposal
Submitted to 2026 cut-off dates
Evaluation: ~8–9 weeks by expert reviewers -
Step 3 – EIC Jury Interview
Invitations ~4–5 weeks after Step 2 results
Decision ~2–3 weeks after interview -
Step 4 – Funding Agreement & Due Diligence
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Grant agreement signed
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Investment due diligence (2–6 months) for blended finance
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Contact