EIC Accelerator

Funds the last development steps and market entry of a physical product or deep tech that is too risky for private investors alone. The grant covers TRL 6 to 8 work and the equity part covers scale-up. For a hardtech company this is the largest single EU ticket available without a consortium.

Grant and equity EU European Innovation Council

PROGRAM PAGE ↗ ALL PROGRAMS

Deadlines

4 Nov 2026 Full application cut-off · 17:00 Brussels time. Last 2026 cut-off. 58 days

Short applications can be submitted at any time and are batched for evaluation on the first Tuesday of each month at 17:00 Brussels time. Full applications only after a positive short application. No 2027 cut-offs were published as of 2026-09-07. 2026 budget EUR 634 million.

Checked 2026-09-07 against eic.ec.europa.eu . Confirm on the official page before you plan a submission.

Who can apply

Open EU-wide and to Horizon Europe associated countries. Single startups, SMEs and small mid-caps (up to 499 employees) in EU member states or Horizon Europe associated countries. Norway and Iceland are associated, so Norwegian and Icelandic companies qualify. Technology at TRL 6 to 8 with a plan to scale. Natural persons intending to found an SME can also apply.

Amount

Grant of up to EUR 2.5 million (lump sum, 24 month project), plus equity or quasi-equity of EUR 1 million to 10 million; blended finance combines both.

Other programs

EIC Pathfinder Next deadline 28 Oct 2026 EIC Transition Next deadline 16 Sept 2026 (9 days) Eurostars Next deadline 10 Sept 2026 (3 days) Horizon Europe Cluster 4 and Cluster 5 calls Next deadline 15 Sept 2026 (8 days) Nordic Innovation open calls Next deadline 23 Sept 2026 (16 days) Vinnova Innovativa startups Next deadline 12 Jan 2027

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