EIC Accelerator 🎁 Program
Grant of up to EUR 2.5 million (about $2.9 million) for deep-tech startups and SMEs, with optional EIC equity.
| What you get | Up to $2.9M |
|---|---|
| Who qualifies | Single startups and SMEs established (or relocating) in the EU or a Horizon Europe associated country; UK applicants grant-only; one application at a time. |
| Open in | European Union, United Kingdom |
| Partner code needed | No: apply directly |
| Deadline | 2026-11-04 (next full-proposal cut-off, 5pm Brussels time); short proposals any time |
| Terms last checked | 2026-10-15 |
About EIC Accelerator
What you get
A lump-sum grant of up to EUR 2.5 million (about $2.9 million) for innovation work at technology readiness levels 6-8, to be completed within 24 months. You can also ask for EUR 1-10 million of equity from the EIC Fund, either blended with the grant or investment-only; that part is dilutive, the grant is not. The 2026 budget is EUR 220 million for Accelerator Challenges and EUR 414 million for Accelerator Open.
Who qualifies
Single startups and SMEs (including spin-outs), small mid-caps up to 499 employees (investment only), and people planning to set up an SME. Companies from outside the EU and associated countries can apply but must relocate before the full application. UK applicants can apply for the grant-only option. You can have only one application at a time, and grant-only support can be received once during Horizon Europe (2021-2027).
Good to know
There are four steps: a short proposal (12-page form, up to 10-slide deck, up to 3-minute video) that you can submit at any time and that is batched on the first Tuesday of each month; a full proposal after a GO (20-page form, implementation plan, financials, letters of intent, freedom-to-operate analysis); a jury interview; then contracting and, for equity, due diligence of 2-6 months. The 2026 full-proposal cut-offs are 7 January, 4 March, 6 May, 8 July, 2 September and 4 November. Fast Track and Plug-In routes exist for projects from Horizon or certified national programmes.
Verdict
The biggest grant cheque a European startup can win on its own, but it is competitive and the paperwork is heavy. Apply when you have a working prototype and a credible scale-up plan.
How to apply
- Create an account on the EIC Platform and draft your short proposal (12-page form, pitch deck, 3-minute video).
- Submit it; proposals are batched on the first Tuesday of each month and you get feedback in about 4-6 weeks.
- After a GO, prepare the full proposal (business plan, financials, letters of intent, FTO analysis) for the next cut-off.
- If shortlisted, pitch to the EIC Jury.
- Sign the grant agreement, and for blended finance go through EIC Fund due diligence.
Who it is for
Steps EIC Accelerator helps with
Pros
- Grant up to EUR 2.5 million with no equity
- Short proposals accepted continuously
- Optional EIC equity for larger rounds
Cons
- Very competitive, multi-stage process
- Equity component is dilutive if you choose it
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