EIC Accelerator – Funding for Breakthrough Innovation for SMEs, Start-ups and Scale-ups

Updated on 9 July 2026

What is the EIC Accelerator?

The EIC Accelerator is the flagship funding instrument of the European Innovation Council (EIC) for highly innovative small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), start-ups and scale-ups. As part of Horizon Europe, it supports companies in developing breakthrough technologies and market-creating innovations to market readiness and successfully scaling their businesses.

The EIC Accelerator combines grant funding with equity investments and is specifically designed for companies whose innovation projects are considered too risky for conventional financing.

Since 2026, the EIC Accelerator has also been open to selected dual-use technologies.

EIC Accelerator Open

The EIC Accelerator Open follows a bottom-up approach and is open to innovative companies from all technology sectors.
It supports disruptive technologies and business models with high market and growth potential.

Funding includes:

• grants of up to EUR 2.5 million
• a funding rate of 70% (lump-sum funding)
• optional Blended Finance, combining grants with equity investments of EUR 0.5 to 10 million
• for larger investment rounds, additional equity support of up to EUR 30 million through EIC STEP Scale-up 

EIC Accelerator Challenges 2026

Unlike the Open call, the EIC Accelerator Challenges focus on strategic technologies that are essential for Europe's competitiveness and technological sovereignty.

1. Advanced Materials for Renewable Energy and Energy Storage Systems
Development of innovative materials for renewable energy generation and short-, medium- and long-term energy storage, improving the performance, sustainability and circularity of energy systems.
Budget: approximately EUR 20 million

2. Alternative Concepts and Key Enabling Technologies for Fusion Power Plants
Support for innovative components, materials, diagnostics, control systems and manufacturing technologies that accelerate the commercial deployment of fusion power.
Budget: approximately EUR 20 million

3. Biotech for Regenerating Agricultural Soils
Support for biotechnology-based solutions that regenerate agricultural soils, improve biodiversity and strengthen the resilience of sustainable farming systems.
Budget: approximately EUR 20 million

4. Boosting the European Critical Raw Materials Value Chain
Support for innovations across the entire value chain of critical and strategic raw materials, from exploration and extraction to processing, recycling and substitution.
Budget: approximately EUR 20 million

5. Deep Tech for Climate Adaptation
Support for deep-tech innovations that help societies adapt to climate change, including climate-resilient infrastructure, early warning systems and technologies addressing heatwaves, droughts, floods and wildfires.
Budget: approximately EUR 20 million

Who can apply?

Applications may be submitted by single for-profit SMEs, as defined by the European Union, including:

• start-ups  
• SMEs  
• scale-ups  

Applicants should:

• develop a disruptive innovation;
• demonstrate high market and growth potential;
• have reached at least Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 5, ideally TRL 6;
• have an experienced and multidisciplinary management team. 

Scope of funding

Eligible activities include:

• demonstrations  
• prototype development
• pilot projects
• testing and validation
• miniaturisation  
• product design
• market deployment
• business scale-up 

The objective is to develop a market-ready product, process or service supported by a robust business model.

Funding models

The EIC Accelerator offers three funding options:

Grant only

Grant funding of up to EUR 2.5 million.

Blended Finance

Grant funding of up to EUR 2.5 million combined with equity investments of EUR 0.5 to 10 million.

Investment only

Equity financing for companies in later growth stages that no longer require grant funding.

Business Acceleration Services (BAS)

In addition to financial support, successful applicants gain access to the EIC Business Acceleration Services (BAS).

These include:

• Executive Coaching
• Mentoring  
• Investor Days
• Matchmaking with investors
• Access to international companies
• Networking within European innovation ecosystems 

Budget 2026

The total budget for the EIC Accelerator 2026 amounts to EUR 634 million:

• EIC Accelerator Open: EUR 414 million
• EIC Accelerator Challenges: EUR 220 million 

Equity investments

Equity investments provided through the EIC Fund support the commercialisation of innovative technologies and the growth of high-potential companies.

The EIC Fund carries out comprehensive due diligence and actively seeks private co-investors to maximise additional private investment.

The three-step application process

Step 1 – Short Application

Applications are submitted via the EU Funding & Tenders Portal and include:

• Online Questionnaire
• Pitch Deck
• Video (maximum three minutes) 

Short Applications may be submitted at any time.

Step 2 – Full Application

Applicants invited after a successful Short Application may submit a Full Application.

Since 2026, the application process has been significantly simplified and includes:

• Part A (online)
• Part B (20 pages)
• Budget  
• Pitch Deck
• Video  
• Supporting documents 

Applications are evaluated approximately every two months.

Step 3 – Interview

Successful applicants are invited to present their project to the international EIC Jury.
The interview consists of:

• 10-minute pitch
• 35-minute question and discussion session 

Timeline 2026

Short Applications can be submitted at any time.

Full Applications have six cut-off dates in 2026:

• 7 January 2026
• 4 March 2026
• 6 May 2026
• 8 July 2026
• 2 September 2026
• 4 November 2026 

Key changes in the EIC Accelerator 2026

• Total budget of EUR 414 million for the Open call and EUR 220 million for the Challenges
• Five new thematic Challenges covering renewable energy, fusion technologies, agricultural biotechnology, critical raw materials and climate adaptation
• Reduction of the Full Application from 50 to 20 pages
• Six submission cut-off dates instead of two
• Evaluations approximately every two months
• Introduction of lump-sum funding
• Opening of the programme to selected dual-use technologies

Do you have an idea for an EIC Accelerator project? Contact BayFOR’s SME advisory service now: