EIC STEP Scale-up – equity funding for deep tech companies and strategic technologies

Last updated: 9 November 2026

EIC STEP Scale-up supports innovative start-ups, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and small mid-caps in securing substantial growth financing. This European Innovation Council (EIC) funding scheme provides equity investments of €10 million to €30 million per company. It focuses on strategic technologies in digital and deep tech, clean and resource-efficient technologies, and biotechnology. A total budget of €290 million is available for 2027.

What is EIC STEP Scale-up?

EIC STEP Scale-up is a European Innovation Council (EIC) financing scheme under Horizon Europe. It contributes to the implementation of the Strategic Technologies for Europe Platform (STEP).

The scheme targets companies seeking substantial growth capital to scale up their technologies and business activities. EIC investment aims to attract additional investors and enable major funding rounds.

Its purpose is to close financing gaps for high-risk innovations and strengthen the development, manufacturing and commercialisation of strategic technologies in Europe.

How much funding is available?

EIC STEP Scale-up provides equity investments of €10 million to €30 million per company, managed by the EIC Fund.

The investment acts as an anchor investment to attract other capital providers. The scheme aims to support funding rounds typically ranging from €50 million to €150 million or more.

Investment terms are assessed and negotiated individually. EIC STEP Scale-up does not provide grants.

2027 budget: €290 million.

Who can apply?

Eligible applicants are individual:

• Start-ups and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
• Small mid-caps with up to 499 employees.

Companies must be established in an EU Member State or a country associated to Horizon Europe that is eligible for this scheme. Companies established in the United Kingdom are not eligible.

Investors may also submit an application on behalf of an eligible company, subject to a prior agreement with that company.

Applicants should have an advanced strategic technology with strong market and growth potential and be preparing a substantial funding round.

What investor pre-commitment is required?

Applications require an equity pre-commitment from a single qualified investor covering at least 20% of the total target funding round.

For example, a company targeting a €100 million funding round must provide an investor pre-commitment of at least €20 million.

The investor must have demonstrable experience in the relevant market and technology sector. The pre-commitment is not yet a legally binding investment agreement.

Which technologies are supported?

EIC STEP Scale-up focuses on three strategic technology areas.

1. Digital technologies and deep tech

Examples include:

• Artificial intelligence.
• Semiconductor and quantum technologies.
• Advanced digital and connectivity technologies.
• Robotics and autonomous systems.

2. Clean and resource-efficient technologies

Examples include:

• Renewable energy and energy storage.
• Hydrogen technologies.
• Industrial decarbonisation technologies.
• Carbon capture, storage and utilisation.
• Resource-efficient manufacturing and recycling technologies.

3. Biotechnologies

Examples include:

• Industrial biotechnology.
• Cell and tissue technologies.
• DNA- and RNA-based technologies.
• Biotechnological manufacturing processes.
• Innovative applications for developing medicines.

Beyond falling within an eligible technology area, the innovation must contribute to STEP objectives: it must offer significant economic potential for the EU internal market or help reduce or prevent the EU’s strategic dependencies.

How do you apply for EIC STEP Scale-up?

Applications are submitted through the EU Funding & Tenders Portal.

The required documents include:

• A business plan of up to 50 pages, covering the company, its ownership and financial structure, and its contribution to STEP objectives.
• A pitch deck of up to 15 pages.
• The investor’s equity pre-commitment using the required template.
• A financial plan.
• A Freedom to Operate (FTO) analysis or the specified alternative explanation.
• CVs of key personnel.

Following an eligibility assessment, applicants are invited to an interview with an EIC jury. A positive selection is followed by detailed due diligence and negotiation of the investment by the EIC Fund.

What are the EIC STEP Scale-up evaluation dates in 2027?

Applications can be submitted at any time. However, they are grouped into evaluation batches on specified dates.

All times correspond to local time in Brussels. Evaluation rounds are subject to budget availability.

How does STEP Scale-up differ from the EIC Accelerator?

The EIC Accelerator helps companies further develop breakthrough innovations, bring them to market and grow their businesses. Depending on the funding option, support can include grants and equity investment.

EIC STEP Scale-up targets companies with substantially larger capital requirements and provides equity investment only. Preparing a major funding round and securing the involvement of a qualified investor are central requirements.

EIC Business Acceleration Services

Successful companies also gain access to the EIC Business Acceleration Services. These include coaching, mentoring, connections with investors and industry partners, and support for international networking.

EIC STEP Scale-up advice from BayFOR

The Bavarian Research Alliance (BayFOR) provides independent advice free of charge to start-ups, SMEs and small mid-caps in Bavaria. Support includes:

• Assessing whether EIC STEP Scale-up is suitable for the company’s plans.
• Identifying appropriate EU funding schemes for its research and innovation projects.
• Supporting application preparation.
• Providing guidance throughout the application and selection process.

Are you preparing a major funding round for your technology company? Contact BayFOR’s SME advisory team to assess whether EIC STEP Scale-up is suitable and discuss your next steps.