EIC STEP Scale-up – Equity Funding for European Deep-Tech Companies

Updated on 9 July 2026

What is the EIC STEP Scale-up?

The EIC STEP Scale-up Call is a funding instrument of the European Innovation Council (EIC) under the Strategic Technologies for Europe Platform (STEP). The programme supports innovative European companies through equity investments ranging from EUR 10 million to EUR 30 million, helping them secure large-scale growth financing.

The objective of the EIC STEP Scale-up is to close financing gaps for companies developing strategic technologies, mobilise private investment and strengthen Europe's technological sovereignty and global competitiveness.

The programme is designed for start-ups, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and Small Mid-Caps with up to 499 employees that have already developed market-ready or advanced technologies and require substantial growth capital to scale internationally.

Which technologies are supported?

The EIC STEP Scale-up focuses on strategic technologies under the Strategic Technologies for Europe Platform (STEP).

1. Digital Technologies and Deep Tech

The programme supports innovations in areas including:

• Artificial Intelligence (AI)
• Semiconductor technologies
• Quantum technologies
• Cybersecurity
• Robotics
• Autonomous systems
• Other strategic key technologies 

The objective is to strengthen Europe's technological sovereignty in critical digital technologies.

2. Clean and Resource-Efficient Technologies

Supported technologies include:

• Industrial decarbonisation
• Renewable energy
• Battery technologies
• Hydrogen technologies
• Carbon capture
• Net-zero technologies 

Projects are expected to contribute to the objectives of the Net-Zero Industry Act.

3. Biotechnologies

Funding is available for innovative applications in areas such as:

• Healthcare
• Industrial biotechnology
• Synthetic biology
• Biomanufacturing
• Novel therapeutic platforms 

Scope of funding

The EIC STEP Scale-up provides equity investments of between EUR 10 million and EUR 30 million per company. The investment is intended to serve as an anchor investment, attracting additional institutional and private investors and enabling large financing rounds. The programme aims to facilitate investment rounds typically ranging from EUR 50 million to EUR 150 million.

Who can apply?

Eligible applicants include:

• Start-ups
• Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs)
• Small Mid-Caps with up to 499 employees 

Applicants must:

• be established in an EU Member State or a Horizon Europe Associated Country;
• develop strategic technologies;
• have an advanced level of technological maturity;
• require significant capital for scaling their business;
• be preparing or conducting a major financing round. 

Application process

The EIC STEP Scale-up Call is continuously open.
Applications may be submitted at any time through the EU Funding & Tenders Portal.
Unlike the EIC Accelerator, there are no fixed cut-off dates.

Applications typically include:

• Business Plan
• Pitch Deck
• Information on the planned financing round
• Details of existing or potential co-investors
• Capitalisation table (Cap Table)
• Corporate governance information
• ESG information 

Business Acceleration Services (BAS)

In addition to financial support, successful applicants gain access to the Business Acceleration Services (BAS) offered by the European Innovation Council.

These include:

• Executive coaching
• Mentoring
• Matchmaking with investors
• Networking with industry partners
• International business development support
• Exclusive networking and investor events 

Why apply for the EIC STEP Scale-up?

The EIC STEP Scale-up helps European deep-tech companies to:

• secure large-scale growth financing;
• mobilise additional private investment;
• become global technology leaders;
• develop strategic technologies in Europe; and
• strengthen Europe's long-term technological sovereignty. 

Advice from BayFOR

The EIC STEP Scale-up is aimed at companies with high growth potential and complex funding requirements. Selecting the appropriate funding instrument, preparing for the funding round and submitting the application all require strategic planning at an early stage.

BayFOR provides independent and free support to start-ups, SMEs and small mid-caps in Bavaria with:

• assessing the suitability of their project for the EIC STEP Scale-up,
• selecting suitable EU funding instruments,
• preparing the application, and
• providing support throughout the application and selection process.

Please contact BayFOR’s EU funding advisory service to discuss your project with us.