EIC Accelerator Program

European support for revolutionary startups and SMEs

Introducing the EIC Accelerator

The EIC Accelerator is the flagship instrument of the European Innovation Council (EIC), specifically designed to support startups and SMEs with exceptional potential that are developing groundbreaking innovations with high risk and major impact. A key pillar of Horizon Europe's "More Innovative Europe" initiative, this program targets innovative entrepreneurs facing the challenge of the "valley of death"—the critical stage that separates advanced technological development from actual commercial success.

In the European financing architecture, The EIC Accelerator stands out for its unique hybrid approach, combining grant support and equity investment (mixed financing), thus meeting the complex needs of innovative startups: non-dilutive support to complete development and investment capital to accelerate market entry and expansion. Unlike other mechanisms focused on basic research (such as Horizon Europe's RIA Actions) or commercial deployment (such as InvestEU), the EIC Accelerator covers the entire innovation journey, from technological refinement to commercial launch. https://innochain.lu/programmes-de-financements-europeens/

The strategic ambitions of the EIC Accelerator are perfectly aligned with the European vision of an innovative, competitive, and sovereign economy. The program pursues several essential missions:

Identify, refine, and deploy groundbreaking innovations with high risk and major impact
Addressing the lack of funding for risky innovations that struggle to attract private investment
Consolidate European technological and strategic autonomy in key sectors
Boosting the growth of European startups and scale-ups to create technology champions
Converting scientific discoveries into innovations that generate a tangible societal and economic impact

For the period 2021-2027, the EIC has a total budget of approximately €10.1 billion, a significant portion of which is dedicated to the EIC Accelerator. This ambitious funding illustrates the European commitment to stimulating disruptive innovation and strengthening the competitiveness of innovative companies in the face of global challenges.

Propelling groundbreaking European innovations

Specific objectives and priorities

The European Innovation Council Accelerator aims to identify and support the most ambitious innovations with high market-transforming potential and solutions to major societal challenges. Its unique approach allows it to finance high-risk projects that traditional investors are reluctant to support on their own.

Priority areas of intervention

The EIC Accelerator operates primarily on a bottom-up model, allowing innovators to present their concepts without thematic constraints. However, the program also develops "EIC Challenges" focused on specific strategic priorities:

Strategic technologies for Europe:

Advanced quantum technologies and components
Next-generation semiconductors and electronic components
Innovative space technologies and applications
Sovereign technologies for cybersecurity
Revolutionary biomedical technologies

Green technologies and sustainable transitions

Clean technologies for industrial transformation
Zero-emission manufacturing processes
Innovative energy storage solutions
Eco-friendly materials and the circular economy
Solutions for smart territories and climate adaptation

Advanced health and biotechnologies

Early diagnosis and innovative detection
Emerging therapies and personalized medicine
Biomedical instruments and technologies
Solutions against antimicrobial resistance
Advanced industrial biotechnologies

Digital and disruptive technologies

Artificial intelligence and next-generation robotics
Edge computing and distributed cloud technologies
Extended reality and immersive technologies
Autonomous systems and advanced IoT
Cybersecurity and data protection

Sectoral priorities

Beyond the thematic areas, the EIC Accelerator prioritizes projects that:

They represent a truly revolutionary approach compared to existing solutions
They are part of a European strategy (technological sovereignty, ecological transition, resilience)
Demonstrate significant potential for expansion in international markets
They address major unmet societal needs
They can create new markets or radically transform existing markets

For startups developing advanced digital solutions, the EIC Accelerator can complement the Digital Europe program, which focuses more on the deployment and adoption of technologies on a larger scale.

Contribution to European strategic objectives

The EIC Accelerator directly contributes to several European strategic priorities:

The European Green Deal and the transition to a carbon-neutral economy
European technological sovereignty and industrial competitiveness
The digital transformation of the economy and society
Improving the health and quality of life of European citizens
Strengthening European resilience to future crises
Reducing territorial disparities in innovation

Expected benefits at the European level

The EIC Accelerator projects aim to generate substantial impacts at several levels:

Economic impact Creation of specialized jobs, growth of innovative companies, development of new markets
Technological impact : Technological breakthroughs, sustainable competitive advantages, creation of strategic intellectual property
Societal impact : Solutions to major societal challenges, improving quality of life, environmental sustainability
Strategic impact Strengthening Europe's position in global value chains and key technologies

The program particularly values projects with the potential to become European "unicorns" in their field.

Categories of supported projects

The EIC Accelerator specifically targets groundbreaking and deep tech innovations that require substantial investment but carry too high a level of risk for private investors alone. Unlike Eurostars, which requires international partnerships, the EIC Accelerator allows startups to apply individually, making it particularly well-suited to high-potential innovations driven by a single company. The program offers two main funding options:

Hybrid financing (Blended Finance):

Combination of a grant (up to EUR 2.5 million) and an equity investment via the EIC Fund (up to EUR 10 million)
Suitable for innovations that require both final technological refinement and commercial deployment
Typical duration: 24-36 months

Exclusive grant (Grant Only):

Grant of up to 2.5 million euros
For companies that have already secured sufficient funding for commercial deployment or only wish to finalize development before seeking investment
Typical duration: 12-24 months

In addition, the EIC also offers:

Grant First : Initial grant, with the possibility of requesting a capital investment later
EIC Accelerator Challenges : Targeted calls on specific strategic themes
Fast Track : Easier access for projects already recognized by other European or national programs

Funded projects must generally have reached a minimum TRL (Technology Readiness Level) of 5-6 at start-up, reaching a TRL 8-9 at the end of the project.

Illustrations of funded projects

Some examples of startup initiatives that have benefited from EIC Accelerator support:

Medical AI platform for early cancer analysis and diagnosis, enabling detection 2 years earlier than conventional methods (Finland)
Revolutionary solid-state battery technology offering double the energy density and a charging time divided by three compared to conventional lithium-ion batteries (France)
Modular micro-reactor system for the decentralized production of green hydrogen from biomethane and renewable electricity (Germany)
Neuromorphic implant to restore vision to people with blindness by converting visual signals into neural impulses (Spain)
Direct air capture technology for CO₂ with four times the energy efficiency of existing solutions (Switzerland)
Ultra-resistant and recyclable bio-based material 100% to replace plastic in food packaging (Italy)

Priority given to technological innovations

The EIC Accelerator particularly favors projects that:

They develop groundbreaking (breakthrough) or deep tech innovations, generally stemming from scientific discoveries or major technological advances.
Present a high technological risk requiring substantial validation and demonstration
Require significant investment before reaching profitability
Create new markets or profoundly disrupt existing markets
Rely on strong and defensible intellectual property

Sectors of Excellence

Although the EIC Accelerator is open to all areas of innovation, certain sectors have a particularly high success rate:

Next-generation medical and health technologies
Clean technologies and solutions for the ecological transition
Artificial intelligence and advanced computing
Quantum technologies and applications
Advanced electronics and semiconductors
New materials and nanotechnologies
Biotechnologies and sustainable agricultural technologies
Space and aerospace
Security and defense technologies

Innovations that are at the intersection of several fields (interdisciplinary projects) are particularly valued.

Innochain Expertise and Support

Specialized expertise in this program

Innochain has developed in-depth and recognized expertise in the EIC Accelerator, built on many years of successful assessments and support for European startups and scale-ups. Our team includes former EIC assessors and experts who have a thorough understanding of the evaluation criteria and specific program expectations.

Our specialist consultants are experts in the entire application process, from the AI self-assessment platform to the final interviews with the panel. This multidimensional expertise allows us to guide you effectively through each critical stage of your application, maximizing your chances of success in this highly competitive environment.

Strategic assessment In-depth analysis of your technology, business model and market positioning to validate its suitability for the EIC Accelerator
Preparing the initial pitch deck : Developing a convincing presentation for the AI assessment phase
Development of the complete application : Drafting of a file structured around the three evaluation pillars (excellence, impact, implementation)
Construction of the business plan : Development of a solid and credible business plan with robust financial projections
Preparing for the video pitch : Coaching for creating an impactful 3-minute video pitch
Interview preparation : Intensive sessions to prepare for jury questions with simulations
Post-selection support : Support for the due diligence phase and negotiation with the EIC Fund

Eligibility diagnosis and strategic positioning
Preparing the pitch deck for AI self-assessment
Complete drafting of the application file
Development of the business model and financial plan
Preparation for the 3-minute video pitch
Intensive coaching for the interview with the jury
Assistance during the due diligence of the EIC Fund
Advice on investment structuring
Support for finding co-investors
EIC Accelerator Project Management Training

number of countries covered by our experts

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investment funds in our network that can co-invest with the EIC Fund

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years of combined expertise in deep tech, business development and fundraising

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of our startups successfully pass the first stage of the application

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personalized support adapted to the specificities of your disruptive innovation

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Program access criteria

Eligibility requirements for organizations

Access to the EIC Accelerator requires compliance with the following conditions:

Type of organization:

Startups and SMEs according to the European definition (less than 250 employees and less than €50M in turnover or €43M in balance sheet)
Stage of development: From early startup to scale-up, with proven technology (TRL 5-6 minimum)
Location: Legally established entity in an EU member state or a country associated with Horizon Europe
Autonomy: Not being controlled by a large company (except for specific exceptions for certain spin-offs)
Exclusive requirement: Applicants must not have previously received EIC Accelerator funding (except in justified cases).

In certain exceptional circumstances, small mid-caps (up to 500 employees) may be eligible for specific developments requiring accelerated deployment.

Targeted company profiles

The EIC Accelerator particularly targets certain profiles of innovative companies:

Deep tech startups developing revolutionary technologies based on scientific advances
Scale-ups having confirmed their technology and seeking to accelerate their market launch and growth
Academic or industrial spin-offs commercializing technologies derived from research
innovative SMEs with strong international growth potential
Women-led startups or managed by diverse teams (a specific priority of the EIC)

The program is particularly suitable for companies developing innovations that require significant investment and present a high level of risk, but with the potential for exponential growth.

Territorial requirements

The EIC Accelerator is accessible to companies located in:

The 27 member states of the European Union
Countries associated with Horizon Europe (including Norway, Iceland, Israel, Türkiye, United Kingdom, Switzerland, and others)

Companies must intend to develop their business primarily in Europe, even if they are targeting global markets.

Technical or scientific prerequisites

EIC Accelerator projects must meet several technical requirements:

Degree of technological maturity TRL 5-6 minimum at launch (prototype confirmed in a relevant environment)
Innovative nature : Revolutionary innovation significantly surpassing the state of the art
Technical viability Demonstration of technical feasibility and the path towards industrialization
Intellectual property Clear position regarding IP (patents filed or protection strategy established)
Scale-up capacity Demonstrated ability to industrialize and deploy the solution on a large scale

Technologies must also present a degree of risk that justifies public support, while demonstrating credible commercial potential in the medium term.

Financial support structure

Funding arrangements according to the organization's profile

The EIC Accelerator offers a flexible financing mechanism tailored to the needs of innovative startups:

Grant:

Maximum of 2.5 million euros
Funding percentage: 70% of eligible costs (30% mandatory co-financing)
Primarily covers activities from TRL 5/6 to TRL 8
Payment in installments, subject to predetermined milestones

Capital investment (Equity) via the EIC Fund:

Between 0.5 and 10 million euros
Generally in the form of minority investment (10% to 25% of capital)
Market conditions with risk diversification with other investors
Flexible exit strategy (typically 7-10 years)

Hybrid financing (Blended Finance):

Combining the two previous instruments
Possibility of sequencing (subsidy first, then investment)

In addition, beneficiaries also receive:

Access to the Business Acceleration Services (BAS) acceleration program
Coaching and mentoring (up to 12 days)
Connecting with investors and corporate partners
Privileged access to EIC events and network

Grant ceilings

The EIC Accelerator's support amounts are among the largest available to European startups:

Ceiling for the subsidy : 2.5 million euros
Ceiling for capital investment : 10 million euros
Maximum total amount : 12.5 million euros (combination of the two)
STEP SCALE-UP up to an additional €30M

Higher amounts may exceptionally be considered for strategic technologies or accelerated deployments in priority areas.

Eligible cost categories

For the grant component, eligible cost categories include:

Staff costs Salaries and social security contributions of the team assigned to the project
Subcontracting Essential outsourced services for development (limited to 25% of the budget)
Equipment acquisitions : Depreciation of equipment used for the project
Materials and consumables : Raw materials and consumables for prototypes and tests
Demonstration and testing : Costs related to testing and validation in real conditions
Protection of intellectual property : Patents and other forms of protection
Indirect costs : Lump sum of 25% of eligible direct costs (excluding subcontracting)

For the equity investment component, the funds can be used more freely to finance:

Industrialization and scale-up of production
Business activities and market deployment
International expansion
Recruitment and team development

Mandatory co-financing

The EIC Accelerator program operates on the principle of co-financing for the grant portion:

30% of the project costs must be co-financed by the startup
This co-financing may come from own funds, investors or other non-European sources.
For the investment part, the EIC Fund generally seeks to co-invest with other investors (business angels, VC, corporate ventures)
The EIC Fund may be a lead investor or a co-investor, as the case may be.

Innochain can help you identify sources of co-financing and structure your financial plan optimally.

Application Process

Planning and consultations

The EIC Accelerator has implemented an innovative application process with a primarily "open-door" approach:

Ongoing applications : Possibility to submit at any time for "open" calls«
Deadlines 3-4 deadlines per year for the evaluation of complete files
Specialized Challenges Thematic calls for proposals, each with its own schedule.
A three-phase sequential process (detailed below)
Average delays 4-6 weeks between each phase
Total duration : 4-6 months between initial submission and final decision

Required documentation

The application process for the EIC Accelerator follows a three-phase procedure, each phase requiring specific documents:

Phase 1 – Short presentation:

Presentation of a maximum of 10 slides according to a defined template
3-minute presentation video (founders/management team)
Responses to an online questionnaire on the EIC AI platform

Phase 2 – Detailed application:

Comprehensive form on innovation and its implementation
Complete business plan with financial projections
Presentation of the team and funding needs
Marketing plan and go-to-market strategy
Intellectual Property Strategy
Risk and opportunity analysis

Phase 3 – Interview with the jury:

Updated pitch presentation
Additional documentation requested by the jury
Prepared answers to anticipated questions

Innochain supports you in the development of each of these documents, with particular attention to strategic alignment between the different phases.

Submission phases

The EIC Accelerator submission process includes the following phases:

Creating an account on the EIC platform
Phase 1 Submission of the short presentation and video on the AI platform
- Automated assessment + assessment by 4 EIC experts
- Results within 2-3 weeks (GO/NO GO)
Phase 2 For selected projects, preparation and submission of the detailed file
- Evaluation by 3 external experts specializing in the field
- Results within 5-6 weeks (GO/NO GO)
Phase 3 For selected projects, a face-to-face interview with the EIC jury will be conducted.
- Panel of 5-6 experts, 30-minute session (presentation + Q&A)
- Final decision communicated within 2-3 weeks
Post-selection : For approved projects:
- Preparation of the grant agreement (2-3 months)
- Due diligence for the investment part (3-6 months)
- Negotiation of investment terms

Candidates can rework and resubmit their proposal if rejected in phase 1 or 2 (with limitations), but a rejection in phase 3 generally involves a 12-month waiting period.

Selection criteria for proposals

EIC Accelerator projects are evaluated according to three main criteria, with balanced weighting:

Excellence (Excellence – Breakthrough and Market Creating Nature):

Revolutionary character and innovation beyond the state of the art
Appropriate timing for the proposed innovation
Alignment with the EIC's strategic objectives
Level of risk justifying public support

Impact (Impact – Market Creation, Scale-up Potential, Broader Impact):

Potential for market creation or transformation
Marketing strategy and business model
Growth prospects and scale-up capacity
Positive economic, societal and environmental impacts
Intellectual Property Exploitation Plan

Implementation (Implementation – Work Plan, Team, Resources):

Quality and capacity of the entrepreneurial team
Coherent work plan and relevant milestones
Relevance and justification of the requested funding
Risk management and obstacle identification
Ability to attract additional investors

Each criterion is scored out of 4 points (excellent, very good, good, insufficient), and all must reach at least the "very good" level to be selected for the interview.

Innochain optimize your application to maximize your score on each of these criteria, with particular attention to demonstrating the revolutionary nature and market potential, which are often decisive for success.

Success statistics and determining factors

Program success data

The EIC Accelerator program has the following characteristics in terms of success rates:

Overall success rate : Approximately 5-7% of total initial applications
Phase passage rate :
- Phase 1 to Phase 2: 20-30% applications
- Phase 2 to Phase 3 (interview): 20-25% complete files
- Success in phase 3 (interview): 30-40% of the projects interviewed
Variation by sector : The fields of health, clean technology and digital deep tech generally have the highest rates
Geographic variation : Some countries (France, Finland, Germany, Netherlands) show above-average success rates
Distribution by type of financing Approximately 80% of the selected projects opt for hybrid financing, and 20% for grant funding alone.

Common pitfalls to avoid

Our experience has allowed us to identify the main errors that penalize EIC Accelerator applications:

Insufficiently revolutionary innovation : Incremental innovation rather than truly disruptive
Poorly valued risk : Not highlighting why public support is needed
Imprecise economic model : Lack of clarity on monetization strategy and go-to-market
Incomplete team : Lack of key skills or imbalance between technical and commercial expertise
Poorly understood market : Insufficient analysis of market size and competitors
Limited ambition : Growth projection too modest or focus only on national/regional level
Fragile IP Strategy : Lack of intellectual property protection or limited defensive strategy
Poorly calibrated financial request Budget inadequate in relation to actual needs and objectives
Unconvincing video pitch The founders' communication was either not very persuasive or too focused on technical aspects.

Innochain takes care to correct these weaknesses before submission to maximize your chances of success at each stage.

Differentiating factors for a winning application

The factors that make the difference in obtaining EIC Accelerator funding are:

A truly revolutionary innovation with a clear and lasting competitive advantage
Strategic timing for introducing innovation to the market
An exceptional founding team combining technical expertise and entrepreneurial vision
Robust intellectual property with a well-defined protection and exploitation strategy
Potential for exponential growth demonstrated by realistic and substantiated projections
Measurable impact, both commercial and societal/environmental
A precise go-to-market strategy with identification of the first customers and partners
In-depth knowledge of the ecosystem and international competitors
A coherent financing plan including potential co-investors and a long-term strategy

Feedback from Innochain

Our experience supporting numerous EIC Accelerator projects has enabled us to identify best practices:

Preparation should ideally begin 3-4 months before the submission deadline
The 3-minute presentation video is often underestimated but plays a crucial role in the initial assessment.
Evaluators pay particular attention to the founding team and its ability to execute
Projects that demonstrate preliminary market validations (letters of intent, first customers) have a significant advantage
Interview preparation is crucial – the 30 minutes in front of the panel can tip the scales in their favor.
A balanced approach between ambition and realism is essential – projections must be ambitious but credible.
The ability to clearly explain complex technology in simple terms is highly valued by reviewers
Candidates who have previously managed to attract private investors are generally more successful.

EIC Accelerator Program FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions by Businesses

Does my company correspond to the stage of development targeted by the EIC Accelerator?

The EIC Accelerator is primarily aimed at startups that have already validated their technology on a small scale (TRL 5-6 minimum) but have not yet reached full commercialization. If your project is still in the conceptual or idea stage, the EIC Pathfinder would be more appropriate. If you are already in a mature commercial growth phase, other instruments like InvestEU may be more relevant. Innochain can help you determine the optimal program based on your stage of development.

How to determine the optimal amount of funding to request?

The ideal funding amount depends on several variables: the characteristics of your technology, industrialization requirements, go-to-market strategy, and industry sector. It is essential to request a realistic and fully justified amount. An insufficient amount can limit your ability to achieve significant results, while an excessive amount can raise doubts about your understanding of the actual needs. Innochain helps you precisely tailor your funding request to your requirements and the EIC's expectations.

Is capital investment mandatory?

No, you can only choose a grant if you can prove you have already secured the necessary funding for commercial deployment or if you prefer to seek other private investors. However, blended finance is often beneficial as it offers a comprehensive solution covering both development and commercialization, with a patient and impact-oriented institutional investor.

What are the options if my application is rejected?

The possibilities depend on the stage of the refusal:

Refusal in phase 1 You can revise and resubmit immediately.
Refusal in phase 2 You can resubmit an improved version after incorporating the reviewers' comments.
Rejection in phase 3 (jury) A waiting period of 12 months is generally required before resubmitting.

In all situations, the evaluation report provides valuable insights for improving your project. Innochain analyzes this feedback in detail to optimize your resubmission.

How is the EIC Fund's capital investment actually organized?

The EIC Fund operates according to the following principles:

Minority investment (typically 10-25% of the capital)
Valuation established according to market practices, in consultation with co-investors
Participation in the board of directors or observation committee in most cases
Patient investment horizon (7-10 years) with the possibility of additional investments
A flexible exit strategy, aligned with the interests of the startup and co-investors.
Full due diligence (legal, financial, technological) before finalization

The investment process typically takes 3-6 months after application approval, and the EIC Fund actively seeks co-investments with other investors to consolidate the ecosystem around the startup.

What are the specific features of the EIC Accelerator compared to other European funding programs?

The EIC Accelerator stands out due to several distinctive features:

Unique European program combining grant and capital investment
Exclusive focus on groundbreaking innovations with high risk/high potential
Three-phase application process with evaluation by experts and a jury
Particularly high financing amounts (up to €12.5 million in total)
Exclusive targeting of innovative startups and SMEs (no large companies or consortia)
Business support in addition to financing (coaching, networking)
Support geared towards creating European "champions" on a global scale

These specific characteristics make it a program particularly suited to ambitious innovations requiring significant support to overcome the "valley of death".

Maximize your chances of success with our expertise

Ready to launch your EIC Accelerator application?

Innochain supports you at every stage, from the initial assessment to the final interview, to optimize your chances of obtaining this exceptional funding and propel your startup towards international growth.

Feel free to contact us with any questions or to discuss your innovation project. Together, let's transform your revolutionary technology into a European innovation champion.

Make an appointment with one of our experts for a free evaluation of your project