EIC Accelerator
By European Innovation Council
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Quick Answer
EU deep-tech scaleup funding: grant up to ₹26.25 crore plus up to ₹105 crore optional equity. Non-EU startups eligible by relocating to the EU.
- Funding amount
- Up to ₹23.8 Cr
- Funding type
- Grant
- Provider
- European Innovation Council
- Application deadline
- Rolling
- Location
- International
About this grant
The EIC Accelerator is a Horizon Europe funding programme for start-ups and SMEs with an innovative, game-changing product, service or business model that could create new markets or disrupt existing ones, the ambition to scale, and a funding need too risky for private investors alone.
It offers a grant component below ₹26.25 crore for innovation activities (TRL 6-8, to be completed within 24 months) and an investment component of ₹10.5 crore–105 crore in direct equity or quasi-equity through the EIC Fund. The two can be combined as blended finance, or taken as grant only or investment only. Beneficiaries also access Business Acceleration Services (coaching, mentoring, global partners and the EU innovation ecosystem).
Two strands run in parallel: the EIC Accelerator Open (any field of technology) and the EIC Accelerator Challenges (pre-defined topics).
Eligibility
See if you're eligible
Full eligibility criteria — entity type, stage, sector, founder profile and registration requirements — plus your fit for this program. Create a free account to view.
Grant providers
The European Innovation Council (EIC), set up under the EU's Horizon Europe programme and managed by the European Innovation Council and SMEs Executive Agency (EISMEA), identifies, develops and scales breakthrough technologies and game-changing innovations. It supports…
Learn moreBenefits & Funding
- Amount
- Up to ₹23.8 Cr
- Fund type
- Grant
- Repayment
- Non-repayable
What You Get
Grant of up to ₹26.25 crore (lump-sum, non-dilutive) for innovation activities at TRL 6-8, to be completed within 24 months. Optionally combined as blended finance with a direct equity or quasi-equity investment of ₹10.5 crore–105 crore through the EIC Fund to bridge the gap to private financing. A 'grant only' or 'investment only' route is available depending on your needs. All beneficiaries receive Business Acceleration Services: coaching, mentoring, access to global corporate and investor partners, and the EU innovation ecosystem.
- Disbursement
- Lump Sum
- Duration
- 24 months
- Bootstrap friendly
- Yes
Timelines & Process
Applications
Rolling basis
Selection Process
Evaluation runs in three steps. Short proposals are scored remotely by four EIC expert evaluators. Full proposals are assessed by a technology expert and a panel of at least three experts, followed by an online interview with the technology expert; the top-ranked proposals (up to 2.5x the grant budget) are invited to a final interview with the EIC Jury. Proposals reaching at least 13/15 at the remote stage but not selected receive a Seal of Excellence.
Application Process
- 1
Short proposal
Submit a 12-page form, up to 10-slide pitch deck and a 3-minute video; submitted any time and batched monthly.
You - 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
How to apply
Four steps from draft to disbursement — one action each.
- 1
Draft your application
Answer the form inside the grant tracker — AI drafts each response using your past answers, so you're not starting from a blank page.
- 2
Submit on the official portal
Use the official application link and verify all details before final submission.
- 3
Follow up
Reach out 5–7 days after submitting to confirm receipt and ask about the review timeline.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can apply to the EIC Accelerator?
Single start-ups and SMEs (including spin-outs) and small mid-caps (up to 499 employees) established in an EU Member State or a Horizon Europe associated country. Mid-caps can apply for the investment component only. Natural persons or legal entities intending to set up an SME may also apply.
Can a non-EU startup (for example from India) apply?
Yes. Applicants from third countries may relocate their company to an EU Member State or a Horizon Europe associated country to become eligible. This must be completed before submitting the full proposal (Step 2). UK applicants can apply only for the 'grant only' scheme.
How much funding is available?
A grant component below ₹26.25 crore plus an equity investment of ₹10.5 crore–105 crore via the EIC Fund (blended finance). Grant-only and investment-only options are also available; higher investment amounts are available under STEP Scale Up.
What does the grant cover and over what period?
Innovation activities at Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 6-8, to be completed within 24 months. The grant is a lump-sum contribution provided once during the Horizon Europe programme period.
What is the application process?
Three stages: (1) a short proposal (12-page form, up to 10-slide pitch deck, 3-minute video) submitted any time and batched for evaluation monthly; (2) a full 20-page proposal at fixed 2026 batching dates; (3) a face-to-face interview with the EIC Jury.
What is a Seal of Excellence?
Proposals that reach the minimum threshold of 13/15 at the remote evaluation stage but are not selected for funding receive a Seal of Excellence (and a STEP seal for Challenges) to help secure funding from other sources.
Sources
Data on this page is compiled from official program and provider references.
